For students who are interested in Psychology and in helping kids with special needs, you might want to consider a degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). This is a specialization offered within undergraduate and graduate programs within Psychology departments. Accordingly, the degree not only provides a solid foundation in general psychology, but it includes a focus on behavior analysis.
There have been some misconceptions about ABA in the past. However, before we can get to these, let’s address what ABA is and why it can be a good major for you to consider.
What is ABA?
Applied behavior analysis is a therapy used to help patients with behavioral disabilities and disorders. It works through monitoring a patient’s behaviors and doing a proper evaluation of their conduct. ABA helps us understand: (1) How behavior works (2) What is the impact of the environment on one’s behavior (3) How learning takes place in order to understand those behaviors that impact or are harmful to effective learning.
ABA works to further involves reinforcing positive attributes, which shape the individual by reducing the harmful practices and incorporating the new, positive changes. It can be a very useful treatment for patients with social, communication, learning, and life skills.
ABA is also an intensive therapy session that involves scientifically developed methods to create the proper strategy to approach each patient. The therapy/process involves the 3 basic steps of Antecedents, Behavior, and Consequences. Antecedent is what happens before a given behavior, the behavior is the response or lack of response to the antecedent, while the consequence is what happens as a result of a certain behavior.
ABA is often used for working with children who have autism or other development or behavioral challenges that are impacting their academic, learning and social experiences.
What education or degree is needed to practice ABA?
In order to practice ABA, one will need to become board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA). This requires that you:
- complete a degree in psychology/behavior analysis,
- pass a national certification exam,
- obtain a state license that is required in some states (check the licensing rules for where you plan to practice for details).
You can only operate with a license from a recognized board, and it is best if you are working under a professional organization that will help you with your continued studies and job placement.
Misconceptions of ABA
There is some misleading information out there about applied behavior analysis. These myths affect the general perspective people have of ABA. Here are six significant myths and misconceptions of ABA:
1. It’s Not a Scientifically Proven Treatment Method
Fact: ABA therapy is a scientifically proven treatment method for behavior disorders and disabilities.
This is also why the qualifications of becoming an applied behavior analyst are different than other psychology degrees and require a license to practice. There have been many positive changes for patients who have undergone the program.
2. ABA isn’t Focused on Real Human Situations
Fact: ABA is specifically designed to help patients with the challenges they are going through in their real lives.
They are meant to gain life, social, and learning skills to help their lives as they grow up and interact in society.
3. ABA is Only for Autism
Fact: ABA doesn’t solely treat autism. It is a program used to address multiple groups.
The basic skills used can help may children through listening, imitating, and looking as they transition through the growth stage. Developing skills in communicating and learning to modify behaviors are crucial to improve learning for many children and adults.
4. ABA is a New Treatment Method
Fact: ABA has been around since the 1900s when it was first developed and has been developed and refined over the years.
At the time, it was not as popular as it is now. ABA has grown in popularity, especially as the tools to diagnose learning disabilities have helped diagnose more children who could benefit from treatment. ABA practitioners are in a great demand.
5. ABA is Based on Table Drills Exercises
Fact: ABA is not based on table drills exercises because different behaviors require different approaches to solve them. ABA makes use of a range of tools. Some of the alternative techniques include:
- Discrete Trial Training
- Pivotal Response Training
- Naturalistic Teaching
- Token Economy
- Contingent Observation
6. All ABA Therapy Programs Are the Same
Fact: ABA is a program that focuses individually on each patient’s behavior rather than a general approach for different patients.
All patients require specific attention and tailored approach to treatment which makes it different every time a new person walks in.
In summary, pursuing a degree in ABA can lead to a rewarding career where you can make a positive impact in helping children with developmental needs. Every day you can help these children toward greater success in school and life.
