The positive effects of ABA therapy in reducing aggressive behavior in children with ASD, 3 - 6 years old

• Author: Jonida Mustafaraj
• Position: 'A. Xhuvani' University of Elbasan
• Pages: 146-156

146

Vol. 2 No. 3

January, 2017

Balkan Journal of Interdisciplinary Research

IIPCCL Publishing, Tirana-Albania

ISSN 2410-759X

Acces online at www.iipccl.org

The positive eT ects of ABA therapy in reducing aggressive behavior in

children with ASD, 3 - 6 years old

PhD (C.) Jonida Mustafaraj

“A. Xhuvani” University of Elbasan

Abstract

Applied Behavior Analysis is a process of systematically applying interventions based upon

the principles of learning theory to improve socially signifi cant behaviors to a meaningful

degree, and to demonstrate that the interventions employed are responsible for the

improvement in behavior(Baer, Wolf &Risley, 1968). ABA has been used to help individuals

acquire many diT erent skills, such as language skills, self-help skills, and play skills; in

addition, these principles can help to decrease maladaptive behaviors such as aggression,

self-stimulatory behaviors, and self-injury. Challenging behaviors represent some of the most

concerning and stressful features of autism.

This study has investigated the eT ectiveness of ABA therapy in minimizing aggressive behavior

in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ADS) , 3 - 6 years old. The aim of this study is

to record the importance of the positive eT ects of ABA Therapy in minimizing aggression

in children with ADS, 3-6 years old. The study sample consisted of 6 childrens withADS.

Children are treated with ABA Therapy at age 3 years. Currently children are 6 years old.

Children involved in the study have had a high level of aggressive behavior when they have

been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ADS). Sample selection was carried out in

Autism Center in the city of Elbasan. For the methodology of this study are used qualitative

methods. The collection of data for this study was conducted in a period of 3 years.

Results of this study showed that 75% of the cases included in the study diagnosed with ADS

and treated with ABA Therapy by age 3-6 years the level of aggressiveness of the very high

level is reduced to moderate in 65 % of cases.

Keywords: ABA Therapy; Autism Spectrum Disorder (ADS) ;Early Childhood ; Aggression.

Introduction

Overview of the problem of study

Applied Behavior Analysis is a process of systematically applying interventions

based upon the principles of learning theory to improve socially signifi cant behaviors

to a meaningful degree, and to demonstrate that the interventions employed are

responsible for the improvement in behavior (Baer, Wolf &Risley, 1968). ABA has

been used to help individuals acquire many diT erent skills, such as language skills,

self-help skills, and play skills; in addition, these principles can help to decrease

maladaptive behaviors such as aggression, self-stimulatory behaviors, and self-injury.

ABA is focused on positive reinforcement strategies. It can help children who are

having diU culty learning or acquiring new skills. It can also address problem

behaviors that interfere with functioning through a process called “functional

behavioral assessment.” The principles and methods of behavior analysis have been

applied eT ectively in many circumstances to develop a wide range of skills in learners

with and without disabilities.