Glossary
Let’s peel back and understand the jargon
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
refers to a broad science that focuses on understanding and improving behavior. ABA therapy focuses on applying the science to social important issues, such as intensive treatment for individuals with autism. Some common types of ABA therapy include Discrete Trial Training (DTT), Natural Environment Teaching (NET) and Verbal Behavior (VB).
ABC's of Behavior
Tool used to determine the function of a behavior in order to develop an intervention. The A is for antecedent, the B is the actual behavior, and C is the consequence (can be good or bad or nothing)
Behavior
To be called a behavior, it must be observable and/or measurable.
Chronological Age/ Developmental Age
Chronological age is the actual age calculated by birthdate. A developmental age is based on level of functioning/cognitive ability, and adaptive skills.
Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
A specific method of instruction in which a task is isolated and taught to an individual across multiple trials (repetition teaching). A specific opportunity to respond is presented, and a specific response from the learner is expected (Teacher: "Stand up". Learner: (stands up). Teacher: "Nice standing!").
Discriminative Stimulus (SD)
This can be a demand/question or directive given to obtain a specific response, or a naturally occurring signal that reinforcement is available.
Extinction
The withholding of reinforcement for a previously reinforced behavior, resulting in reduction of that behavior.
Extinction Burst
The increase in frequency and/or intensity of behavior in the early stages of extinction.
Autism Spectrum Disorders
According to the DSM- V, these are defined as persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, and there is an impact rating system of Level 1, 2, or 3, based on the intensity of supports the individual needs to function in their daily environments/meet daily demands and expectations.
BCBA /BCaBA
This is the board certification required for a person to become a Behavior Analyst. In many states or with insurance companies, only BCBAs are recognized as being properly authorized to oversee, manage, or supervise ABA programs. The BCaBA denotes the person is at an associate level, and must work under a BCBA. BCaBA's usually have less training or experience, although this isn’t always the case. BCBAs and BCaBAs typically supervise direct staff and design the intervention and treatment plan.
Co-Morbidity
This means having multiple diagnoses at the same time, such as being diagnosed with Autism, OCD, and an Anxiety Disorder. Autism can co-occur with other diagnoses.
Developmentally Delayed (DD)
A diagnosis of DD is given when a child isn’t progressing as they should be and aren’t meeting developmental milestones such as crawling, sitting up, using a pincer grasp, etc.
Echolalia
"Echoing" or imitating what is heard, can be immediate or delayed. "Want to go outside?" and they respond "Go outside?", that is echolalia.
Expressive
Means speaker behavior, and refers to tasks that require a vocal response such as singing or talking.
Intervention
The strategy you will use to change a behavior.
Intraverbal
The speaker responds to another’s verbal behavior(convocation). This is the most complex verbal behavior to teach
Mand
This is a Verbal Behavior term. A mand is basically a "demand". This is being able to request something that one wants or needs.
Perseverative Behavior
Repeating words, songs, phrases, etc., with a high frequency. Many people think this word is synonymous with "Stimming" (see below), but it's not because perseverative behavior may or may not be automatically maintained.
Reinforcer
A reinforcer is something used to motivate a learner to complete a task, or engage in a behavior. Reinforcement can be tangible (toy), social (praise), physical (hugs, kisses), etc. In behavior analytic terms, to be considered a reinforcer the likelihood of future occurrence of the target behavior must increase.
Self injurious behavior (SIB)
Self-injurious behaviors are actions that an individual performs that result in physical injury to the body. Typical forms of self-injurious
behavior include: hitting oneself with hands or other body parts, head-banging, biting
oneself, picking at skin or sores, etc.
VB
VB stands for Verbal Behavior. Verbal Behavior is a type of ABA based on the works of B.F. Skinner that focuses on understanding and teaching language as a behavior, and based on its function.
Verbal vs Vocal
These terms mean a learner can talk to communicate. However, the behavior analytic term for spoken communication is "vocal", not verbal. "Verbal" can be any form of communication such as sign language or gesturing, while "Vocal" is speech/vocalizations used to communicate.
Stereotypic/Repetitive Behaviors
Often referred to as “Stimming” or "Stims". These are self-initiated, often repetitive movements (e.g. rocking, vocalizations, flapping, spinning, finger-flicking, and/or manipulation of inanimate objects) that can be vocal or motoric. These behaviors often serve automatic reinforcement purposes, but that isn't always the case (function can vary), which is why the blanket term of "self-stimulatory behavior" can be technically incorrect.
Prompt Dependent
Prompt dependency is when an individual has become reliant on being assisted with a task, and stops attempting to do the task independently. Or it could be a learner who has been prompted to do a task a certain way so many times, that it is very difficult for them to change the way they complete the task.
Target Behavior
This is the behavior of interest you are trying to increase, or decrease.
Task reduction
Reducing the demands put upon the individual in an effort to avoid or decrease frustration levels.