ABA Basics
What does ABA stand for?
Applied Behavior Analysis
What is reinforcement?
A consequence that increases the likelihood of a behavior reoccurring.
What does "antecedent" mean in behavior terms?
It’s what happens right before a behavior.
A student is crying and pointing at their backpack but can't explain what they need. What can you do?
Offer a choice board or picture with options like “snack,” “toy,” or “bathroom.”
What does the "B" in ABC stand for?
Behavior
Give an example of positive reinforcement.
Giving praise after a correct response to increase that behavior.
What’s one reason to change what happens before a behavior?
To help prevent challenging behavior from happening.
A child starts yelling when another student sits in "their seat." They don’t use many words. What can help next time?
Teach them to use a “my seat” picture or a script like “Can I sit here?”
What is a prompt?
A cue or assistance given to help obtain a correct response.
What is negative reinforcement?
Removing something aversive to increase behavior.
If your student gets upset when told "it's time to get up," how can you give a warning ahead of time?
Say something like, “In 2 minutes, it’s school time,” so they’re ready.
A student keeps screaming every time the bus starts moving. You think they’re scared, but they can’t say why. What might you try?
Use visuals or social stories to explain the bus routine and teach words/signs for “scared” or “stop.”
What is the consequence in the ABC model?
What happens after the behavior, which influences future behavior.
Give an example of negative punishment.
Taking away a toy after hitting to reduce hitting behavior.
How can changing the environment help avoid a meltdown?
Removing loud noises or seat student away from another student if sitting next to each other creates problem behavior
A student starts hitting the seat in front when the bus is too loud. What can help them express their feelings better?
Provide a feelings card or visual with “too loud” and teach them to say/sign/show it.
What does it mean to "generalize" a skill?
Applying a learned skill across settings, people, or situations.
What is the main goal of using reinforcement?
To increase desired behaviors.
A student on the bus is getting upset and shouting because they don’t want to sit in their assigned seat. They’re standing up and refusing to move. The driver or aide wants to avoid a meltdown and keep everyone safe.
Say something like:
“Do you want to sit by the window or the aisle?”
“Do you want to sit here or in the second row?
A child throws their hat and screams when it’s time to get off the bus. They don’t know how to say they’re not ready. What can you teach them?
Teach them to use a visual or phrase like “Wait,” “I need time,” or “Not ready yet.”