What is ABA?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a broad term that many people use to describe the application of scientifically proven interventions that are applied to individuals in order to modify behavior. A simple example would be something such as positive reinforcement. ABA is an intensive methodology that incorporates dozens of methodologies that have been proven and researched over the course of many years.

An overview of these principles takes years to learn and implement with individuals. For these reasons, ABA should only be implemented by highly trained professionals or by people who are strictly supervised by highly trained professionals, such as Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). ABA therapy is the application of many of these proven behavioral principles in order to shape and modify behavior, both excesses and deficits. Many people may claim to do ABA, however nearly all do not provide ABA Therapy, but simply have a very basic understanding of ABA and a few of its simple principles.

As an overall principle, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is based on the idea that manipulating stimuli surrounding a behavior can cause that behavior to be shaped and controlled.  The Applied Behavior Center of Indiana for Autism, specifically provides the Verbal Behavior approach of ABA.

Does my school do ABA Therapy?
There is currently no public school systems in Indiana providing ABA or Verbal Behavior therapy as defined in accordance with Indiana State Law 460 IAC 1.1-5-4  and 460 IAC 1.1-3-9. In addition, there is no public or private school in Indiana that currently employs a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or Board Certified Associated Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) who have been credentialed by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).

What is Verbal Behavior?
Verbal behavior is the ABA principle that focuses upon language development within natural, academic, and functional settings. It also promotes the practice of increasing language to address issues and deficits within social skills, language development, reduction of maladaptive behaviors, and academic achievement. Our comprehensive program is designed to enhance language and communication, social skills and play, academic, behavioral, and independent living skills of children with autism. Our interventions are based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which has been proven since the 1950's through many scientifically peer reviewed studies and is the leading proven treatment and methodology of choice in treatment of individuals with autism spectrum disorders at any level according to the Surgeon General and American Academy of Pediatrics.

At the Applied Behavior Center, our therapists work with applied behavior analysis/verbal behavior techniques in order to teach children with autism through intensive one-on-one therapy sessions. ABA and verbal behavior can help children with any level of autism spectrum disorder. We work on communication, academic, social, and behavioral skills or deficits that a child might have.

Treatment is based heavily on functional assessment(s), data, and family input. Children work on multiple different skill areas that include such skill areas as receptive language, expressive communication, visual performance, mathematics, and other academic and life skills.

Behavior modification, language development, socialization skills, and academic skills are incorporated into a child's program. Therapists use reinforcement and other ABA behavior modification techniques during the sessions to slowly shape and improve a child's behavior. The same principles are also used to reduce negative behavior. 

Is All ABA the same?
The field of ABA consist of many different types of interventions:
-Verbal Behavior
-Mass Trials
-Organizational Behavioral Management (O.B.M)
-Precision Teaching

Verbal Behavior and Mass Trialing are two types of ABA used in the treatment of children with autism.

We incorporate the ABLLS-Revised, Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills, (Pardington, 2006) or the VB-MAPP, Verbal Behavior-Milestones and Placement Program (Sundberg 2008) for all baseline and progress reporting.  Each child's ABLLS-R is update by our program coordinators or Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA).