Focused ABA

Focused Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) involves direct treatment with a learner to maintain or improve specific behaviors across a limited number of skill areas. This type of treatment should be available to individuals regardless of age, cognitive ability, diagnosis, or additional conditions (CASP, 2024)

Focused ABA is appropriate for learners who require targeted skill development essential for their well-being, safety, inclusion, and independence. These skills may include, but are not limited to, following directions, self-care, communication, social interaction, feeding, toileting, safety awareness, cooperation with medical procedures, and learning independent leisure activities.

Focused ABA is also appropriate for learners who exhibit severe, high-risk behaviors that need immediate intervention due to safety concerns, with the goal to replace these with behaviors that help the learner participate in school, at home, and in their community. Addressing these behaviors promptly is crucial, as they may also hinder the management of other medical conditions. Examples of such behaviors include self-harm, property damage, aggression, inappropriate sexual conduct, threats, pica (consumption of non-food items), elopement (wandering away unsafely), repetitive vocal or motor behaviors, and other disruptive or maladaptive behaviors affecting daily functioning (CASP, 2024).