Core Principles of Progressive ABA

Core Principles of Progressive ABA

• Progressive Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) builds upon traditional ABA principles, emphasizing individualized and flexible approaches.
• It values the individual's unique strengths, preferences, and cultural context.
• Progressive ABA prioritizes person-centered goals and values, focusing on teaching meaningful and relevant life skills.
• A key aspect is promoting positive behavior support (PBS), developing strategies and techniques to both reduce challenging behaviors and increase prosocial alternatives.
• Progressive ABA often uses a collaborative, participatory approach, involving the individual and support network in goal setting and interventions.
• Building rapport and trust is crucial; the relationship between the individual and support team is considered a core intervention element.

Flexibility and Individualization

• Progressive ABA recognizes individual differences, adapting interventions to meet unique needs.
• It rejects the "one-size-fits-all" model of traditional ABA.
• Progress focuses on responding to individual progress, adapting interventions based on strengths and weaknesses.
• This enables flexibility in intervention location and approach.
• A person's environment fundamentally impacts learning.

Strengths-Based Approach

• Progressive ABA values strengths and resources, focusing on building upon existing skills.
• It identifies and leverages existing skills and abilities, making them part of the therapeutic approach.
• It builds positive interactions, fostering competence and agency.
• The approach encourages self-efficacy and active participation.
• It celebrates successes and emphasizes individual growth beyond deficit reduction.

Addressing Societal Factors

• Progressive ABA considers the impact of environment and culture beyond just addressing behaviors.
• Societal factors like resource access, social support, and cultural sensitivity influence intervention effectiveness.
• Progressive ABA emphasizes broader social and environmental considerations in interventions.

Positive Behavioral Support (PBS) Integration

• Progressive ABA highlights positive behavior aspects, focusing on behavior function and alternative need-meeting strategies.
• It contrasts with traditional ABA's primary focus on reducing problematic behaviors.
• PBS proactively prevents challenging behaviors.
• Interventions are tailored to the unique individual environment and context.
• This framework integrates individual needs and environmental factors in solutions.

Emphasis on Meaningful Interactions

• Progressive ABA prioritizes meaningful and relevant interactions, considering individual values and preferences.
• Intervention focuses on activities, skills, and goals relevant to the individual's life, enhancing community participation.

Person-Environment Interaction

• Progressive ABA emphasizes understanding the individual's interaction with their environment.
• Techniques are adapted to various settings (home, school, community).
• Interventions foster adaptive skills in diverse environments.