Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is a system often used to reduce problem behaviour and increased desired or expected behaviour, and is often implemented with students on the Autism spectrum. As the name suggests, the focus is on increasing the desired behaviour, and not reinforcing the problem behaviours.

ABA involves direct observation and measurement of behaviour, analyzing what events or contributing factors happened before the behaviour, and what positive reinforcement or consequences may affect behaviour frequency or intensity. This leads to a fundamental element of ABA: The ABCs of Behaviour

Antecedent: What led up to the behaviour

Behaviour: The actual behaviour being observed

Consequence: What happens after the behaviour

Looking at the before and after of the behaviour we can identify factors that may contribute or minimize the identified behaviour. Once we understand these, we can make adjustments accordingly. For example, some antecedents may be clear triggers that can be reduced or eliminated, thus lessening the behaviour. Or, some consequences may inadvertently reinforce inappropriate behaviour, or may be used to reinforce positive behaviour.

In future posts, we’ll discuss some details and strategies that a student’s learning team may implement and the principles behind the plans.