By Joan Alsina Ferrando – VICON Method therapeutic team
To understand the ABA methodology It is necessary to know the essential protocols for the effective development of this intervention model.
Known and proven through decades1 of rigorous research.
Below we briefly describe the four pillars of the ABA protocol for your better understanding:
- Applied Behavior Analysis: Base the intervention on the basic principles of behavior analysis.
- High intensity level per week: An average of 20 to 40 hours of intervention per week.
- Training for parents and immediate environment: To be able to apply the guidelines and generalize their effectiveness in a “24/7” structure (24 hours, 7 days a week).
- Frequent Monitoring and Data-Driven Decision Making: Highly qualified supervision, as well as data recording and decision-making based on data comparison.
At the same time, the ABA interventions They must be based on seven variables to achieve better results from the start, these being:
- Early start: Diagnosis and initiation of intervention should be carried out as early as possible.
- Intensive program: Studies have shown and replicated that a minimum of 20 hours and a maximum of 40 hours per week are required.
- Parent training: The development of the family environment, as well as other close figures, is essential to maintain and accelerate the achievement of skills.
- Individualized: Each intervention must be tailored to each individual, from the start (initial assessment) as well as throughout its development (periodic assessments).
- Behaviorally dynamic approach: Procedures must be periodically adapted based on recorded data.
- Globality: The intervention must be comprehensive and cover the different areas of development.
- Schooling: An essential aspect provided that the prerequisite skills for it are developed.
In any case, developing and maintaining these variables throughout the intervention will require a therapeutic team (between 2 and 4 therapists) who must receive ongoing training, both theoretical and practical. This will enable them to adapt to the evolving intervention at all times. This will also require daily coordination among its members to achieve the established objectives, both short, medium, and long-term. These are the results of an initial and functional assessment, conducted before, during, and at the end of the intervention.
You can also see the previous article that talks about Joan's ABA Methodology, here.
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