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BAAM
Professional Essentials Definition: Applied Behavior Analyst |
An
Applied Behavior Analyst is a
trained expert who uses empirically established principles of learning,
behavioral conditioning techniques, and related environmental modifications
to create demonstrably effective and humane outcome-based therapies
with the primary goal of establishing and enhancing socially important
functional independent living skills. In practice, an applied behavior
analyst uses techniques based on learning theory to shape important
new behaviors in individuals with specific behavioral excesses and deficits.
Interventions conducted by applied behavior analysts typically include
the following components: (1) a data-based functional analysis of the
conditions responsible for the problem behavior; (2) specific and verifiable
treatment goals and objectives; (3) a well-defined plan using reinforcement
theory principles to meet the goals and objectives; (4) ongoing data
collection to show that the intervention was actually responsible for
the treatment gains; (5) a plan to ensure the generalization and maintenance
of treatment gains; and (6) measures to ensure the social validity of
the treatment goals and objectives, and to ensure that all those affected
by the treatment can contribute substantially and constructively to
all its elements. Eliminating self-injury and teaching academic skills
to children with autism, re-establishing independent living skills in
people with brain injuries, training appropriate toileting in children
with enuresis, improving medical compliance in people with illnesses,
establishing effective study habits in at-risk school children, reducing
repetitive habits such as nail biting and trichtotillamania, and reinforcing
appropriate social behavior in people with social skills deficits are
illustrative of, but do not exhaust, the range of behavior issues addressed
by applied behavior analysts. Although an applied behavior analyst would
be trained to employ diagnostic and assessment information supplied
by psychologists and other health professionals, and work in concert
with other professionals as necessary and appropriate to set goals and
objectives and achieve good treatment outcomes, applied behavior analysis
as a practice does not include traditional psychological testing, the
general diagnosis of psychopathology, long-term counseling, psychoanalysis,
and all those treatment techniques not considered part of practice of
psychology. This statement should not be taken to exclude applied behavior
analysts with the appropriate training and credentials from engaging
in these and other professional practices.
1. This definition is based on numerous similar definitions and derived from many sources. No claim to originality is made or implied.
1. This definition is based on numerous similar definitions and derived from many sources. No claim to originality is made or implied.