Applied Behaviour Analysis

About the course

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is based on the science of learning and behaviour and provides a set of evidence-based principles for understanding how behaviour works and how learning takes place. As an educational method, it is considered a best practice approach, particularly in the area of Autism Spectrum Disorders and developmental disabilities. This course is aimed at providing a very comprehensive and practical level of training to those who are interested in using ABA techniques to enhance motivation, improve learning and change behaviour.

The focus of this course is on specific techniques for teaching and learning. This includes techniques for increasing useful and desired behaviour and teaching children how to learn, increasing language, and improving attention, social skills, memory and academic outcomes. You will learn how to collect data, assess behaviour, and design and implement programmes using positive strategies for teaching new skills and reducing behaviours which can interfere with learning.

Who is this course aimed at?

This course is designed for teachers, SNAs, youth workers, psychologists, care workers and those working with children or adolescents with autism and other disabilities in many different settings. It may also be helpful for parents who want to develop skills in ABA for supporting their own children.

Approved by the Department of Education

This course is approved by the Department of Education.

Three EPV days are allowed for primary school teachers who take the course during the summer term. Please note this provision applies only to the summer term as per Department guidelines.

This course has four terms each year, Spring, May/June, Summer & Autumn.

About the course

Based on behavioural principles of learning and motivation, and using objective measurable goals, ABA is a teaching method that has a wide range of applications, and is embedded in many programmes and approaches used in schools and classrooms today. This course is designed to give you the knowledge and skills to design, implement and evaluate behavioural programmes for children and young people with diverse needs in a wide range of settings.

The key techniques of the ABA method include positive reinforcement, graduated prompting, repetition and task analysis. The application of ABA principles in order to teach new skills, improve communication and decrease problem behaviours is explained and examined. Methods and systems of observation, writing programmes and conducting analysis of behaviour are also reviewed and demonstrated using case examples. A key focus is on how to promote generalisation of skills across different settings. You will also learn how to motivate children, from those who are easy to engage and motivate to those who present a real challenge in terms of interest and motivation.

Designed and taught by internationally qualified, experienced ABA practitioners, this course gives you access to real time guidance and advice for implementing ABA and you will have the opportunity to complete practical learning exercises involving data collection and behaviour change, focusing on your own behaviour and that of your students.

Highlights

• Discover the key techniques of the ABA method including positive reinforcement, graduated prompting, repetition and using task analysis for teaching new skills.
• Motivate children with all levels of abilities to learn new skills, enabling them to experience independence and success in both the short-term and long-term.
• Learn how to analyse behaviour and how to complete a functional behavioural assessment.
• Learn techniques for increasing desirable behaviour, decreasing undesirable behaviour and ensuring generalization.
• Gain skills in applying ABA across domains, for increasing language and improving communication, social skills, memory, attention and self-regulation.
• Enjoy rich opportunities for collaboration with our online network of learners and tutors.
• Save printable course materials and resources for future reference.