Welcome to:
The Jericho School
For Children with Autism and other Developmental Disabilities
Howard2005.pdf
Applied Behavior Analysis (A.B.A.)
Many are familiar with Behavior Modification and utilizing the basic principle of behavior analysis to reduce inappropriate or maladaptive behaviors. There is no doubt that ABA can be very effective in managing tantrums, physical aggression or other behavioral excesses. However, B.F. Skinner's understanding of ABA was much more extensive. Skinner believed ABA to be a Science of Learning. In this comprehensive view, the greatest benefit of Applied Behavior Analysis is actually increasing behaviors. In addressing behavior deficits we can use the basic principle of ABA to assist a student in reducing the inappropriate behavior and in increasing communication, learning and appropriate social behavior. This Science of Learning facilitates a Technology of Teaching and the body of research from various journals in Applied Behavior Analysis instructs how we can teach skills more effectively. After decades of research, the United States Surgeon General has endorsed ABA as the most effective intervention for individuals with autism and other developmental delays.
Verbal Behavior
B.F. Skinner's analysis of human behavior also included Verbal Behavior, or communication. Skinner deduced that Verbal Behavior occurs for the same reasons all other forms of behavior occurs. In analyzing the conditions under which we speak Skinner gave us a look at language from a functional perspective. This is why the understanding of the functional relations, which govern Verbal Behavior, can be so beneficial in teaching communication skills to individuals who have language deficits.
Exclusive ABA Program
vs.
"Eclectic" ABA Programs
"Young Children with Autism or PDD-NOS who received intensive behavior analytic treatment... outperformed comparable children who received eclectic intervention services for the same period of time... In most cases the difference in mean scores were substantial and statistically significant"
