What is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)?

Behaviour analysis is the study of mechanisms that influence behaviour as well as how it interacts with learning and education. Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based framework that looks to apply these concepts to the world around us. While ABA is most commonly used within the special education context to help learners acquire different skills from - from appropriate classroom etiquette to independent life skills. It has expanded to apply behavioural principles within the workplace through Organisational Behaviour Management (OBM).

Who can conduct ABA Therapy?

In the USA and Canada, ABA Therapy is conducted by a team of trained professionals that are led by a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst - Doctorate (BCBA-D) or a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) who has completed postgraduate training to apply behavioural concepts in assessing a learner’s profile to draft an individualised treatment plan. They supervise Board Certified Assistant Behaviour Analysts (BCaBAs) and Registered Behaviour Technicians (RBTs) to deliver ABA therapy.

Whilst some international insurance providers require for ABA programmes to be led by a BCBA-D/ BCBA, this particular credential may be limited in Singapore. With this in mind, do look out for the following as indicators of a good programme:

• The therapy team is led by a supervisor level qualification (i.e. BCBA, QBA, IBA, etc.)

• The therapists are trained and supervised by an appropriately qualified supervisor

• Individualised treatment plan is provided and explained: the team brings you into the loop and keeps your goals and considerations in mind when designing an intervention plan

• The therapy is data-driven: the providers actively collect data and utilise data to update programming

• Parental guidance is given on providing further support beyond therapy sessions

Current Certifications

Here are a few certification boards which ABA supervisors and therapists in Singapore may currently be certified under:

• Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), Established 1998

  • BCBA - Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (Supervisor Level)

  • RBT - Registered Behaviour Technician (Therapist Level)

• Qualified Applied Behaviour Analysis Certification Board (QABA), Established 2012

  • QBA - Qualified Behaviour Analyst (Supervisor Level)

  • ABAT - Applied Behaviour Analysis Technician (Therapist Level)

• International Behaviour Analysis Organisation (IBAO), Established 2020

  • IBA - International Behaviour  Analyst (Supervisor Level)

  • IBT - International Behaviour Therapist (Therapist Level)

Supervisor level certifications mentioned are independent practitioners whereas the therapist level certifications require ongoing supervision.

Who can benefit from ABA Therapy?

ABA be applied within a multitude of different contexts including:

• Autism and other developmental disabilities

• Learning disabilities

• Behaviour difficulties

• Organisational Behaviour Management

• Health and fitness professionals

• Parents and Caregivers

• Sports and Performance Coaching

• Mental Healthcare

• Education

• Environmental sustainability

• Public Health Services

How can ABA Therapy help?

The overall goal of ABA therapy is an increase in desirable behaviours and a decrease in undesirable behaviours. To this end, learners that have undergone ABA therapy could show:

• Improvement in focus and attention

• Improvement in communication skills

• Improvement in school readiness skills

• Improvement in social skills

• Improvement in independent living skills

• Reduction in problem behaviours

• Better emotional regulation

Where can I engage ABA services?

ABA service-providers can provide therapy services within a school setting, a home setting, a community setting, or a therapy centre. In Singapore, there are several government-backed organisations providing ABA therapy alongside ABA companies, and private practitioners.