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Historical contribution to the field of Applied Behavior Analysis
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Historical contribution to the field of Applied Behavior Analysis
The gradual evolution of applied behaviorism has been taking center stage over the last
six decades, with the critical focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD. According to Skinner,
behaviorism refers to human science's philosophy, behavior and contends that it is a science
misunderstood mainly by those outside its field (Axelrod et al., 2012). The importance of
behavior change can be seen in practicality when the interventions lead to improved individual
performance compared to before. Behavior change requires near-complete eradication of the
mental problem at hand to be regarded as a full solution. Autism, a mental disorder that affects
the regular socialization, behavior and full functionality of the brain characterized by difficulty in
communication, mainly occurs in young children. This paper sets out to explain some scholars'
historical contributions and the general impacts they have in the Applied Behavior Analysis.
The center for disease control describes Autism as a long-term disability that affects both
the poor and the rich. Proposed diagnostics of Autism in trying to balance the skills passed and
the interest of the autistic individual. Such activities may go a long way in enhancing
socialization and improving communication and public speech of an individual suffering from
Autism Spectrum Disorder. Continued engagement within individuals with Autism is an
effective remedy for solving the skill and interest imbalance and improving the individuals'
socialization aspect. Incorporating the interests of autistic individuals, mostly children, together
can also be an excellent avenue for enhancing their socialization hindrance (Koegel et al. 2012).
The Association for Behavior Analysis International ABAI was established in 1974 and
formed the prime participation institute for analyzing behavioral changes worldwide. It also
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hosts annual and bi-annual conventions in international conferences around the world. It
provides capacities for research, behavior management, and education by holding seminars and
engaging the media in updating behavior change information (Kelly et al., 2019). Membership
and organization of the ABAI have outlined the various chapters, which are usually bound by
geographic space, but this does not limit them from providing education and general information
on behavior change. It also offers financial assistance to facilitate the continued spreading of the
future and the general welfare of behavior change across the world (Nicholson et al., 2020).
Through their three awards, they continue to encourage individuals to bring forth, publish and
distribute relevant information regarding applying behavioral change from their local perspective
to the global space.
European Association of Behavior Analysis and dissemination also contributes a large
portion in the field of ABA. From its name, it aims at promoting and distributing behavior
analysis in Europe through the creation of a common platform where all the relevant information
about behavior analysis would be addressed and discussed (Kelly et al., 2019). It also focuses on;
"supporting and encouraging research efforts in behavior analysis among graduate students in
Europe; promoting behavior analytic science; boosting the overall quality of academic research
in behavior analysis; and providing recognition for students conducting behavior analytic
research" (Nicholson et al., 2020). Through the European summer schools, innovative teaching
familiarity and chance for prolonged methodical and societal relations in ABA issues. All these
efforts are made to enhance the spreading of the results from studies and their repercussions for
applying behavior analysis.
Leading scientist Risley, T.R gave suggestions that were to be checked to evaluate
behavior change interventions. The criteria need to be experimental first before being therapeutic
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to help bridge the individual's behavioral challenge at hand (Kazdin,1977). A restorative measure
illustrates a comparison of the change in behavior that has been achieved by way of medical
treatment to reduce the behavioral challenges in an individual. Experimental criteria focus on
bridging the gap between how a situation was before and the improvements did overtime
regarding the behavioral change. The responsibility to decide on the level and type of criteria to
be used is solely left on the individual to determine since he is directly affected by the prevailing
behavioral conditions. The determination of the achievements is easily identifiable despite not
reaching the required levels.
Wolf also recommended the social validation of the applied interventions, which refer to
assessing the social acceptability intervention program. Individual acceptability of the process
can be applied in the continuous use of effective mechanisms of behavioral system application.
The primary importance of this approach is to validate the approach to suit the examining change
in that particular environment. Research on social validation suggests the application of practical
strategies in determining where clinical achievements have taken place. Verification has been
made successful due to the application of social comparison and subject evaluation criteria.
Social comparison is concerned with the individual's behavior before and after undergoing
behavioral change. On the other hand, subjective evaluation involves monitoring the individual
by other people to ascertain any behavioral change of that specific individual overtime.
The social comparison involves identifying the individual's peer to increase socialization
among people suffering from related problems such as Autism. The target group can be used to
ascertain the degree of behavior impacts on each individual. According to Patterson's behavioral
system theory, identifying and putting together specific target groups can lead to various
disruptive behaviors depending on the environmental and geographical factors. Many studies
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have applied normative data to evaluate the treatment and social interaction of children. For
example, social interaction among young nursery school children was isolated in reducing
socialization and verbal communication before getting treatment. After the treatment, social
interaction f the students who were trained overtime surpassed those who were separated. This
example clearly outlined that the intensity of change depended on the medical approach used.
Most case studies on social comparison place medical treatment at the center of their behavioral
change and the extent to which it can be useful on a timescale.
The concept of Subject evaluation requires qualitative dimensions of human
behavior. Experts judge the individuals' situation before commencing the practical form of action
likely to bring about the desired behavior change. For example, the likelihood of increasing
communicational skills can be influenced by introducing tokens and rewards for those who
answer questions in class. This form of short term training requires the sensible application of
experimental criteria first before deciding whether to continue with the therapeutic, and the first
one proves to be ineffective. This criterion has been generally applied in evaluating behavior
change in a classroom context. Besides, these criteria can also be used on adults. Hoffman
trained lower level adults who participated in community development projects to participate in
active decision-making and problem-solving activities.
The discoveries of behavioral principles were made by Skinner, who later asserted that
this application was not only limited to animals but also humans. A Study published by Ivar
Lovaans established that early intensive behavior intervention procedural behaviors and
communication skills resulted in the individuals acquiring increased Intelligent Quotient. And
general social growth in their communication and bonding mechanisms (Axelrod et al., 2012).
This study was historical because of its results and the great hope it had portrayed for autistic
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people to better their behavioral situation. A consecutive four-year survey undertaken in the
same criteria, and the results were positive. However, some critics met this study from other
scholars who sought the concept of randomization and experimental groups' nature. However, it
is unclear whether the Skinners analysis of communication skills and behavior will have superior
modeling strategies to those of Lovaans.
Research from Catherine Maurice suggests that early intervention has much-helped
children and grown-ups who have Autism Spectrum Disorder. Also, early training in behavioral
change can be significantly attributed to the cases of people being labeled as 'geniuses.'
Behavioral analysts have illustrated useful methods of managing interfering behaviors in
education, including reducing shouting and respecting adults' requests. Education continues to
face several problems due to the failure of blending scientifically authenticated tactics
Conclusions
ABA and EIBI both have a central role in enhancing behavior change regarding social
engagements and improving general communication skills to children and other people living
with Autism. There is a long-standing need to create more adaptive capacities to facilitate the
practicality of ABA.
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References
Axelrod, S., McElrath, K. K., & Wine, B. (2012). Applied behavior analysis: Autism and
beyond. Behavioral Interventions, 27(1), 1-15.
Kazdin, A.E. (1977). Assessing the Clinical or Applied Importance of Behavior Change Through
Social Validation; Behavior Modification (vol.1 no 4), Sage Publications.
Kelly, M. P., Martin, N., Dillenburger, K., Kelly, A. N., & Miller, M. M. (2019). Spreading the
news: History, successes, challenges and the ethics of effective dissemination. Behavior
Analysis in Practice, 12(2), 440-451.
Koegel, L.K, Vernon, T.W., Koegel, R.L., Koegel, B.L., & Paulin, A.W.(2012). Improving
social engagements and initiation between children with autism spectrum disorder and
their peers in inclusive settings. Journal of Positive Behavioral Intervention, 14(4), 220227.
Nicolson, A. C., Lazo-Pearson, J. F., & Shandy, J. (2020). ABA Finding Its Heart During a
Pandemic: An Exploration in Social Validity. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 1-10.