APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS

©Project ACCESS  September 2006

Question: What is a "Certified Applied Behavior Analyst?"

When I attended the 1996 Kansas State Autism Conference and heard a Dr. Buch speak about "certified applied behavior analysts", I wondered what was he talking about and where do you get certified in applied behavior analysis (ABA)?

Answer:

Applied behavior analysis has been around since the 1960's and has been promoted as a useful technique by the American Psychological Association, the Association of Behavior Analysis, and the Association for the Advancement of Behavior Therapy. People receive training in ABA through many universities. Two of the ACCESS staff members are trained in applied behavior analysis through the Institute for Applied Behavior Analysis (IABA) directed by Gary Lavigna and Tom Willis who specialize in non-aversive behavior management.

Applied behavior analysis typically stands for one of two things: #1) The use of behavior technology and the demonstration of the effectiveness of a behavioral technique by taking data, or #2) The analysis of the function of a behavior so that the variables can be changed in order to change the need for that behavior. Project ACCESS and IABA stress the importance of #2. We teach that behavior is a message and that it is not sufficient to just alter the behavior. We must know the purpose or function of the behavior and give the individual a better way to communicate in order to get that need met.

When Dr. Gerald Buch spoke on November 8, 1996, in Kansas City, about certified applied behavior analysts, he was referring to individuals who have been trained in the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) program that is directed by O. Ivar Lovaas. Trainers from this UCLA program emphasize the #1 aspect of ABA, the one-to-one use of behavioral methods and taking of data. Dr. Buch appeared to indicate that certification of these individuals was needed in order to maintain quality control of who was teaching the behavior modification programs that are proliferating under the Lovaas or ABA names.

Many people were concerned by Dr. Buch's suggestion that one institution or interpretation of ABA would be "certified" when, in fact, the title of applied behavior analyst already has a history of use in other contexts. ABA is not owned by one individual, school, or group and could not be "certified" without the cooperation of the larger professional organizations mentioned. While the "Lovaas" techniques are currently very popular, they are based on limited research and are counter to much research in leading journals such as the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis. The UCLA techniques are useful and have been helpful to many individuals, but no one technique is the solution for all individuals with autism, whether 'certified" or not.

Originally developed by Terri Carrington, MS; SLP      


Additional resources to consider include:

Baker, B. L. & Brightman, A. J. (1989). Steps to independence: A skill training guide for parents and teachers of children with special needs. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes.

Foxx, R. M. (1982). Increasing behaviors of severely retarded and autistic persons. Champaign, IL: Research Press.

Foxx, R. M. (1982). Decreasing behaviors of persons with severe retardation and autism. Champaign, IL: Research Press.

Horner, R.H., Dunlap, G., & Koegel, R.L. (1982). Educating and understanding autistic children. Boston: College-Hill Press.

Koegel, R. L., Rincover, A., & Egel, A.L. (1982). Educating and understanding autistic children. Boston: College-Hill Press.

Lovaas, O.L. (1983). Teaching developmental disabled children: The ME book. Austin, TX: PRO-ED.

The Picture Exchange Communication System for Children and Adults.

Regan. Behavior Management of Autistic Children and Youth (Autism Teacher Training Program).

Hall. (1971). Behavior Modification: Applications in School and Home. Handbook of the responsive model of applied behavior analysis with 16 case reports.

Hall. (1975). Behavior Modification: Basic Principles.

CSAAC. Behavior Modification Training Tape, Behavior Technology for Living and Working in community.Lovaas. Behavior Treatment of Autistic children. Focus International Inc.

Carr, Levin, McConnachie, Carlson, Kemp and Smith. Communication-based intervention for problem Behavior: a Users Guide for producing Positive Change.

Englemann and Colvin. Generalized Compliance Training: A direct-Instruction program for managing severe behavior problems.

Maurice. Behavioral Intervention for young children with autism.

Lovaas. (1981). The ME Book Videotapes: Lovaas Learning Preview tape. Austin, TX: ProEd.

Lovaas. (1981). The ME Book Videotapes: Lovaas Learning Tape 1: Getting Ready to Learn. Austin, TX: ProEd

Lovaas. (1981). The ME Book Videotapes: Lovaas Learning Tape 2: Early Language. Austin, TX: ProEd

Lovaas. (1981). The ME Book Videotapes: Lovaas Learning Tape 3: Basic Self-help skills. Austin, TX: ProEd

Lovaas. (1981). The ME Book Videotapes: Lovaas Learning Tape 4: Advanced Language. Austin, TX: ProEd

Lovaas. (1981). The ME Book Videotapes: Lovaas Learning Tape 5: Expanding World. Austin, TX: ProEd