Behavior Analysis in Developmental Disabilities

The earliest applications of the field of behavior analysis were in the 1960s in the area of developmental disabilities. The needs of individuals who, for whatever reasons, had difficulties in learning were a particularly good match for the emerging technology of applied behavior analysis, and applications to individuals with mental retardation and autism have remained a primary focus for applied behavior analysts. Applied behavior analysis has long been the default approach for teaching skills and ameliorating behavior problems with these populations and is now required under certain conditions by federal and state statutes and regulations.

Early in this history, applied behavior analysts realized that in order to effectively disseminate this technology, it was necessary to involve paraprofessionals and others not trained in the field. This need led to a program of research that resulted in development of a technology of staff training and staff management, which also found widespread utility in business and industry as Organizational Behavior Management.

Applied behavior analysis has spawned a comprehensive approach to the wide-ranging needs of individuals with diverse developmental disabilities. Although this approach is often simplified for use by individuals not formally trained in behavior analysis, it is actually quite complex and sophisticated. The basis of the technology in basic and applied research is extensive, and the technology continues to grow and evolve.

In recent years, applications to individuals with autism have increased substantially. Although behavior analysts have been conducting applied research with and providing services to this population for decades, the attention of the parent and provider community has only been drawn to behavior analysis within the last ten years or so. Independent evaluations of applied behavior analysis and other approaches have concluded that ABA is the only approach that has been scientifically documented as effective with this population. The web site of the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies provides a great deal of information about applications in this area of developmental disabilities.

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Last updated on March 31, 2004