Applied Behavior Analysis

Applied Behavior Analysis is the English name for Applied behavior analysis. This is understood to be a psychotherapy procedure that is used to treat autistic disorders.

What is Applied Behavior Analysis?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) stands for applied behavior analysis. This means a therapy method for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Scientific principles of behavior are used to strengthen the patient's character traits and to reduce the problems that arise from autism.

The foundations for Applied Behavior Analysis were laid u. a. the American psychologist B. F. Skinner (1904-1990). However, the first use in children suffering from autism was by Ivar Lovaas in the early 1960s. During research at the University of Los Angeles, the medical professional found that intensive behavioral therapy was beneficial for autistic children. With his therapy, Lovaas tried to provide the autistic with an environment that encouraged learning. In the 1980s he published a book on the effectiveness of the treatment.

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Also in the 1980s, several psychologists developed a concept that dealt with teaching autistic children on the basis of B. F. Skinner and that was based on the theory of verbal behavior. Over time, they increased the efficiency of applied behavior analysis. Today the procedure is called ABA with Verbal Behavior (ABA / VB). In this way, the term Lovaas therapy was also replaced by applied behavior analysis.

Function, effect & goals

Applied Behavior Analysis is a psychotherapy based on operant conditioning. This approach is intended to reduce the autistic behavior of the patient. The aim is to ensure that autistic people can be brought up better and learn more easily. The family of the autistic child can be relieved with this procedure. The ABA enables the autistic person to have positive social behavior and to establish relationships with other people.

Applied Behavior Analysis classifies people as a blank sheet of paper that can be filled with content. The problematic behavior of autistic people can be limited and even deleted with the help of the procedure, so that the patient receives new content that is desired. This procedure is referred to as "erase" or "format" by proponents of ABA therapy.

ABA therapy begins with the step-by-step teaching of measurable behaviors. This means that behaviors that are difficult to learn for autistic children are broken down into numerous small chunks. In this way, they are taught to them step by step, so that they eventually learn communication and social skills.

In the initial phase of Applied Behavior Analysis, lessons are held in 1: 1 situations. This enables the children to learn from everyday situations. First of all, assistance is given in order to successfully cope with the tasks. Later on there is no help. In order to consolidate the newly learned skills and behavior, various reinforcing consequences are used. Which these are depends on the individual child. For example, these can be primary amplifiers like snacks, activities like ball games, cycling, swimming, trampoline jumping or swings, and things like videos, computers, music or books. Therefore, it is important to find out which reinforcers the child is responding to. It is also important that the child has fun learning and is ultimately motivated to learn new things on their own initiative.

In addition, the child should learn in different situations. Learning situations can arise in your own four walls, such as in the children's room, in the bathroom or in the kitchen, but also in the garden, on the playground or in the supermarket. The skills are generalized so that they are of functional importance to the child. Only when the child is able to use the skills repeatedly with different materials and people will they really benefit from what they have learned.

Another important point of applied behavior analysis is behavior analysis. The therapist analyzes variables that promote inappropriate behavior in the child, such as fits of anger, screaming, aggression and running away. The aim is to change the factors that have been maintained and to identify appropriate alternatives. The child learns how to express his wishes appropriately, i.e. through language or gestures.

Applied Behavior Analysis received little attention for a long time in Germany. Only in the last few years has the therapy method been given more attention. In this country too, ABA is now recognized as the theoretical basis for the treatment of autism.

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Risks, side effects & dangers

Applied Behavior Analysis does not involve any risks or complications. However, there has been more criticism of the therapy method recently, which is also expressed by people who are themselves affected by autism.

The critics of ABA therapy point out that it is a classic conditioning so that the success is questionable. For example, autistic people have to endure unwanted contact. In this way, however, applied behavior analysis overrides the autonomy of a disabled person. Eye contact is also very exhausting for autistic people and sometimes even associated with pain. The pressure exerted on the children by the ABA therapy would often result in them reacting more susceptibly to situations of abuse and often feeling helpless. In the course of therapy, the autistic person learns that his no is of no importance.