1: Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis

What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?

ABA is the science of applying behavior principles to improve meaningful behaviors and understand what causes behavior change.

What does "Socially Significant" Mean?

A behavior is socially significant if it improves the person’s daily life and interactions with family, friends, teachers, and the community.

What is "Behavior"?

Behavior is anything a living organism does. This includes:

• Physical actions (walking, clapping)

• Verbal actions (speaking, yelling)

• Private events (thoughts, feelings)

What is a BCBA and What Do They Do?

A BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) is a professional who:

• Observes and analyzes behavior

• Creates and supervises behavior plans

• Applies ABA to improve lives
  RBTs work under BCBA supervision.

Who do we serve at Above and Beyond Therapy?

Children aged 1–18 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

What is Behavioral Skills Training? What are the Four Key Components?

BST teaches new skills using instruction, practice, and assessment. The four steps are:

1. Instruction – Explain the skill

2. Modeling – Show the skill

3. Rehearsal – Practice the skill

4. Feedback – Improve through constructive feedback

What are your Monthly Supervision Requirements?

RBTs must:

• Track all service and supervision hours

• Receive supervision for at least 5% of service hours

• Have two face-to-face meetings per month with a BCBA (one individual, one can be group)

• Never practice without an active supervising BCBA

What are your responsibilities as an RBT?

• Implement behavior reduction and skill plans

• Collect accurate data on behaviors

• Complete required documentation like session notes and data sheets

What is a BCBA?

A BCBA:

• Holds a master’s degree in behavior analysis or related field

• Completes approved coursework and supervised fieldwork

• Passes the BACB exam

• Can work independently to create and supervise behavior programs

What is a BCaBA?

A BCaBA (Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst):

• Holds a bachelor’s degree

• Completes ABA coursework

• Works under BCBA supervision

• Has the same practice scope as BCBAs but cannot work independently

Scope of Practice for BCBAs and BCaBAs

They can:

• Conduct assessments

• Write behavior plans and treatment goals

• Train RBTs using BST and supervise staff

• Provide parent/caregiver training

• Monitor progress and adjust programs

• Implement programs directly when needed

• Collect and analyze data

• Complete all required documentation

Behavior Analysis vs Applied Behavior Analysis

• Behavior Analysis: The study of behavior, usually in research or lab settings

• ABA: Applying behavior principles to improve meaningful behaviors in real-life settings

What is Behavior Analysis??

Behavior Analysis studies how behavior works without necessarily applying it to real-world situations.

What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?

ABA is using behavior principles to improve meaningful behaviors in real-life situations, like communication, social skills, daily living, and behavior reduction.

What is Behavior?

Behavior is any action performed by a living organism over time. Examples:

• Dog wagging tail

• Person speaking or blinking

• Single-celled organism moving toward food

The Two Types of Behavior

• Respondent Behavior: Reflexive, unlearned behavior triggered by stimuli (e.g., salivating at food)

• Operant Behavior: Learned behavior shaped by consequences like reinforcement or punishment (e.g., raising hand for praise)