What is ABA/VB?

 

What is ABA? 

ABA is short for Applied Behavior Analysis, which is a scientific, data driven and validated approach to understanding behavior and how it is affected by the environment. ABA adheres to seven main dimensions. In other words, skills or behaviors that are addressed with ABA are in best practice when they follow the dimensions listed below: 

• Effective-Skills are monitored.

• Applied-interventions focus on behaviors that are socially significant.

• Analytic-decisions or changes that are made are data driven.

• Conceptually Systematic-interventions are systematic and derived from the literature.

• Technological-procedures that are created are described very clearly so that others may be able to apply them.

• Behavior-only observable and measurable behaviors are targeted.

• Generalization-Skills or behaviors that are taught will transfer to other people, settings or materials other than those they were specifically taught with.

 

What is VB? 

VB is short for Verbal Behavior, which is the analysis of why or the reason a child is communicating. Examples may include labeling, requesting and/or the ability to respond to others directions. A repertoire of the above communication skills makes for an effective communicator. Verbal Behavior is not limited to vocal communication but may also include sign language, gestures, the exchange of pictures or vocal output devices.

 

 

How can an ABA/VB program help my child?

An ABA/VB program that is developed to address a child's individual communication and behavioral needs can dramatically improve the quality of life and outcomes of a child with a disability. The United States Surgeon General (1999) concluded, "Thirty years of research demonstrated the efficacy of applied behavioral methods in reducing inappropriate behavior and in increasing communication, learning and appropriate social behavior."