Today’s ABA: Happy, Relaxed, Engaged

1. Today’s ABA: Happy, Relaxed, Engaged Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a well-established practice built on the principles of behavior and learning. ABA as a treatment for children with autism began in the 1960s with the work of Ivar Lovaas and has significantly increased over the decades to be the primary treatment prescribed to children with autism. The ethical application of behavioral principles has not always been at the forefront of those practicing within the field. Over the years, modifications to the way we practice have emerged to create both effective and humane treatment. Much of this change can be credited to autistic advocates. This is where Dr. Hanley’s approach of “today’s ABA” or progressive ABA comes in. Why the Push Toward Today’s ABA? Our application of the science behind ABA is continuously evolving. Nothing is as black and white as we often assume. As we learn new perspectives and gain new insight, the way in which we practice changes to better align. As the old saying goes, when you know better, you do better. Through the years, progressive behavior analysts have away moved from compliance-based treatment focused on reducing problematic behavior. We have replaced it with an assent-based model with a focus on increasing adaptive behaviors in a calm and nurturing environment. What are the Features of Today’s ABA? ●Creating an environment in which the likelihood of challenging behaviors is minimal. The therapy setting should be calm, inviting, and non-threatening. Gone are the days of sitting at a table and rotely responding to targets. Therapy should be fun.

2. ●Aiming to achieve HRE. Happy, relaxed, and engaged. Providing non-contingent access to all things good builds trust and reduces the need for challenging behavior. ●Allow the child to lead. Let the learner guide the play, following their lead, both physically and conversationally. ●Empowering the learner. Challenging tasks are implemented systematically, with the child’s protests acknowledged and reinforced. The child is encouraged to self-advocate. Compliance is not the goal in today’s ABA. ●Skills and behaviors are gradually shaped, with socially significant behaviors targeted. Socially significant refers to the significance to the individual learner first and foremost. In determining social significance, we might consider if the skill is one that the learner wants to work on. Does this skill help them to more effectively communicate with others? Will this skill benefit them, or is it more for the convenience of others? Learning Requires Peace It is difficult to acquire and maintain skills when in a frequent state of emotional and behavioral escalation. Rather than trying to push through challenging behaviors, we need to first create an environment where escape is not necessary. However, if and when escape is desired, attempts at self-advocating to escape the aversive situation are honored. We cannot expect our learners to develop meaningful skills in a stressful environment. Final Words ABA has both the potential to cause harm and the potential to do incredible good. We have an ethical obligation to do what is in the best interest of our clients. Establishing an environment of trust and understanding before systematically fading in expectations can have a profound impact on the lives of those we support. From socially significant reductions in challenging behaviors to the development of crucial life skills, clinicians in this field can make a true difference by practicing within the boundaries of today’s ABA. At H.U.G., we follow the latest evidence and best practices in behavior therapy. H.U.G. provides customized ABA therapy for children, guided by the principles of today’s ABA and a Happy, Engaged, and Relaxed Approach. Ensuring a non-judgmental, engaging, and fun learning environment is at the heart of what we do.