Serving Hampton Roads Virginia
Our Services
What is ABA?Understanding Applied Behavior Analysis
Applied Behavior Analysis is the science in which procedures derived from the principles of behavior are systematically applied to improve and enhance socially important behavior. ABA seeks to demonstrate experimentally that procedures and interventions introduced were directly responsible for the improvement in behavior.
ABA can be used in just about any setting, situation, or environment and can be used in the lives of both humans and animals (any living organism). It
is important to understand that ABA is rooted in the theoretical and experimental orientation of Behavior Analysis. Behavior Analysis is one of many
areas of Applied Psychology, and is most commonly separated into two distinct branches: Experimental Analysis of Behavior (EAB) and Applied Behavior
Analysis (ABA).
ABA can focus on any aspect of human behavior and the goal of ABA is to improve the quality of life for the individual receiving ABA services. In order
to improve the quality of life for the individual, one must determine: 1) maladaptive behaviors thatmust be reduced and/or eliminated and 2)identify
appropriate, functional,necessary behaviors that must be learned or enhanced to help one enjoy life and receive access to reinforcement. ABA is not
restricted to “negative” or “bad” behaviors, but often focuses intently on positive, productive behaviors that will help aid an individual at school,
home, work, or within the community. It is important to note that ABA is NOT:
1) A fad therapy for children with ASD or other related conditions (ABA is currently the only treatment methodology that has been empirically verified as effective for helping those diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum. SOURCE: New York State Department of Health, Early Intervention Program, 1999; United States Surgeon General, 1998).
2) ABA is not simply Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT). (ABA is so much more than sitting down at a table, drilling targets and running error correction procedures! It includes: prompting, fading, reinforcement, shaping, chaining, modeling, video modeling, incidental teaching, natural environment teaching, etc.).
3) ABA is only focused on behavior reduction and negative behaviors. (ABA is teaching any and all skills that are socially significant. The goal is to increase quality of life, independence, and personal autonomy for the individual.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
1. Cooper, J.O, Heron, T.E., & Heward, W.L. (2007). Applied Behavior Analysis. Prentice-Hall.
2. Maurice, C. (1993). Let me hear your voice. Knopf.
3. Madden, G.J, Dube, W.V., Hackenberg, T. D., Hanley, G.P., & Lattal, K.A. (2013). APA Handbook of Behavior Analysis,Volumes I &II. American Psychological
Association.
Service Area
We are based in Virginia Beach, VA and currently serve Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Portsmouth
Accepted Insurance
We currently accept Tricare, Medicaid, Anthem, Optima, and Self-Pay clients between the ages of 18 months-8 years old.
