When exploring Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for a loved one with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other developmental challenges, one of the first questions that often arises is: “What are the two types of ABA?”. Understanding the different approaches to ABA therapy is crucial for making informed decisions about treatment options that will best support your child’s unique needs and goals.
ABA therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, it offers tailored approaches designed to address specific challenges and developmental needs. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) recognizes two primary types of ABA therapy programs: comprehensive ABA and focused ABA. Each type serves different purposes and is designed for individuals with varying needs and goals.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what are the different types of ABA therapy, focusing on the two main models – comprehensive and focused ABA. We’ll dive deep into how each approach works, who might benefit most from each type, and how to determine which option might be right for your loved one. Let’s begin this journey to better understand the world of ABA therapy and how it can be customized to support your child’s growth and development.
What Is ABA Therapy?
Before diving into the two types of ABA therapy, let’s establish a foundational understanding of what ABA therapy is and how it works.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific discipline that applies principles of behavior to improve socially significant behaviors. ABA therapy uses these principles to create structured interventions that help increase useful behaviors and decrease harmful ones. It’s based on the understanding that behavior is influenced by environmental factors and can be changed through careful manipulation of these factors.
ABA therapy is evidence-based and is effective for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental challenges. It focuses on the idea that consequences of our actions affect what we learn and what we’ll do in the future.
A typical ABA therapy program involves several key steps:
- Assessment: The process begins with a detailed evaluation of the individual’s skills, preferences, and needs, often using standardized tools alongside observations and interviews.
- Goal Setting: Based on the assessment, therapists establish specific, measurable goals for behavior change that will improve the individual’s independence and quality of life.
- Intervention: Therapists implement various ABA methods to teach new skills and reduce problematic behaviors, often breaking complex skills into smaller, teachable units.
- Evaluation: Progress toward goals is regularly reviewed, with ongoing data collection and analysis to guide adjustments to the treatment plan.
ABA therapy can help improve a wide range of skills, including communication, social interaction, self-care, play and leisure activities, motor skills, and academic performance. It can also help decrease behaviors that may be harmful or interfere with learning and development.
What Are the Two Types of ABA?
The BACB defines two main types of ABA program structures for the treatment of autism. These are the “comprehensive” model and the “focused” model. Understanding the differences between focused vs comprehensive ABA is essential for determining which approach will best meet your child’s needs.
Comprehensive ABA Therapy
Comprehensive ABA Therapy is designed to address multiple areas of functioning across developmental domains. This approach aims to promote broad developmental progress by targeting various skills and behaviors simultaneously.
Key Features of Comprehensive ABA
- Scope: Addresses multiple skill areas and developmental domains
- Intensity: Typically involves 20-40 hours of therapy per week
- Duration: Often continues for 1-3 years or more
- Target Population: Usually recommended for younger children with ASD (often under age 5)
- Goals: Targets communication, social skills, cognitive abilities, adaptive behaviors, and challenging behaviors
Comprehensive ABA therapy focuses on promoting generalization, ensuring that learned skills are applied across diverse settings such as home, school, and community environments. This maximizes the real-world applicability of the skills being taught.
Areas Targeted in Comprehensive ABA
- Communication Skills: Enhancing verbal and nonverbal communication to help individuals express their needs and engage effectively with others.
- Social Skills: Developing behaviors that facilitate positive interactions, such as turn-taking, sharing, and understanding social cues.
- Life Skills: Teaching adaptive skills like toileting, dressing, and self-care to promote independence.
- Behavior Management: Reducing problematic behaviors such as tantrums or self-injury that may hinder learning or social engagement.
- Cognitive Skills: Building foundational learning abilities, problem-solving skills, and academic readiness.
Comprehensive ABA is particularly beneficial for young children with autism who need early, intensive intervention across multiple developmental domains. The goal is to close the gap between the child’s current functioning and that of their typically developing peers.
Focused ABA Therapy
Focused ABA Therapy is a more targeted approach designed to address a smaller number of specific behavior or skill deficits. This type of ABA concentrates on a limited set of objectives, making it ideal for individuals who need support in particular areas.
Key Features of Focused ABA
- Scope: Targets specific behaviors or skill deficits
- Intensity: Typically involves 10-25 hours per week
- Duration: Often shorter than comprehensive ABA, focusing on specific goals
- Target Population: Suitable for individuals of any age with specific, measurable goals
- Goals: Addresses particular challenges such as reducing self-injurious behaviors, improving social interactions, or developing specific skills
Focused ABA is recommended for individuals with less severe behaviors or those who need support in specific areas rather than across all developmental domains.
Areas Targeted in Focused ABA
- Specific Functional Skills: Such as toilet training, using communication devices, or making requests.
- Daily Living Tasks: Improving skills like dressing, eating, or personal hygiene.
- Social Skills: Developing specific abilities like initiating conversations, making friends, or interpreting social cues.
- Challenging Behaviors: Addressing particular problematic behaviors in specific contexts.
- Transition Support: Helping individuals prepare for new environments, such as school or work.
Focused ABA can also be applied as a short-term intervention to address particular goals within a limited timeframe. It’s particularly beneficial for individuals who have achieved many developmental milestones but only need support in select areas.
Focused vs Comprehensive ABA: Key Differences
Understanding the differences between comprehensive and focused ABA therapy is crucial for determining which approach is right for your child. While both types share the goal of improving individuals’ quality of life, they differ significantly in their scope, settings, duration, and intensity.
Scope and Goals
Comprehensive ABA:
- Aims for broad developmental improvements
- Addresses multiple areas simultaneously (communication, social skills, adaptive behavior)
- Creates a holistic intervention plan
Focused ABA:
- Targets specific behaviors or skill deficits
- Concentrates on particular challenges (e.g., behavior management in specific settings, independent living skills)
- Addresses a smaller number of goals
Intensity and Duration
Comprehensive ABA:
- Highly intensive: 20-40 hours per week
- Typically continues for 1-3 years or more
- Requires significant commitment from families and caregivers
Focused ABA:
- Less intensive: 10-25 hours per week
- Often shorter duration, focusing on specific goals
- May be used as a short-term intervention
Target Population
Comprehensive ABA:
- Typically recommended for young children with ASD (often under age 5)
- Ideal for those who need early, holistic intervention
- Beneficial for children with significant delays across multiple domains
Focused ABA:
- Suitable for individuals of any age
- Appropriate for those with specific, targeted goals
- Beneficial for individuals who have achieved many developmental milestones but need support in select areas
Delivery Settings
Comprehensive ABA:
- Often involves structured coordination across multiple settings
- May include clinic, home, and school environments
- Requires consistent implementation across all settings
Focused ABA:
- Tailored to settings where specific skills are applied
- May focus on particular environments (e.g., classroom, home)
- Can be more flexible in terms of location and scheduling
The following table provides a comparative overview of comprehensive vs focused ABA therapy:
| Feature | Comprehensive ABA | Focused ABA |
| Scope | Broad, addressing multiple skill domains | Narrow, targeting specific behaviors/skills |
| Intensity | Typically high (20-40 hours/week) | Can range from low to high (10-25 hours/week) |
| Duration | 1-3 years or more | Often shorter, goal-dependent |
| Target Population | Young children with significant needs across domains | Individuals with specific areas of concern |
| Goals | Holistic development across domains | Addressing particular challenges or skills |
How to Choose Between the Two Types of ABA
Selecting the right type of ABA therapy for your child is a significant decision that should be made in consultation with qualified professionals. Here are some factors to consider when choosing between comprehensive and focused ABA:
Assessment and Evaluation
The first step in determining which of the two types of ABA might be right for your child is a comprehensive assessment by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). This evaluation will:
- Assess your child’s current skills and challenges
- Identify areas of strength and need
- Establish baseline measurements
- Help determine the appropriate intensity and focus of therapy
Considering Your Child’s Needs
When deciding between focused vs comprehensive ABA, consider:
- Age: Younger children (under 5) often benefit more from comprehensive ABA, while older children or those with specific challenges might do well with focused ABA.
- Severity of Symptoms: Children with more significant challenges across multiple domains may need comprehensive ABA.
- Specific Goals: Focused ABA might be more appropriate if your child has a few specific skill deficits or behaviors to address.
- Previous Interventions: Consider what has worked or not worked in the past.
Practical Considerations
Other factors that may influence your decision include:
- Time Commitment: Can your family accommodate the intensive schedule of comprehensive ABA?
- Insurance Coverage: What types of ABA therapy does your insurance cover?
- Available Resources: What services are available in your area?
- School Schedule: How will therapy coordinate with your child’s educational program?
Remember that the choice between comprehensive and focused ABA is not permanent. As your child progresses, their needs may change, and their therapy program can be adjusted accordingly. Regular reassessment is an important part of any ABA program.
Understanding the Functions of Behavior in ABA
An important aspect of both types of ABA therapy is understanding the functions of behavior. This knowledge helps therapists develop effective intervention strategies tailored to your child’s specific needs.
What Are the 2 Main Functions of Behavior?
While there are various ways to categorize behavior functions, a simplified approach identifies two main categories:
- Access: Behaviors motivated by the desire to obtain something reinforcing
- Escape/Avoidance: Behaviors that help remove individuals from situations or tasks they find difficult or aversive
Access Function
The access function explains behaviors motivated by the desire to obtain something reinforcing, such as:
- Tangible Items: A child might throw a tantrum to get a desired toy
- Activities: A child might refuse to get dressed unless they get to watch a specific cartoon
- Social Interaction: A child might blurt out answers in class to gain attention
- Sensory Input: A child might spin around repeatedly to seek vestibular stimulation
Escape/Avoidance Function
Escape or avoidance behaviors help individuals remove themselves from situations they find challenging or uncomfortable, such as:
- Difficult Tasks: A child might engage in disruptive behavior to avoid completing homework
- Social Demands: A child might hide to avoid participating in group activities
- Sensory Discomfort: A child might cover their ears and run away from loud environments
Understanding these functions helps ABA therapists develop appropriate interventions that address the underlying reasons for behaviors rather than just the behaviors themselves.
Expanded View: Four Functions of Behavior
While the two main categories provide a simplified framework, many ABA practitioners use a more detailed approach that identifies four primary functions:
- Attention-Seeking: Behaviors aimed at gaining attention or a response from others
- Escape/Avoidance: Behaviors that help avoid or escape from demands or undesired situations
- Access to Tangibles: Behaviors performed to obtain desired objects or activities
- Sensory Stimulation: Behaviors that provide sensory input or automatic reinforcement
This more detailed categorization helps therapists develop even more targeted interventions based on the specific function a behavior serves.
What Are the Different Types of ABA Therapy Techniques?
Therapists use various ABA techniques and methodologies within both comprehensive and focused ABA frameworks. Understanding these approaches can help you better appreciate how ABA therapy is implemented.
Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
DTT is a structured technique that breaks down complex skills into smaller, teachable parts. Each “trial” consists of:
- A clear beginning (the therapist’s instruction)
- The child’s response
- A clear end (the therapist’s reinforcement or correction)
This method is particularly effective for teaching new behaviors and skills, with each trial being repeated multiple times in a session. The structured nature of DTT helps children learn skills they may struggle to pick up in a more naturalistic setting.
Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI)
EIBI is a comprehensive ABA approach designed for younger children, typically under the age of five. It involves intensive therapy-often 20 to 40 hours per week-aimed at reducing the symptoms of autism and improving cognitive and language skills.
EIBI is delivered in a one-on-one setting (at home, clinic, or school) and involves personalized treatment plans that address various skills and behaviors.
Pivotal Response Training (PRT)
PRT is a naturalistic form of ABA that aims to increase a child’s motivation to learn and communicate. Instead of focusing on individual behaviors, PRT targets “pivotal” areas of development (like motivation and response to multiple cues) that are central to a wide range of skills.
The therapy is often play-based and child-initiated, making it more enjoyable and less structured than some other forms of ABA.
Natural Environment Training (NET)
NET takes place in the child’s natural environment and uses naturally occurring opportunities to teach skills. This approach helps ensure that skills generalize to real-world situations and are not limited to the therapy setting.
Depending on the child’s needs and goals, these various techniques may be used within comprehensive or focused ABA programs.
How Precious Care Can Help
At Precious Care ABA, we understand that choosing the right type of ABA therapy for your child is a significant decision. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing personalized, evidence-based ABA therapy services that meet your child’s unique needs.
Our Approach to ABA Therapy
At Precious Care ABA, we offer both comprehensive and focused ABA therapy programs, tailored to each child’s individual needs. Our approach includes:
- Thorough Assessment: We begin with a comprehensive evaluation to determine your child’s strengths, challenges, and specific needs.
- Individualized Treatment Plans: Based on the assessment, we develop a personalized plan that addresses your child’s unique goals.
- Evidence-Based Techniques: Our therapists use proven ABA methodologies to help your child make meaningful progress.
- Family Involvement: We believe that family participation is crucial for success, and we provide training and support for parents and caregivers.
- Regular Progress Monitoring: We continuously track your child’s progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Why Choose Precious Care ABA?
- Experienced Team: Our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) have extensive experience working with children with autism and other developmental challenges.
- Comprehensive Services: We offer a range of services, including ABA therapy, social skills groups, parent training, and school consultation.
- Convenient Locations: With clinics in Colorado, Utah, New Jersey, and Maryland, we make it easy for families to access our services.
- Insurance Coverage: We work with most major insurance providers to help make therapy affordable for families.
- Supportive Environment: We create a warm, welcoming atmosphere where children feel safe, valued, and motivated to learn.
Whether your child needs comprehensive ABA therapy to address multiple developmental domains or focused ABA to target specific skills or behaviors, Precious Care is here to support your family every step of the way.
Conclusion: Taking the Next Step in Your ABA Journey
Understanding what the two types of ABA therapy-comprehensive and focused, are is an important first step in finding the right support for your child. Both approaches have their unique benefits and applications, and the best choice depends on your child’s individual needs, goals, and circumstances.
At Precious Care ABA, we believe that every child deserves personalized, effective intervention that helps them reach their full potential. Our team is committed to working closely with you to determine whether comprehensive or focused ABA is the right fit for your child and to develop a treatment plan that addresses their unique challenges and builds on their strengths.
Ready to explore how ABA therapy can help your child thrive? Don’t wait to give your child the support they deserve. Contact Precious Care ABA today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced BCBAs. Together, we’ll create a roadmap for your child’s success and walk alongside you every step of the way.
Our team is just a phone call away, ready to answer your questions about the different types of ABA therapy and help you navigate the journey ahead. Let’s work together to unlock your child’s potential and create a brighter future.
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