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What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the process of systematically applying interventions based upon the principles of learning theory to improve socially significant behaviors to a meaningful degree, and to demonstrate that the interventions employed are responsible for the improvement in behavior (Baer, Wolf & Risley 1968; Sulzer-Azaroff & Mayer 1991)
ABA is the applied use of behavioral principles to everyday situations with the goal of increasing or decreasing targeted behavior
Behavior analysis focuses on the principles that explain how learning takes place. For example, reinforcement and how this principle is utilized in the structured therapeutic or social setting.
This therapeutic intervention involves ongoing data collection to evaluate whether behavior is changing in the desired direction and the goals are being archived.
The desired goals or outcomes will be generalized across everyday life situations and continue over time.
ABA has produced decades of research in peer-reviewed journals to support its efficacy.
What is Verbal Behavior (VB)?
Verbal Behavior (VB) teaches communication using the principles of ABA and the theories of behaviorist B.F. Skinner. VB expands and clearly delineates the traditional categories of expressive (speaker) and receptive (listener) language.
Opperants
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Mand - a type of language whereby the learner asks for what they want or need. For example, when a hungry child asks for something to eat.
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Tact - a type of language whereby a speaker names things, actions, attributes, etc. in the immediate physical environment. For example, if a child says "dog" because he sees a dog.
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Listener Responding - a type of language where the goal is for the individual to understand the words of others as measured by their nonverbal behavior in relation to those words. For example, the individual clapping when someone says, "clap"
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Motor Imitation - whereby the goal is to copy the motor movements of others when asked to do so.
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Echoic - a type of language whereby a speaker repeats the words of another speaker.
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Intraverbal - a type of language whereby a speaker verbally responds to the words of others. For example, saying "bus" as the result of hearing someone say "the wheels on the...".
Teaching Methods
Natural Environment Teaching (NET)
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NET was developed by Sundberg & Partington and is based on Skinner's analysis of Verbal Behavior
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Through Natural Environment Teaching, we focus on requesting (manding), social skills, activities of daily living and play skills
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While engaging in play activities together, the therapist develops a positive teaching relationship with the learner allowing for many opportunities to verbally engage, generalize target behaviors and promote spontaneous vocal behavior
"This type of learning activity has become a recognized component of most ABA programs for children with autism. This program component is designed to transfer skills acquired in other learning activities to the naturally occurring settings experienced by most children. In addition, many skills such as manding (requesting) are best taught in environments that have naturally occurring reinforcing value for the learner." - Dr. Vincent Carbone
Intensive Trial Teaching (ITT)
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A research-based method of teaching specific skills in a highly structured manner breaking skills down to their most basic parts and teaching those skills to the Learners, step by step.
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Intensive teaching is a discrete trial format used to give intensive instruction with many opportunities for responding
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Based on assessment results, targeted skills are selected for the learner's individualized treatment plan (i.e.: VB-MAPP and ABLLS-R)
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Various teaching procedures are used during 1:1 table instruction including errorless teaching, mixing and varying verbal operants, pairing, schedules of reinforcement, rate of hard to easy tasks, etc.
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Throughout a 'table' session, the instructor will spend time pairing with the child at the table, building motivation and delivering reinforcement
Assessment Instruments
VB-MAPP
The VB-MAPP is the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program developed by Mark Sundberg in 2008. This assessment is based upon B.F. Skinner's book "Verbal Behavior" (1957), an analysis in the study of language. The components of this assessment are used to assess a variety of skills to determine appropriate instructional objectives.
VB-MAPP Milestones Assessment
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Designed to evaluate the learner's existing verbal and related skills
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Language and learning milestones are sequenced according to typical development and are separated into three levels (Level 1 ranges from birth to 18 months old, Level 2 from 18 to 30 months old and Level 3 from 30-48 months old).
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By assessing skill development across these milestones, effective and appropriate instructional objectives are identified
VB-MAPP Barriers Assessment
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Provides an assessment of 24 common learning and language acquisition barriers confronted by children with autism or other developmental disabilities
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Barriers, or variables are identified that interfere with learning then specific instructional practices are developed to overcome these and lead to more effective learning
ABLLS-R
The ABLLS-R is the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS-R) developed by James Partington in 2006. This resource is used as an assessment tool, curriculum guide and skills tracking system for the learner. ABLLS-R is comprised of over 25 skill domains (i.e.: requests, labeling, listener responding, visual performance, play skills, motor imitation, intraverbal, activities of daily living, etc) with specific targets in a sequenced, developmental order.
EFL
Essential for Living (EFL) is a functional, life skills curriculum-based assessment instrument designed for individuals with moderate to severe disabilities, including but not limited to Autism, who exhibit limited skill repertoires and problem behavior. EFL is criterion referenced, in the form of specific skills within the instrument, that are necessary for safe, effective, and high quality participation in family, school and community living.