Are Applied Behavior Analysis Services Limited Only to Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Applied Behavior Analysis is considered a relatively modern term and an alternative to the term behavior modification; however, it is regarded as the more modern and widely accepted alternative following the development of this field, the publication of hundreds of studies in this area, and the emergence of the term scientifically proven evidence-based practices. B.F. Skinner is considered the spiritual father of this field. He conducted numerous behavioral experiments on humans and animals to prove the effectiveness of the principles from which Applied Behavior Analysis strategies emerge. Recently, Cooper and others authored a book on Applied Behavior Analysis, which is considered one of the primary references for researchers and specialists in this field. Cooper and others defined Applied Behavior Analysis as the science in which systematic strategies derived from behavioral principles are applied to improve social behavior, and this science is based on experimentation to identify the variables responsible for bringing about behavioral change (Cooper, Heron, Heward, 2007). In his book Applied Behavior Analysis, Cooper discussed many Applied Behavior Analysis strategies, most notably: reinforcement, punishment, shaping behaviors, and verbal behavior.

Based on a search recently conducted on the accredited Applied Behavior Analysis website (BACB, 2019), approximately twenty-four individuals qualified and certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board were found to be present in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We suggest that the reason for the scarcity of specialists in this field, not only in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia but worldwide, is the novelty of the field and the shortage of accredited universities that teach the courses required to specialize in this field.

We also suggest that the small number of specialists has in turn led to a lack of awareness in this field, which has caused certain inaccurate perceptions to become widespread. Most prominent among these is what has become common among educators—linking Applied Behavior Analysis to autism, especially in the field of special education. Often, these perceptions revolve around the idea that "Applied Behavior Analysis services are provided only to manage various behavioral problems such as tantrums, screaming, aggression, self-injury, repetitive or stereotyped behaviors, and others such as eating and sleeping disorders, and this is incorrect. There is another belief that this type of service is designed to be provided only to those with autism." Of course, this statement limits the beneficiary group of this field. Applied Behavior Analysis services extend to include individuals with autism as well as other people, whether they have disabilities or do not have disabilities.

Additionally, Applied Behavior Analysis services seek to help individuals acquire new skills in multiple areas, such as language, social skills, cognitive skills, play, self-care skills, academic skills, and life and independence skills.

There are numerous studies that have demonstrated the efficacy of strategies and procedures emerging from the field of Applied Behavior Analysis in developing the skills of most individuals, keeping in mind that the areas of Applied Behavior Analysis are numerous and difficult to limit in this article. Therefore, awareness should be raised among society in general and educators in particular regarding some of the areas of Applied Behavior Analysis, highlighting the beneficiary group, which includes all individuals and cannot be limited solely to those with autism.

Correction

The first version of this article contained some errors. We apologize for that.

Hajar Almutlaq

Faculty Member in the Special Education Department

Majmaah University

PhD Candidate at the University of Oklahoma

Trainee in the Field of Applied Behavior Analysis

Reviewed by: Dr. Faisal Alnemary

Originally published in Arabic. This English version was produced with AI-assisted translation; the Arabic original remains the reference.