Applied behavior analysis as an intervention can address countless topics. Examples of the various areas that ABA services may assist with include things like:
- daily living skills which include:
- daily routines
- organization
- time management
- feeding and mealtime related skills
- toileting
- hygiene skills
- expressive communication skills which include:
- learning to vocally speak with words
- expanding vocal language to using more complex language
- improving conversational skills
- greeting others and responding to greetings
- asking for help
- requesting items
- receptive language skills which include:
- following directions
- identifying stimuli upon request
- social skills which include things like:
- taking turns in play interactions
- sharing
- displaying assertive behavior (as opposed to passive or aggressive behavior)
- engaging in activities with peers
- responding appropriately to new people
- community skills which include things like:
- responding to a cashier at a store
- purchasing items
- managing money
- grocery shopping
- placing one’s own order at a restaurant
- speaking to a police officer
- walking safely on a sidewalk
- playing at a park while displaying safe behaviors
- safety skills regarding strangers
These are just a few examples of what kinds of things ABA services can address.
In applied behavior analysis, these areas would be more clearly defined and treatment planning would be designed with detailed and comprehensive methods but overall, ABA services are designed to improve the quality of life of the people receiving the intervention.