The rapidly growing discipline of applied behavior analysis relies on specific techniques to bring about behavioral changes in an individual’s life. It is, literally, the applied form of traditional behavior analysis—seeking to use the systematic collection and analysis of behavioral data to guide appropriate interventions that will actually affect behavior.
While applied behavior analysis receives the most attention for its use in helping those with autism and developmental disabilities (ex. Harvard psychologist Dr. Mike Mozzoni’s “Big Six Plus Six” to help a patient dress himself), it may surprise you to know some of the other ways you can apply knowledge from an applied behavior analysis program.
Autism Therapy
Many people interested in pursuing a degree in ABA are intrigued by its link to autism treatment. ABA therapy is a popular therapeutic method for children and adults with autism and is shown to improve an individual’s learning skills, job capabilities, and social cues. Studies have demonstrated that applied behavior analysis therapy is most effective when performed on autistic children under the age of four, but its benefits are still seen with individuals past that age.
How ABA Therapy Helps Individuals with Autism:
- Improves communication skills
- Promotes adaptive living skills like cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene
- Helps individuals build social relationships
- Fosters self-care and independence
Sports
Many coaches and athletes rely on instinct when competing, but applying a scientific approach to assist with performance can go a long way. Multiple studies have shown that an athlete or team’s performance can be enhanced when implementing certain ABA techniques during practice or training. Some of these techniques include:
- Positive reinforcement for proper execution
- Stimulus training and consistent feedback
- Outlining public performance objectives
Organizational Behavior Management (OBM)
Organizational behavior management is an application of applied behavior analysis that seeks to help organizational leaders understand why members or teams within their organization may act a certain way. Based on these understandings, leaders are able to enact practical solutions that focus on methods to potentially improve performance.
Some examples of how it’s used in the workplace may include:
- Improving the telephone courtesy of customer service staff
- Reducing absenteeism
- Improving time management
- Reducing medical errors
- Reducing waste and rejects in manufacturing
Social Worker
Social workers are vital for keeping society safe and sane by working with children, the abused, the vulnerable, and the old. Social workers are trained to help patients work through a variety of tough situations, such as working with addicts to help them pull through the rigors of recovery.
The knowledge of behavioral patterns and human psychology makes an ABA degree holder a great fit for this job. Social workers often work closely with the criminal justice systems and help the victims of crime and abuse to get through life successfully. Applied behavior analysts can work in this capacity in government agencies, health facilities, and security task forces.
Counselor
Counseling is one of the common career paths for ABA degree holders. A counselor uses their knowledge of behavior and thought processes to help patients in many aspects of life that include career choices, stress relief, marriage, and relationships.
As counselors, applied behavior analysts can be versatile and work in a wide range of organizations, including hospitals, schools, business establishments, and private practices.
Psychological Assistant
Although a background in applied behavioral analysis does not qualify you as a psychologist, the expertise gained by this specialty can be extremely useful for psychology work in an assistant role.
Psychological assistants may also perform research on behavioral patterns associated with psychological illnesses or patients, and work in any field that has the need for a professional psychologist.
Request infoAddiction Treatment
Applied behavior analysis can improve impulse control in pathological gamblers, or those suffering from drug and alcohol substance abuse. These are seen as behavioral addictions and often result from the biochemical reward our brain produces when partaking in these behaviors.
One ABA technique used to combat addictive behavior is to include activity scheduling. This ABA technique consists of teaching the addict to maintain a tight schedule in order to limit downtime during their day. Without the free time, there is less opportunity for them to compulsively feed their addiction.
Weight Loss Programs
People often look for a quick fix when trying to lose weight. But you can adjust what you eat all you want; in the end, it is adjusting your actual behavior that will help shed the pounds and keep them from coming back.
Many popular weight-loss regimens are built on applied behavior analysis techniques that incorporate strict routines and meticulous record keeping. By maintaining records, those seeking to lose weight are holding themselves accountable and able to visibly see their success, further reinforcing the positive behavior.
Animal Behavior Consultant
An applied behavior analyst can pursue a unique career as an animal behavior consultant. Animals can have certain behavioral issues that mimic those of humans. With an ABA degree, an animal behavior consultant can help pets achieve a better temperament and obedience.
Animal behavior consultants use techniques to assess harmful and destructive behaviors in an animal and then work to prevent these behaviors. By encouraging the development of productive characteristics, an animal behavior consultant will be able to create a treatment plan and ultimately soothe an animal’s disposition.
There are job opportunities for animal behavior consultants at the veterinarian’s office, animal shelters, zoological gardens, and other animal facilities.
Learn more about The Chicago School
Interested in learning more about The Chicago School’s Applied Behavior Analysis programs? Check out our Applied Behavior Analysis program page or fill out the form below to request more information.