What is Applied Behavior Analysis?

A behavior analyst will meet with you and your family for an initial consultation. He/she will gather information on the problematic behavior, including it’s frequency, severity, and duration. Your behavior analyst will ask you to collect data on the behavior for a period of time, and will train you in proper data collection procedures. Data collection procedures vary, however you should expect to collect data for approximately one month. Your behavior analyst may ask to meet with other important people in the client’s environment, such as teachers, friends, babysitters, relatives, and other treatment providers. When possible, the behavior analyst will attempt to observe the problematic behavior firsthand. For problematic behaviors involving medical difficulties, your behavior analyst will request that the client receive a complete physical prior to proceeding with treatment.

Based on the information gathered, your behavior analyst will complete a functional behavioral assessment. This identifies factors influencing the problematic behaviors and what is maintaining (causing) the behavioral difficulties. Your behavior analyst will make recommendations, based on current behavioral research and the specific factors involved in the behavior problems. Potential treatment strategies will be reviewed with your family and the behavior analyst, and your input will be solicited. It is the goal that treatment strategies are not only clinically sound, but also compatible with your schedule, skill level, and lifestyle.

Once a treatment strategy has been selected, your behavior analyst will write a Behavior Intervention Plan. This is a detailed document outlining the approach that will be taken to improve the child or client’s behavior. The behavior analyst will train you on the proper use of the techniques outlined in the Behavior Intervention Plan.

The behavior analyst may ask to observe your implementation of the plan, and offer feedback. This is not done to “test” you, but rather to ensure that you properly implement the plan so you may achieve the maximum level of results.

Often, replacement behaviors will be taught during this phase of treatment. Replacement behaviors are appropriate behaviors clients can use to get their needs met. For example, if a client engages in stealing behavior, they could be taught how to save their money and purchase items appropriately. Replacement behaviors may be taught by either the behavior analyst or the caregiver.

You will be asked to continue taking data during the implementation of the behavior plan. The Behavior Analyst will graph this data on a monthly basis, and will analyze it to determine if improvements are being made. If the expected level of improvements is not occurring, the Behavior Analyst will revise the behavior plan. Sometimes, it is necessary to try several approaches, to determine what will best work for a particular individual.

The behavior analyst continues to monitor the plan and it’s implementation until either the behavior problems subside, or the family/caregiver feel able to manage the behavior on their own. At this time, the behavior analyst’s services will be slowly decreased. On occasion, an individual may require services for an extended period of time due to the severity of his/her disabilities. However, the goal is always to improve behavior sufficiently that behavior analysis services may be discontinued.