A Parent-Friendly Guide To Common ABA Terms

When researching and discussing Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), you’ll likely run into the same terms over and over. If these are terms you’re unfamiliar with, it can feel daunting and intimidating to sit through meetings or browse a treatment plan without fully understanding what they mean. Here, we will break down the most common terms to help you make sense of them all! 

ABA

ABA is an acronym for Applied Behavior Analysis, which is the application of scientific-based concepts used to approach, understand and help change human behavior. 

BCBA

A BCBA is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. To become a BCBA, one must complete an undergraduate degree, a Master’s degree, complete supervised fieldwork and pass an exam. A BCBA’s role is to provide assessments, analyze the data, design treatment plans, supervise the implementation and progress of treatment, and help train parents and other caregivers. 

RBT

A RBT is a Registered Behavior Technician. To become an RBT, one must have a high school diploma, complete a 40 hour training course, pass a criminal background check and an RBT exam. RBTs work under a BCBA, implementing treatment plans to help children with autism develop skills and reduce challenging behaviors to empower them to live their best lives. 

Reinforcement

Reinforcement is a method used to make a behavior more likely to happen again by correlating that behavior with something positive, such as praise, a reward or a treat. This is given after the task is complete, not as bribery to complete the task. 

Prompting

Prompting is used as a cue to help a child succeed in a skill they are working on until they have mastered doing it on their own. 

Generalization

Generalization means your child is able to use a skill across multiple settings, with different people or at different times. For example, greeting a parent at home is great, but are they greeting their classmates at school? ABA works to build these skills to transfer to real life scenarios regardless of time and place. 

Data Collection

In ABA therapy, data collection is simply tracking the progress your child is making so we’re able to monitor patterns and measure growth. As the data is collected, plans can be adjusted as needed. 

Modeling

In the context of ABA therapy, modeling simply means showing a child the task or behavior you’d like them to imitate. As an example, if you want to teach your child how to brush their teeth, you can brush your teeth first while they watch while explaining the steps you’re taking as you go. 

Transitions

Transitions are a shift from one activity or situation to another. This is an important component when it comes to ABA therapy as transitions are particularly tricky for those with autism. Throughout treatments, we will develop ways together to make them flow more smoothly, using tools like visual schedules, countdowns and more. 

Task Analysis

Task analysis refers to a written list of steps that need to happen to perform a certain action or behavior. The amount of steps depends on each child and their needs. 

Redirection

Redirection is a form of distraction to relieve a challenging behavior or trigger by interrupting the current action and attempting to engage in an alternative. 

Stimming

Stimming is the shortened version of self-stimulatory behavior. They come in many different forms, often looking like repetitive movements or sounds that a child engages in to calm themselves down when they are excited or overstimulated. This is a self-soothing behavior that can be beneficial, although at times need to be adjusted in situations where it might be dangerous or overly distracting to others. 

Visual Prompt

Visual prompts are commonly used in ABA therapy as a cue for a certain behavior. In daily life, we all use visual prompts - think of a stop sign or traffic light. In ABA, visual prompts are often customized for the child’s needs, for example holding up a picture of a dog after being asked what kind of animal barks. 

Social Story

Social stories are commonly used to explain what someone can expect during a certain situation. They are short, simple and to the point and often include photos. These stories help situations seem more predictable to ease anxiety and worry about something new they may encounter. 

Role Play

Through role play, skills can be practiced through play by acting out the scenario. By making social skills or difficult tasks seem more like play, it removes the intimidation and makes it easier for a child to participate and learn. 

While these are some of the more common phrases when it comes to ABA therapy, you may certainly run into more that are confusing or misunderstood. Feel free to reach out to Bloom if you have any questions about what something means. 

Contact Bloom for Compassionate ABA Therapy 

At Bloom Behavioral Healthcare, we understand that most parents are new to the world of autism and ABA therapy. We’re here to help guide you through the process, not only to make life easier for your child but for your entire family. We will create a personalized treatment plan and help you incorporate ABA functions in your life at home so treatment remains consistent and helpful through every part of the child’s life. We’re always happy to answer any questions, explain any part of the process and adjust as needed to help your child thrive. Contact Bloom Behavioral Healthcare today - we’re here to help!