ABA therapy uses different methods to help children improve communication, social, learning, and behavioral skills. Common techniques include positive reinforcement, discrete trial training, incidental teaching, pivotal response treatment, and verbal behavior approaches tailored to each child’s needs.
The different types of ABA therapy techniques and approaches used to support a child’s development include:
1. Positive Reinforcement
In this approach, when a child demonstrates good behavior, our therapist rewards the child to motivate the repetition of that behavior in the future. This concept is referred to as positive reinforcement.
Good behavior can be as simple as maintaining eye contact during a conversation or wishing someone a good morning.
2. Discrete Trial Training
This teaching technique involves our therapist assisting a child in gradually developing new skills. The therapist breaks down a specific skill into manageable, simple steps for the child to learn.
For instance, if the therapist aims to teach a child how to say hello upon meeting someone, the therapist will first instruct the child on the sound of the letter ‘h’ and then progressively educate them on the remaining letters until the child can easily pronounce the whole word.
3. Incidental Teaching
Also known as natural environment teaching, this technique involves instructing the child through practical, real-life incidents within the community.
For example, the ABA therapist might give the child's favorite toy and then prompt, “What do you say when someone gives you something?” This allows the child to respond with “Thank you” after receiving the toy.
The use of real-world situations assists the child in appropriately responding to various circumstances. Incidental teaching significantly helps the child understand how and why to react to social interactions.
4. Pivotal Response Treatment
The therapist assesses the child's interests and hobbies, using them as a means to teach the child new concepts.
For example, if a child enjoys playing with blocks, the therapist might instruct the child to number the blocks by size, encourage asking for assistance during block arrangement, and practice taking turns with peers. This method can also improve the child's language, communication, and social skills.
5. Verbal Behavior Approach
This technique helps the child develop everyday communication skills. The child is taught to use words based on their meanings and reasons for their use.
For example, if a child desires chocolate, the therapist may encourage the child to point to a picture of chocolate or speak the word.
The child then receives a chocolate as a reward. This method helps the child effectively label objects, engage in communication with others, and understand the meanings of basic words.