The document provides an overview of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and its importance for children with autism, highlighting evidence-based treatment benefits and key components of ABA. It details various techniques and teaching approaches, behavioral interventions, and emphasizes the need for consistency in maintaining learned behaviors. It concludes by summarizing the advantages of ABA and encouraging the use of evidence-based interventions.

1. Applied Behavior Analysis &
Autism: An Introduction
An Overview by Suzanne M.
Buchanan, Psy.D., BCBA-D and Mary
Jane Weiss, Ph.D., BCBA-D
First Bridge Centre, Published with
Permission

2. Introduction
• Overview of ABA
• Importance of evidence-based treatments
• Benefits for children with autism

3. Why ABA?
• Scientific evidence supporting ABA
• Key studies and findings
• Comparison with other treatments

4. What is ABA?
• Definition by Cooper, Heron, and Heward
• Key components: reinforcement, structured
and natural environments, breaking down
skills
• Goals of ABA

5. ABA Techniques
• Motivation
• Reinforcement
• Shaping
• Prompts
• Modeling (Imitation Training)

6. Teaching Approaches
• Discrete Trial Instruction
• Verbal Behavior
• Natural Environment Training

7. Communication Strategies
• Picture Exchange Communication System
(PECS)
• Incidental Teaching
• Pivotal Response Training

8. Behavior Interventions
• Task Analysis and Chaining
• Token Economy
• Activity Schedules

9. Assessment and Analysis
• Functional Assessment and Analysis
• Antecedent-Based Interventions
• Positive Behavior Support

10. Generalization and Maintenance
• Strategies for maintaining learned behaviors
• Importance of consistency across
environments

11. Running an ABA Program
• Components of an intensive ABA program
• Data collection and analysis
• Involvement of family

12. Conclusion
• Summary of ABA benefits
• Encouragement for evidence-based
interventions
• Resources for further information