Applied Behavior Analysis therapy is a term used to describe a therapy plan, which aims to alter behavior through a variety of techniques including reinforcement, environment and data collection. Like many therapies, a wide variety of difficult terminology may be used to describe various aspects of ABA. The following is a list of terms used in ABA, which may help you navigate this step in your child’s development!
Commonly Used Terms
ABLLS Assessment
Often pronounced “A-bulls” this is a comprehensive assessment that assesses 25 areas of analysis. These areas allow the therapist to better understand the child’s level of function, as well as his or her strengths and weaknesses.
Acquisition task
A behavior in the process of being taught.
Antecedent
What happened before the behavior took place. This can relate to environment, circumstances, sensory input or people present.
Chaining
Teaching multi-step skills by demonstrating how the steps are linked together. Each step is learned in relation to the other steps.
Deprivation
The removal of a particular desired reinforcement.
Elopement
Wandering or running away.
Expressive language
This term refers to how a child expresses him or herself.
Extinction
The withholding of reinforcement following unwanted behaviors in order to reduce or eliminate that behavior.
FBA
Functional Behavior Assessment, this is the process by which behavioral plans and interventions are created. It is done through a series of data collections monitoring antecedents, behaviors and consequences.
HOH Prompting
Hand over hand prompting is when a caregiver, therapist, teacher, etc. guides the hands of the patient in order to teach a skill.
Lovaas therapy
ABA Therapy is sometimes referred to by this term, as Dr. Ivan Lovaas completed extensive research on the subject.
Mand
A verbal behavior term referring to the ability to request a want or a need.
Mouthing
The action of putting inappropriate items in the mouth.
NET
Natural Environment Training is a type of ABA therapy that takes place in a more natural setting in order to facilitate incidental learning.
Perseverative behavior
Repetitive behaviors such as asking for a drink 20 times in five minutes or repeating a song over and over again.
Receptive language
This term refers to listening behaviors and tasks that relate to listening, such as following directions
Reinforcer
Something used to motivate or encourage a behavior. Reinforcements can be tangible, social, or physical.
Scripting
A form of verbal stim in which a person repeats lines from a television show, movie, commercial, etc.
Sensory integration
Strategies or techniques used to adjust to the sensory needs of the individual.
Tact
The ability to label an item without the item being present
Target behavior
The skill or behavior you are trying to increase
Task reduction
Removing or reducing demands in order to decrease stress/frustration level
Why should you know the meaning of terms?
Knowing the meaning of terms that your child's therapist uses can be very helpful when discussing how therapy is going and what your child is working on. If your child's therapist uses a term that you do not know, ask them to explain what it means! They will be happy to tell you and will notice that you are actively involved in your child's therapy.
Kaylee Kapalko, Speech Language Pathology InternLabels: ABA, Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior, For Parents, Terminology, Therapy
