Bay Psychological Associates

Applied Behavior Analysis 

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a science dedicated to the understanding and improvement of human behavior. ABA is different from traditional psychology in that ABA focuses on observable behaviors rather than what an individual may be thinking. Basically, behavior analysts study the environment in which the individual’s target behaviors are occurring to determine the function of those behaviors. Using this information, an intervention that addresses that same function is implemented in order to create an appropriate and positive change in behavior. Behavior analysts program for generalization and maintenance to ensure that the behavior maintains over time and across different settings and people. Behavior analysts train staff and caregivers to implement all interventions in order to facilitate graduating from services and to promote positive changes to support their family members long after services end.

Our focus with our ABA program is to address identified developmental deficits and behavioral barriers, which prevent those individuals from engaging in meaningful interactions with family and peers. We tailor each treatment plan to target each client’s current developmental strengths and deficits in order to increase skills in multiple developmental domains such as expressive/receptive communication skills, fine/gross motor skills, attending skills, adaptive living skills, etc.

What makes ABA effective?
ABA’s effectiveness lies in its foundation in scientific research that have been conducted in laboratories as well as in the natural setting for decades. As such, all techniques used by behavior analysts are grounded in research that supports their effectiveness once they’re implemented systematically. A component of ABA therapy is the development of individualized treatment packages; in other words, one package does not fit all. With human behavior being so complex, and each individual being so unique, individualized treatment packages play a key role in the effectiveness of ABA. The behavior analyst observes each individual client, assessing their current skill sets and those that need to be developed, the resources available to them, and their environmental setup, then specifically designs a treatment package that will be most effective for that client. Parents and other caregivers are also trained to implement treatment techniques to ensure that their effects are maintained even after sessions have ended. This is a key component in the long-term effectiveness of ABA therapy.