Empowering Your Understanding
Understanding the language of ABA therapy can empower you to better support your child’s journey. This glossary defines key terms you might encounter:
Antecedent (A): The event or situation that occurs before a behavior.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): A science-based approach to understanding and influencing behavior through positive reinforcement and data-driven strategies.
Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence (ABC) Model: A framework for understanding behavior by analyzing the antecedent, the behavior, and the consequence.
Aversive Stimulus: An unpleasant event or stimulus used to decrease unwanted behavior. (Used cautiously and ethically in ABA therapy)
Baseline: The initial measurement of a behavior before intervention.
Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB): The organization that certifies Behavior Analysts (BCBA, BCaBA).
Behavior Analyst (BCBA/BCaBA): Professionals trained in the principles and application of ABA therapy.
Chaining: Breaking down complex skills into smaller, manageable steps and teaching them sequentially.
Discrete Trial Training (DTT): A structured teaching method using prompts, reinforcement, and fading to teach specific skills.
Echoing: Repeating a modeled heard utterance, sound or word.
Extinction: Removing the consequence that maintains an unwanted behavior, leading to its decrease.
Functional Analysis (FA): Identifying the reason (function) behind a challenging behavior to inform an intervention plan.
Generalization: Applying skills learned in therapy to different settings and situations.
Mand: A verbal request for something desired.
Manding Inventory: A list of desired items and actions a child can request verbally.
Natural Environment Training (NET): Teaching skills in real-life situations rather than controlled settings.
Positive Reinforcement: Providing a reward or desired outcome to increase a desired behavior.
Pivotal Response Training (PRT): Focusing on motivating and reinforcing spontaneous communication.
Prompt: A cue or assistance to help a child perform a desired behavior.
Reinforcement: Any consequence that strengthens a behavior, increasing its likelihood of occurring again.
Shaping: Gradually modifying a behavior towards a desired goal through small, successive approximations.
Skinner Box: An experimental chamber used to study the relationship between behavior and its consequences.
Stimulus Discrimination: Learning to respond differently to different stimuli.
Tact: Naming objects or actions accurately.
Task Analysis: Breaking down a task into its component steps for teaching purposes.
Tantrum: A prolonged outburst of crying, screaming, or other disruptive behavior.
Token Economy: A system where desired behaviors earn tokens that can be exchanged for desired rewards.
Transition: Moving from one activity to another smoothly.
Verbal Behavior Intervention (VBI): Teaching language and communication skills based on verbal behavior principles.
This glossary is not exhaustive, and new terms may arise. Remember, always consult a qualified ABA professional for clarification and personalized guidance.
Additional Resources:
- Behavior Analyst Certification Board: https://www.bacb.com/
- National Autism Association: https://www.autismspeaks.org/
- Autism Speaks: https://www.autismspeaks.org/
Remember, knowledge is power. By understanding the terminology of ABA therapy, you can become a more active and informed participant in your child’s journey towards growth and success.