Discussion | Considerations and Perspectives
A Faceted Approach to Understanding Concepts Within ABA
Applied Behavioral Analysis in Practice: Why We Should First Listen
1. Listen to the perspectives of others
In practice, we must ask the questions: does this differ from my own understanding? Does this seem contradictive of the science? Does this contain information I have not experienced or considered? How can the understanding be inclusive of this new or different experience? How can I advocate for this faucet to be seen and to be validated within the viewpoint of future analysts? How can this inform my practice?
2. Ask Questions
A practitioner should leave no question or curiosity or wondering unanswered. If there's something accepted as it is- because it just is, and we don't understand the rationale - question it. Examine the implications of current practice within the field. We are scientists, we follow the scientific process and also practice philosophical doubt, and accept things only with observable evidence. It is our job to challenge the accepted methodology and to not follow blindly but with informed and educated full toolboxes. It is also necessary to ask questions to expand our own knowledge and accept that what we know is a only a sliver of an expansive field. Those we serve encompass a huge diversity of humanhood; each of our exposures and experiences will be as diverse as the collection of populations we will serve. We have to learn to be masters of these places we've never been or never seen- we must be tourists of the vast collection of human experience.
3.Tolerance, Responsiveness and Boundaries
Developing an ethnographic understanding and competence of the many individuals we will encounter in practice will enhance our abilities to provide treatment centered in reciprocity. Beyond exclusively looking to the unique behavioral needs of individuals, ABA treatment is enriched by inclusive and culturally responsive practice. We must ethically differentiate when it is ok to differ in opinions and approaches, and where this may be necessary, and self-monitor our own biases and privilege in relation to authentically driven service delivery. Bound by the high standards of ABA, a high priority in developing as practitioners depends on recognizing our own deficits and seeking out the experiences and expertise of both our colleagues and within the communities of individuals we serve.
Determinism is a fundamental foundation of the science of ABA. It states that every behavior is rational, based upon environmental events that precede and consequent the behaviors. Understanding these environmental variables identifies the causes, or function, of behavior- and once the functions are known the environment can be modified to address meaningful behavior change.
Empiricism is practiced by objectively observing behavioral phenomena to ensure our methodology, measurement and analysis are free from interpretive bias and within the realm of the scientific process.
Experimental Behavioral Analysis designs interventions by controlling variables to determine the effect one variable has on the defined behavioral targets. The scientific method is practiced by changing conditions (the independent variable) to experimentally determine the effect on the behavioral events we are observing (the dependent variable).
Using the single-subject research model in designing behavioral interventions ensures the individuals we serve receive treatment that is uniquely catered to the individual, including the confounding factors, needs and functions of addressing specific behaviors. No two people are exactly the same, however successful interventions must be replicable to include as valid knowledge of the field.
You may have heard the saying commonly used in the medical field, "when you hear hoofbeats look for the horse, not zebras". The scientific use of the word parsimony first looks to the simplest and logical explanations of a studied behavior. This is not to say that behavioral complexity is invalid, but calls upon us in practice to consider the simplest explanations free of assumption and extraneous variables.
As scientists, we must set aside our pre-conceived notions and beliefs about why a behavior is occurring. This allows for the pursuit of scientific truth. This knowledge is built upon as the field continues to evolve with scientific discovery, and guides an ever-evolving best-practice approach to ABA treatment over time.
Understanding the Approach of ABA
ABA is a science, applying scientific understanding to every intervention decision, carefully designed to implement meaningful change that improves the quality of life for individuals. In the realm of Applied Behavior Analysis, your Board Certified Behavior Analyst develops a treatment plan based on the validity, accuracy and reliability of data taken over time to assess behavioral goals and track the effectiveness of intervention strategies. An advantage of an individualized single-case research design utilized in ABA treatment, is that the intervention is catered specifically to your unique needs. With this approach, the variables in treatment can change to transcend with the changes in skills and behaviors experienced over time. ABA is designed to evolve with you as you grow and learn new skills, and are effected by environmental factors.
ABA uses a best-practice approach to behavioral change according to 6 attitudes of scientific practice; determinism, empiricism, experimentation, replication, parsimony, and philosophic doubt.
Determining Meaningful Behavior Change
In providing you with Applied Behavior Analysis services, a Board Certified Behavior Analysts develops a treatment plan according to seven fundamental dimensions: Will the behavioral intervention generalize across settings? Is it effective, technological and applicable for your lifestyle? Is the intervention conceptually systematic? Is it analytic in nature and does it address meaningful behavioral change? These are all important questions within the field of ABA, which must be upheld according to the highest standards of accountability.
Generalize
Successfully performs a skill in a novel setting, somewhere other than where it was originally taught
Effective
Is the intervention working? Data analysis must show directional trends to support validity of interventions.
Technological
Procedures must be described in detail, objectively and empirically.
Applied
Not all behaviors should be targeted for change. Behaviors must be both socially significant and meaningful to the individual and their quality of life.
Conceptually Systematic
Interventions are research driven and empirically validated.
Analytic
Collecting data, monitoring progress and making data-based decisions to adjust the intervention as needed.
Behavioral
Observable and measurable. Behaviors are an objective occurrence of something we do; including appropriate and desirable as well as maladaptive and problematic behaviors.
Next Steps: Fuctional Behavior Assesment
Now that we have a basic understanding about what Applied Behavior Analysis is and how it can assist in meeting your goals, let's get started!
The first step of building an effective behavioral plan is to get to know you, what you hope to achieve with ABA treatment, and how identifying the functions of your behavior are important to meeting the objectives of behavioral change. Behavioral change will look different for every individual, and by using the behavior analytic approach we can identify your specific needs.
In identifying meaningful behavioral goals, we start with what we call a Functional Behavior Assessment. Next, we will take an in-depth look at this process and start the process of gathering assessment data.
Resources & References
Coming soon: Explore the links below to discover resources and additional content. Research and the BACB task-list items referenced are provided below.
