As a parent, seeing your child struggle with inappropriate behavior can be frustrating and infuriating. Tantrums, aggression, non-compliance, or self-injury, these kinds of behaviors are likely to make life more difficult for the child and family. But Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy provides us with evidence-based procedures that decrease inappropriate behaviors and increase positive, functional ones.
This article will describe how ABA therapy assists children in eliminating inappropriate behaviors, how it is conducted, and how parents can participate.
What Are Inappropriate Behaviors?
Inappropriate behaviors are socially unacceptable activities or activities that disrupt a child’s learning and development. They may differ based on the age and developmental level of the child but some of the examples include:
- Physical aggression (hitting, kicking, biting)
- Verbal outbursts or yelling
- Tantrums or meltdowns
- Self-injurious behavior (head banging, scratching)
- Non-compliance or refusal to follow directions
- Disruptive classroom or other social behaviors
You must understand that such behavior is not a sign of a “bad” child. In fact, they most often have a purpose, i.e., to receive attention, to avoid a task, or to communicate a need which the child cannot communicate in an acceptable manner.
How ABA Therapy Addresses Inappropriate Behaviors
ABA therapy is a methodical process with an emphasis on learning the function of a behavior and teaching more adaptive alternatives. This is how ABA works with the children and their families:
1. Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)
Step one of ABA treatment involves determining the cause of the behavior. FBA therapists employ an assessment of the child through observation of the child and collection of data from the environment where the behavior is to be exhibited.
FBA involves the following:
- Watching the child across different settings
- Interviewing parents, teachers, or caregivers
- Determination of the pattern, cues, and outcomes of the behavior
Knowing the reason behind the behavior—attention, escape, access to an object, or self-stimulation—is helpful in order to develop a specific intervention plan.
2. Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP)
A specialist therapist develops an individual Behavior Intervention Plan following the FBA. The BIP provides suggestions on how to decrease misbehavior and to establish alternative behavior.
Components of a BIP may be:
- Preventative measures (environmental or routine adjustments)
- Teaching alternative skills (e.g., requesting assistance instead of crying)
- Positive reinforcement of preferred skills
- Consistent reaction to inappropriate actions
It is important that the BIP is consistently applied throughout home, school, and therapy for long-term success.
Learning Positive Replacement Acts
ABA does not merely work on eliminating a disliked act—it works on how to teach the child what to replace it with.
For instance:
- If a child is trying to access a toy, ABA therapy might teach him to ask for the toy through speech or picture exchange.
- If a child is running off during transitions, he can be taught to ask for a break or use a picture schedule for predictability.
By reinforcing these new skills, the child is taught that desired behaviors are more productive and socially reinforcing than the undesired ones.
The Power of Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is one of the core features of ABA therapy. It is praising the child with praise immediately after he has shown a desired behavior in the hope that it will be repeated.
The following are reinforcers:
- Praise (“Great job using your words!”)
- Tokens that can be traded for a favorite item
- Privilege to engage in a highly coveted activity (e.g., watching TV, playing outside)
Instead of eliminating unwanted behavior, ABA encourages the behavior that we want to see more often. Through years, this promotes the development of long-term behavior change.
Parental Participation in ABA Therapy
Parents are also involved to help their child break away from unwanted behavior. Families usually become involved in treatment by ABA therapists to introduce cross-environment consistency and skill generalization.
Some of the ways in which parents can be helpful are:
1. Attend Parent Training
Parent training is provided by a few ABA therapists. Parent training helps parents acquire principles of behavior, learn intervention techniques, and practice using techniques under supervision.
2. Practice Skills at Home
Repetition and consistency are essential. Repetition of skills learned through therapy within the pattern of everyday activities (bedtime, mealtime, activity) makes the child access them more on a rote level.
3. Work with the ABA Team
Effective communication with the treatment team allows the plans to be adjusted as necessary. Pass along observations, issues, or shifts in behavior so the team may offer individualized support.
Acknowledging Progress, Step by Step
Behavior change is not immediate, and progress can be slow. Give yourself a pat on the back for small successes and be patient. Families generally notice significant improvement over time, including:
- Reduced tantrums and meltdowns
- Better communication skills
- Greater independence in daily living
- Better peer relationships
- Less stress in the family and better quality of life
Each step in the right direction is bringing your child closer to their full potential.
When to Look for ABA Therapy
If you’re looking for ABA therapists in Atlanta, GA, we’re here to help. Our team provides personalized, in-home ABA therapy services tailored to each child’s needs, promoting growth, learning, and meaningful progress. Reach out today to get started.
Conclusion
Modification of objectionable behavior takes patience, compassion, and a good support system. ABA therapy provides a structured, evidence-based treatment program, enabling children to replace offending behavior with meaningful, adaptive behavior. Combined with collaboration between therapists and parents, children can acquire skills to achieve in home, school, and community functioning.
You don’t need to do it on your own as a parent. By selecting ABA assistance, you’re making an investment in a well-worth payback on your child’s future—creating a brighter, more independent tomorrow, one behavior at a time.
