What is ABA?
Applied behavior analysis, or ABA, is a field that studies how learning and behavior interact with the environment. In a therapeutic setting, an individualized plan may use learning principles to teach skills and understand barriers to participation.
A conversation about meaningful goals
Goals should be selected for the individual and discussed with the family. Examples of areas to explore with a qualified provider include communicating preferences, participating in everyday routines, learning through play, and developing useful forms of independence.
Your child’s comfort belongs in the plan
Ask how a provider supports choice, recognizes assent or discomfort, and adapts activities to the child. Discuss the use of encouragement, breaks, preferred interests, and communication supports. Goals should respect the individual rather than assume all children need to look or behave alike.
Understanding the next steps
An assessment, if appropriate, helps a qualified provider understand needs and decide on recommendations. Service intensity, location, personnel, supervision, and any payer requirements should be explained before you agree to care.
Questions worth asking
- Which goals would be meaningful for our child?
- Who provides and supervises the service?
- How are comfort, preferences, and progress reviewed?