[English-Korean] ABA Terms You Should Know

ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis): Applied Behavior Analysis

  • Definition : A data-driven and evidence-based science of behavior.
    • Data-driven, evidence-based behavioral science.

ABC Data: ABC Data

  • Definition : A description of behavior in terms of the Antecedent (A), Behavior (B), and Consequence (C) of the behavior. The antecedent is what happened shortly before the behavior, such as being ignored, needing an object, or trying to avoid a demand. The behavior explains how the activity appears; for example, a "tantrum" might include kicking, throwing items, crying, and so on. The response to the behavior is the consequence, which might involve ignoring the behavior, handing the object to the learner, and so on. A consequence is not always a negative response to the behavior.
    • Behaviors are described in terms of antecedents (A), actions (B), and consequences (C). Antecedents are things that happen immediately before the behavior, such as being ignored, needing an object, or trying to avoid a request. Behaviors describe how the activity is displayed; for example, "throwing a tantrum" might include kicking, throwing an object, crying, etc. Responses to the behavior are consequences, such as being ignored, giving an object, or the like. Consequences are not always negative reactions to the behavior.

ABLLS-R: Basic Language and Learning Skills Assessment-Revised

  • Definition : The Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills-Revised provides tools for parents to assess, monitor, and instruct children with autism. This assessment covers skills including, but not limited to, communication, social, group, toileting, and motor skills.
    • The Basic Language and Learning Skills Assessment-Revised provides parents with tools to assess, monitor, and educate their children with autism. The assessment covers a variety of skills, including communication, social skills, group work, toileting, and motor skills.

Acquisition Task: Acquisition Task

  • Definition : A target that is in the process of being taught; This behavior is not yet a known skill.
    • A target behavior that is being learned, a skill that is not yet familiar.

Apraxia: Apraxia

  • Definition : This is a speech condition that affects both the brain and the motor system. The brain is unable to efficiently coordinate the muscular movements required to pronounce words, sounds, or syllables.
    • A condition affecting the brain and motor systems involved in speech. The brain cannot efficiently coordinate the muscle movements needed to pronounce words, sounds, and syllables.

Antecedent: preceding event

  • Definition : Stimuli existing or changing before a behavior of interest.
    • A stimulus that exists or changes prior to the targeted behavior.

BCBA: BCBA (Applied Behavior Analyst)

  • Definition : The acronym stands for Board Certified Behavior Analyst. A BCBA must hold a master's degree, complete master's level ABA courses, 2000 hours of clinical practice under the guidance of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and pass a written board examination for this certification. Every two years, continuing education credits are necessary for recertification. Conducting evaluations, drafting behavior plans and treatment programs, and teaching staff and parents are all things that BCBAs do.
    • Abbreviation for Board Certified Behavior Analyst. BCBAs must hold a master's degree, complete a master's level ABA course, perform 2000 hours of clinical practice under the supervision of a board certified behavior analyst, and pass a written examination to become certified. Continuing education credits are required every two years for recertification. The role of a BCBA is to conduct assessments, develop behavior plans and treatment programs, and educate staff and parents.

BIP (Behavior Intervention Plan): Behavior Intervention Plan

  • Definition : A plan that is function-based and focuses on positive replacement behaviors and skills that can replace the targeted negative behavior when possible, using the observations from a functional assessment.
    • A plan that focuses on positive behaviors or skills to replace negative behaviors, based on observations from the functional assessment.
    • We also say: Behavior protocol, Behavior treatment plan.

BST (Behavioral Skills Training): Behavioral Skills Training

  • Definition : A training package model that includes instruction, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback.
    • A training package model including instruction, modeling, rehearsal and feedback.

Behavioral Momentum: Behavioral Inertia

  • Definition : One effect of the high-probability request sequence; client responding is repeated at a quick and consistent rate.
    • The effect of a high-probability demand chain (a task with a successful response rate of 80% or more), a phenomenon in which customer responses are repeated at a fast and consistent rate.

Chaining: Chain of Actions

  • Definition : A tool for teaching larger, complex skills; teaching one step in the sequence at a time.
    • As a tool for teaching larger, more complex skills, taught one at a time, in sequence.

Chronological Age / Developmental Age: Age/Developmental Age

  • Definition : Chronological age is the actual age calculated by birthdate; developmental age is based on functioning/cognitive ability and adaptive skills.
    • Age is chronological age calculated from date of birth; developmental age is based on functional/cognitive abilities and adaptive skills.

Consequence: Results

  • Definition : What happens after a behavior of interest.
    • What happens after an action of interest.

DTT (Discrete Trial Training): Discrete Trial Training

  • Definition : Method of teaching where there is a clear beginning and end to each presentation.
    • A training method where each training session has a clear beginning and end.
    • Note : 3 parts of DTT include the presentation, response, and consequence.
      • The three components of DTT are presentation, response, and outcome.

Differential Reinforcement: Differential Reinforcement

  • Definition : Reinforcement is provided contingent on the target behavior; reinforcement is not provided if the target behavior does not occur.
    • Reinforcement is provided contingent on the target behavior; no reinforcement is provided if the target behavior does not occur.

Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior (DRA):

  • Definition : Providing reinforcement for a predetermined alternative behavior while withholding reinforcement for the unwanted response.
    • Withholding reinforcement for an unwanted response and providing reinforcement for a predetermined alternative behavior.

Differential Reinforcement of Other Behaviors (DRO):

  • Definition : Providing reinforcement for the non-occurrence of the unwanted behavior.
    • Providing reinforcement when the unwanted behavior does not occur.

Discriminative Stimulus (SD): Discriminative stimulus

  • Definition : A demand/question or directive given to obtain a specific response or a naturally occurring signal that reinforcement is available.
    • A request/question or instruction given to elicit a specific response, or a naturally occurring signal that can be reinforced.

Echoic: Echoic (follow along)

  • Definition : A verbal operant; point-to-point similarity with a verbal model; repeating what is heard.
    • A linguistic function, a response that matches the language model; repeating what is heard.

Echolalia: echoic language

  • Definition : Consistent repeating of another person's vocalizations. This might happen right away or be delayed. Echolalia may not be useful or instructive in learning spoken behavior, but it is better than generating no noises at all.
    • Repeating the vocalizations of another person continuously. It may occur immediately or be delayed. Echolangiography may not be useful or educational for learning speech behavior, but it is better than no sound at all.

Expressive: Expressive

  • Definition : Part of language acquisition that indicates how much a learner can express (does not need to be vocal language).
    • A part of language acquisition that demonstrates how much a learner can express (not necessarily spoken language).

Extinction: Eradication

  • Definition : The withholding of reinforcement for a previously reinforced behavior, reducing that behavior.
    • Reducing a previously reinforced behavior by stopping reinforcement for that behavior.

FBA (Functional Behavioral Assessment): Functional Behavioral Assessment

  • Definition : An assessment to determine the function of a target behavior (or behaviors).
    • Assessment to determine the function of target behavior(s).

FCT (Functional Communication Training): Functional Communication Training

  • Definition : A method of teaching expressive communication to get needs met.
    • How to teach communication to meet needs.

Generalization: Generalization

  • Definition : The ability to learn a skill in one situation and apply it flexibly to other similar but different situations.
    • The ability to flexibly apply skills learned in one situation to similar but different situations.

Graduated Guidance: Gradual Guidance

  • Definition : A system of gradually and systematically reducing physical prompts.
    • A system for gradually and systematically reducing physical assistance.

High-Probability Request Sequence:

  • Definition : An antecedent intervention; high-probability tasks are presented before a low-probability task is presented.
    • As a preconditioning measure, a task that has a high probability of eliciting a response is presented before a task that has a low probability of eliciting a response.

IBI (Intensive Behavioral Intervention): Intensive Behavioral Intervention

  • Definition : Based on the principles of ABA, involving higher intensity of one-to-one treatment involving 20-40 hours a week of therapy.
    • High-intensity intervention based on ABA principles, involving 20-40 hours of one-on-one therapy per week.
    • Note : Not all ABA is IBI, but all IBI is ABA.
      • Not all ABAs are IBIs, but all IBIs are ABAs.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA):

  • Definition : This law ensures that children with special needs get Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and related services throughout their lives to prepare them for independent living and employment.
    • This law ensures that children with special needs have access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) and related services throughout their lives to prepare them for independent living and employment.

Incidental Teaching: The Method of Chance Teaching

  • Definition : Incidental teaching is when a teacher follows the learner's lead naturally in order to encourage a specific response.
    • Coincidental teaching is a method of natural mediation that encourages specific responses while following the learner's lead.

Intervention: Intervention

  • Definition : This is the action plan or strategy you will use to change a behavior.
    • An action plan or strategy to use to change behavior.

Intraverbal: Intraverbal (talking)

  • Definition : A verbal operant; complex part of speech; ability to respond to a question.
    • Linguistic function, part of complex language; the ability to respond to questions.

Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP):

  • Definition : This is a document that provides early intervention assistance to children aged 0-3 years. The IFSP, like an IEP, defines and outlines the services required for the individual learner to meet developmental goals. It is also guaranteed under IDEA. Together, family members and care providers decide how to effectively plan, execute, and evaluate services and progress.
    • A document that provides early intervention support for children ages 0-3. Like the IEP, the IFSP defines and outlines the services an individual learner needs to achieve developmental goals. Also covered under IDEA. Family members and caregivers work together to determine how to effectively plan, implement, and evaluate services.

Intermittent Reinforcement:

  • Definition : This is when behavior is reinforced randomly rather than every time it happens. This can lead to the reinforcement of a habit and the development of extinction resistance. To either boost skill acquisition or minimize challenging behavior, everyone connected with the learner must be on the same reinforcement schedule.
    • When a behavior is reinforced randomly rather than every time it occurs. This can help reinforce habits and develop resistance to extinction. To facilitate skill acquisition or minimize challenging behaviors, everyone involved with the learner should be on the same reinforcement schedule.

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE):

  • Definition : This is a phrase used in education to describe the most common setting in which a student can achieve academic and social growth.
    • An educational term that describes the most common environment in which students can achieve academic and social growth.

Mand: Mand (request)

  • Definition : A verbal operant; requesting.
    • A verbal action that requires action.

Mouthing: putting in the mouth

  • Definition : Placing items/toys, etc., in the mouth. Often, this may also mean licking an object.
    • The act of putting objects or toys in the mouth; sometimes also means licking objects.

NET (Natural Environment Teaching): Natural Environment Teaching Method

  • Definition : A method of teaching where skills are taught or generalized within the natural environment.
    • A teaching method that teaches or generalizes skills within a natural environment.

PRT (Pivotal Response Training): Pivotal Response Training

  • Definition : Based on the principles of ABA; a method of teaching where pivotal behavioral skills are targeted for behavioral improvements.
    • A teaching method that aims to improve behavior by targeting core behavioral skills based on ABA principles.
    • Note : Pivotal areas include motivation, response to multiple cues, self-management, initiation of social interactions.
      • Central areas include motivation, responding to various cues, self-management, and initiating social interactions.

Priming: Priming

  • Definition : An antecedent strategy; a method used prior to the event to set the stage for a desired response, or to reduce the likelihood of a challenging response.
    • As a preemptive strategy, a method used before an event to elicit a desired response or to reduce the likelihood of a challenging response.

Partial Interval: Partial Interval

  • Definition : A method of data collection; recording where a behavior occurs or does not occur during a specific interval; it does not have to occur throughout the entire interval.
    • A data collection method that records whether a behavior occurred during a specific interval; the behavior need not occur throughout the entire interval.

Prompt: Urge

  • Definition : A strategy used to correct the learner and still increase learning; it is usually placed after the instruction and before the response.
    • A strategy used to help learners learn, usually used after an instruction but before a response.
    • Physical Prompt : Physically guiding the learner through the response.
      • Physically prompt the learner to respond.
    • Model Prompt : Showing the learner what to do before they do it.
      • Shows learners what to do before they act.
    • Gestural Prompt : Pointing or using other gestures to indicate the correct response as you are presenting the instruction.
      • When giving directions, point to or gesture to indicate the correct response.
    • Verbal Prompt : Using vocal cues to indicate the correct response.
      • Use vocal cues to elicit the correct response.
    • Visual Prompt : Can include texts or pictures; provide visual supports to indicate the correct response.
      • It can contain text or images and provide visual support to encourage the correct response.

Premack Principle: Premack Principle

  • Definition : First/then contingency; a high-probability behavior is made contingent upon a lower-probability behavior, then the lower-probability behavior is more likely to occur.
    • The first/second order principle states that high probability actions occur after low probability actions, making it more likely that low probability actions will occur more often.
    • Note : Also known as “grandma's rule”.
      • Also known as "Grandma's Rule".

Punishment: Punishment

  • Definition : A consequence that happens after a behavior that serves to reduce the likelihood of that behavior happening again in the future.
    • A consequence that occurs after a particular behavior, making it less likely that the behavior will occur again.
    • Positive Punishment : The addition of something that acts to decrease the likelihood of a behavior happening in the future.
      • Add something to reduce the behavior.
    • Negative Punishment : The removal of something that acts to decrease the likelihood of a behavior happening again in the future.
      • Eliminate something to reduce behavior.

RBT (Registered Behavior Technician): Behavior Technician

  • Definition : For direct-level staff, this credential denotes that the person has met specific education and experience standards and, starting in 12/2015, has passed a rigorous exam.
    • Therapists trained and supervised by a BCBA. This indicates that they have met specific education and experience standards and passed an examination.

Receptive: receptive

  • Definition : Part of language acquisition that indicates how much a person understands.
    • A part of language acquisition that indicates how much a person understands.

Reinforcement: Reinforcement

  • Definition : A consequence that happens after a behavior that serves to increase the likelihood of that behavior happening again in the future.
    • A consequence that occurs after a particular behavior, making that behavior more likely to occur again.
    • Positive Reinforcement : The addition of something that acts to increase the likelihood of a behavior happening in the future.
      • Add something to make the action happen more often.
    • Negative Reinforcement : The removal of something that acts to increase the likelihood of a behavior happening in the future.
      • To remove something in order to increase action.

Satiation: saturation

  • Definition : When the frequent use of a reinforcer leads to decreased effectiveness.
    • A phenomenon in which the effectiveness of reinforcement decreases due to frequent use.

Shaping: Behavior formation

  • Definition : A method used to teach and differentially reinforce gradually closer approximations of a target behavior/skill.
    • A method to help shape behavior by gradually reinforcing skills that bring you closer to the target behavior/skill.

Tact: Tact (naming)

  • Definition : A verbal operant; labeling or naming; language evoked by an item or picture; speaker comes into contact with the object.
    • Linguistic operations, such as labeling or naming; speech evoked by objects or pictures; the speaker's contact with objects.

Target Behavior: Target Behavior

  • Definition : This refers to the specific behavior of focus that one aims to either promote or diminish. A comprehensive treatment plan may involve addressing multiple target behaviors simultaneously.
    • Refers to a specific behavior that is intended to be promoted or reduced. A comprehensive treatment plan may address multiple target behaviors simultaneously.

Task Analysis: Task Analysis

  • Definition : A skill broken down into a sequence of small steps.
    • Breaking down the technology into smaller steps.

Verbal Operant: A unit of language behavior analysis

  • Definition : Parts of language and communication that include mand, tact, echoic, intraverbal, listener responding, motor imitation, and visual perception.
    • Parts of language and communication, including requesting, contact, echoic, conversational, listener-responsive, motor imitation, and visual perception.