Comprehensive ABA-based interventions commonly share the following characteristics:
- teach multiple skill areas
- break down complex skills into small teachable steps
- teach over long periods of time (years rather than weeks)
- Can be used for all ages of children and adolescents
- Contain structured and “natural" learning opportunities across the week
- Involve a team of people (often including parents)
- Can take place at home, school or other setting
An intervention programme can be developed that takes into account what outcomes are important to the children themselves and their families, an understanding of typical development, the requirements of statutory educational curricula, and a focus on pivotal behaviours that would facilitate further development, such as teaching communication, social skills, daily living or academic skills that can support independence and choice-making.
Programme staff should be able to analyse the reasons for certain behaviour and the consequences of that behaviour. This can then used to develop unique and individualised interventions to help teach the child.
Positive reinforcement and rewards are used to encourage pivotal behaviours.