Yoga and ABA ... Part 1. What is Applied Behavior Analysis?

For all my yoga peeps out there, you’ve probably been wondering… “What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?” and “Why on earth would you want it to merge with yoga?”… Well today I’m going to start to answer those questions.

First and foremost, ABA is the science of behavior and analyzing the contingencies at play to either maintain a behavior, decrease a behavior, or increase a behavior. There are seven dimensions of ABA:

  1. Applied

  2. Behavioral

  3. Analytic

  4. Technological.

  5. Effective

  6. Generality

  7. Conceptually Systematic:

Applied 1.png

Most of the time ABA is linked solely with individuals with autism spectrum disorder, as it a research based medically necessary treatment. Depending on the age of the individual treatment dosages and intensities vary but research supports that children under the age of 6 benefit most from an intensive program that consists of 25 to 40 hours per week of ABA. That program is overseen by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Yours truly has been a practicing BCBA for the last 10 years, with 6 years focused on programs geared towards zero to 3 years old. A comprehensive ABA program should be based on individual child needs and will most likely encompass lessons geared towards speaking, listening, attending, behavior, self-help, social, and motor skills.

It is within the program to reduce problem behaviors (i.e tantrums, aggression, self-injurious behavior), and social skills that I started to gain interest in the potential of yoga and ABA merging…. Stay tuned for Part 2. Why ABA and Yoga?

ABAAshley Fiorillibehavior analysis, autism, yoga, applied behavior analysis, early intervention, behavior analyst, board certified behavior analyst, dimensions of aba2 Comments