• Big question. I can give the textbook answer by saying it is the science of human behaviour that aims to target socially significant behaviours. But that doesn’t always help parents/other professionals understand what we do and how we work, and the truth is, it is kind of hard to define in a short paragraph or phone conversation. ABA is science which offers many evidence-based strategies. As such, the evidence based strategies we use can depend on the learner we’re working with – this is why ABA input is bespoke. Data collection, positive reinforcement, prompting, prompt fading, collaboration, teaching to mastery, maintenance, and a functional approach to behaviours of concern, with ethics and compassion at the heart of it are just a few things you may see in ABA input.  For more information, check out this video. 

Who can ABA work for?

• For many individuals regardless of diagnosis – it is not an autism-specific field. Learners with language, learning, social, or behavioural challenges.

• Many areas such as requesting, play, labelling, imitation, receptive language (listening skills), intraverbal (kind of like conversation skills), visual skills (matching, sequencing, sorting), academics, group and classroom skills, social skills, independent living skills, and reduction of behaviours of concern – and this is just it’s application within and around school settings. ABA is utilised in fields beyond that of autism, including business, sports, diet, exercise, brain injuries and many more!

• You should look for a UKBA (cert) by looking on the UK-SBA’s register. The UK-SBA’s register was accredited under the Professional Standards Authority’s Accredited Registers programme. This provides additional peace of mind to anyone looking for a behaviour analytic practitioner as it demonstrates that the UK-SBA’s register meets the Authority’s high standards in governance, standard-setting, education and training, management of the register, complaints handling and information (UK-SBA website). Currently, all UKBA’s are BCBA’s also. This is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst. BCBA’s need to work for 2000 supervised hours (100 directly with an existing BCBA), studied an approved ABA course, have a Masters (preferably in ABA or a related field), pass an exam, and get continuing education to get and maintain their certification. ABA therapists (or RBT’s – registered behaviour technicians) can be used to teach targets on a 1:1 basis.

• No. Intensive table teaching (ITT) is just one strategy within a vast field. There are many different strategies that can be used to teach, and should be chosen dependent on what is right for the learner. Natural environment teaching is also a very popular strategy.

Is ABA just for young children?

• No. Although there is plenty of research to support the use of early intervention, there is an increasing number of research papers that support the use of ABA in secondary settings.

How long do I need ABA for?

• It’s a frustrating answer, but it’s very hard to say. It’s not a time-based practice, but more about when a learner has the skills to access their environment in a less restrictive way. If we fade support without learners having the necessary skills, we may leave learners in difficult positions which can cause them to feel distressed. Rest assured; we’re always trying to put ourselves out of a job. I’ve worked with learners starting at 2 years old and they no longer need ABA input by the time they start school, but I’ve also worked with learners who still need ABA input into adulthood. 

What’s the difference between an ABA consultant and an ABA therapist?

• An ABA consultant should hold their UKBA (cert) or BCBA certifications. They will usually lead the input by conducting necessary assessments, writing reports, attending meetings, providing parent and ABA therapist training, collaborate with other professionals, set targets, and oversee progress. An ABA therapist will teach the learner on a 1:1 basis, run the targets set by the consultant, collect data on the targets, and have strong communication with the consultant and parents. 

Where will my child be in a year?

• Another frustrating answer, but it’s really hard to say. So much can happen in a year, and there are so many variables to consider to possibly give a detailed and accurate answer to this.

Do I need 40 hours of 1:1 ABA for my child?

• No. Most research will indicate that 20-40 hours per week is classed as intensive input. Again, there are many variables to consider here, but I’ve overseen programmes where it’s been as little as 4-6 hours per week (which was ok for those particular learners) and progress was made. It can depend on how those hours are used. If I’m only visiting for a short time, I want to spend that time training someone else to work in a way that boosts teaching beyond me being there. 

Where can we have sessions?

• School, home, nursery, in the community – anywhere really. It’s always best to work on something in the setting it occurs.

Do you provide ABA therapists?

• No, unfortunately not. But I will always point you in the right direction and help with the vetting process if you wish.

Can you give a diagnosis?

• Nope – check out this NHS page for some information or seek a private diagnosis.  

Can you work with someone who doesn’t have an autism diagnosis?

• Absolutely. Although I have worked in the field of autism for a long time, a diagnosis is not necessary to receive ABA input.