When people of any age, but particularly the very young or the elderly, exhibit behavior that is deemed odd or unacceptable, health care professionals use different tools to redirect their behavior. One of those treatment tools is called applied behavioral analysis. Here is a closer look at this treatment protocol.
What Is Applied Behavioral Analysis?
Children who are autistic will begin showing signs of the condition by the time they are two years of age. This can be things like saying the same things repeatedly, or it may be they don't say anything at all. They may exhibit antisocial behavior, preferring to be alone and avoiding eye contact. The child may not be able to empathize with others' feelings or understand the concept of pretend and make-believe. Having your child diagnosed with autism or hearing a physician or other health professional say your child is on the "autism spectrum" can be overwhelming.
It is no different when a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or another dementia is delivered. It may suddenly explain the increasingly odd behavior, but an official diagnosis doesn't help loved ones know how to best deal with it. It's the same for those who have suffered a stroke or another traumatic brain injury.
Applied behavioral analysis works to improve the specific areas of difficulty that are problematic to the individual person. The skills that are worked on will vary from person to person. Their needs will also change as they age and their skill set and capabilities change.
How Is Applied Behavioral Analysis Done?
The applied behavioral analysis process usually begins will simple observation. The therapist conducts what is called a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA). They will speak with patient themselves as well as their family members, such as the parents of an autistic child or the spouse or children of an older adult. They will observe how the family members interact with one another as well as the environment in which the patient lives, whether it is at home or in an assisted living facility. The therapist will also review the medical records. They will make an assessment of their current cognitive skills, which may involve simple testing.
How Is The Functional Behavioral Analysis Data Used?
Once the therapist has performed the FBA, they will create a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP). This is a plan that will lay out the course of treatment that will address the issues of concern. In the case of a non-verbal autistic child or a stroke patient, it may be a recommendation to see a speech therapist. In the case of the Alzheimer's patient who becomes combative in the evening, it may be to adjust their schedule so they eat dinner and go to bed earlier in the evening.
Speak with local ABA services to learn more.
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