Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why does Adventure ABA only serve adults?
A. The overwhelming majority of behavior analysts in Maine are working only with children, and most have had all their professional training and supervision in this context. Working with adults requires expertise in supporting individuals as they navigate growing autonomy and the expectations of community life. Many adults living in residential programs have also experienced significant trauma, which can contribute to complex challenges. Adventure ABA has chosen this specialty because of our expertise and the urgent need in Maine for BCBAs with relevant training and experience.
Q. What is ABA? Isn't it just a treatment for children with autism?
A. Applied Behavior Analysis is the application of the science of behavior to socially significant problems. ABA can be used with adults or children, people with or without disabilities. It's a wide field that encompasses treatment for behavioral challenges as well as skill development, changes in public behavior, promoting health behaviors, and in specialties such as organizational management and behavioral economics.
Q. I heard that some people with autism say ABA can be harmful. Do you believe them?
A. Yes, and... Certain practices that posed more risk than benefit, and were in wide use in the past, have been rapidly disappearing. These changes have come about because of scientific advances, certification of behavior analysts, and importantly, the efforts of people harmed to share the impact on their lives. Every behavior analyst (and any medical or mental health professional) has the ethical obligation to share both the risks and benefits of any proposed plan before gaining consent to proceed. Behavior analysts who are practicing person-centered, trauma informed ABA put the voices and experiences of the people receiving services at the heart of what they do.
To learn more about ABA today, see Dr. Greg Hanley's article https://practicalfunctionalassessment.com/2021/09/09/a-perspective-on-todays-aba-by-dr-greg-hanley/
For more information about trauma informed ABA see Dr. Camille Kolu's website, https://cuspemergence.com/tiba-series/
Q. What should I expect from my behavior analyst?
A. You should expect to be regarded with respect and compassion at all times. When a behavior analyst becomes involved in the treatment of behavior challenges, there is a typical flow to the work. The behavior analyst will first get to know the person and why they are seeking behavior analytic services. This involves asking questions of the person, their family, and their supports. Additionally the behavior analyst will spend time with the person to learn about their preferences and experiences, as well as their environment. Data about what events occur, how often, and how they relate to other events, will be collected. The behavior analyst may also engage in activities alongside the person to understand how they respond to different circumstances. Together with the person and their supports, the behavior analyst will develop a plan to address the person's concerns. After discussing the benefits and risks of the plan, the person may choose to give consent. If they do, the behavior analyst teaches everyone involved how to implement the plan and then monitors progress. (Individuals who live or work in licensed settings need to wait for formal reviews/approvals of the plan before starting.) The behavior analyst may make changes to improve the plan based on ongoing data and feedback.
Q. What does it mean to be a Board Certifed Behavior Analyst (BCBA)*?
A. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) offers certification to behavior analysts. This process ensures that the BCBA has the minimum expertise needed to practice ethically and competently. BCBAs must take extensive graduate-level coursework, complete supervised fieldwork, pass a certification exam, and engage in continuing education. BCBAs are bound to a code of ethics that guides their work. For more information and to read the code go to www.bacb.com.
*Note that this does not constitute an endorsement of Adventure ABA LLC or its services.