ABA is a research and evidence-based approach. Extensive research over the last 50 years has consistently identified ABA as an effective, empirically validated approach to achieve behavior change and learning with a wide variety of individuals, including neurotypical individuals and those with learning differences, of all ages.
As behavior analysts, we take on the assumption that everyone engages in the behaviors that they engage in for a purpose. Every behavior has a function. We do things for a reason, like to gain access to items or activities; to escape, end, or avoid situations; to seek relationships, gain social attention or continue a social interaction; or because it feels good or is soothing.
This assumption is the foundation of behavior change, because it allows us to understand why someone is engaging in a behavior. Our goal is to identify why an individual is engaging in a specific behavior and then, if needed, teach a more socially appropriate replacement behavior, while decreasing reliance on problematic behavior to get needs met. Often times, we see challenging behaviors as a result of skill deficits, which means ABA programs may often focus heavily on teaching new skills.
At Monarch we like to go one step farther: we don't just want to identify the function of the behavior; we want to understand the foundation of the behavior. We often see the most meaningful changes in behavior when we understand both the foundation and the function. We also utilize gentle behavior change strategies.
