8. What is ABA? What services does Forest City Behavior offer in this area?

Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, is sometimes described as the natural science of human behavior. While it grows out of psychology, ABA focuses on observable and measurable patterns to human behavior rather than attempting to understand the thoughts that are behind the behavior. 

This detailed, scientific approach to understanding human behavior has important benefits both for teaching new skills and for treating challenging behaviors. By viewing behavior in this way, we begin to understand that nearly all behavior – even challenging or problem behavior - is functional – it serves a purpose for the person engaging in it. 

ABA uses a series of research proven assessment strategies, known collectively as Functional Assessment, to determine the function of challenging behaviors. Once the function of challenging behaviors is identified we can then teach the person new, appropriate skills for getting his or her wants and needs known. As new, more appropriate means of getting those needs met is taught, the need to engage in the challenging behavior declines. There is a considerable volume of research that shows that treatment planning based on this process is very effective. For a more complete overview, see our training presentation entitled Functional Assessment or How to Get Your Behavior Programs to Work

Even more importantly, the same teaching techniques that we use for behavioral treatment planning can be used to teach skills proactively, preventing the development of problem behaviors and helping people with autism and other developmental disabilities become more independent and effective in their lives. These approaches can be used to teach skills ranging from the very simple - shape and color identification - to very complex skill sets such as complex social and communication skills.  

For a more complete overview, see our training presentation entitled Functional Assessment or How to Get Your Behavior Programs to Work. Or, more information about this or any service offered by Forest City Behavior please feel free to contact us.