ABA is .....

Applied Behaviour Analysis is an evidence-based approach that uses structured and systematic teaching to support children, particularly those with autism and developmental conditions. It focuses on improving skills such as communication and social interaction, while reducing problematic behaviours.

ABA provides individualised support, tailoring strategies to each child's needs within its key focus area of developmental and behavioural support. 

ABA

Types of ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis)

Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT)

A style of teaching that uses a series of trials to teach each step of a desired behaviour or response.

Lessons are broken down into small parts.

Positive reinforcement is used to reward correct answers and behaviours.

Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI)

A highly structured teaching approach.

Focuses on building positive behaviours such as social communication and reducing unwanted behaviours (e.g., tantrums, aggression, self-injury).

Typically delivered one-on-one in an adult-to-child setting.

Supervised by a trained professional.

Pivotal Response Training (PRT)

Focuses on increasing a child's motivation to learn.

Targets pivotal areas such as initiating communication with others.

Improvements in these areas are believed to create widespread positive effects on other behaviours.

Verbal Behaviour Imitation (VBI)

A type of ABA that focuses on teaching verbal skills.

Emphasises creating and developing connections between words and their meanings.

Natural Environment Training (NET)

Teaching and practising skills in situations that occur naturally.

Therapists use everyday opportunities to help children learn.

Encourages learning in real-life contexts.

Three Key Points:

  • Strong Research Support: ABA is backed by extensive research and is particularly effective when used in early intervention.
  • IQ, Language and Adaptive Functioning: ABA helps improve communication, cognitive skills and daily living abilities
  • Broader Applications: ABA is increasingly used beyond autism support, including for ADHD, trauma-related behaviours, education, mental health and even areas like organisational behaviour and sports.

Four Core Strategies

  1. Discrete Trail Training (DTT)
    This technique breaks skills down into small,  manageable steps. Each step is taught individually, reinforced with rewards, helping learners build skills gradually through repetition and clear structure.
  2. Natural Environment Training (NET)
    NET focuses on teaching skills within real-life situations rather than in formal settings. This helps learners apply what they learn to everyday environments, making the skills more practical and meaningful.
  3. Positive Reinforcement
    This method encourages desired behaviours by rewarding them. When a learner performs a target behaviour, they receive positive feedback or a reward, increasing the likelihood that the behaviour will be repeated.
  4. Prompt and Fading
    Prompting involves giving cues or assistance to guide the learner toward the correct behaviour. Over time, these prompts are gradually reduced (faded) to promote independence.

Descriptions of ABA providers and their duration

ABA Providers: 

ABA programs are delivered by trained professionals such as BCBAs, psychologists and educators. They work as part of a collaborative team that often includes families, teachers and school staff. The approach emphasises consistent, evidence-based practices across both home and school environments.

ABA Duration: 

ABA programs can last from several months to several years, depending on the individual goals and progress. The intensity varies, ranging from a few hours per week to more intensive programs of 20-40 hours weekly. Progress is regularly reviewed, and programs are adjusted over time as skills develop.