Socially Significant ABA

Providing tools for holistic development in progressive ABA

Posted Created by Michael Daniels January 24, 2022

Social significance refers to the behaviours and skills that are necessary in successful social relationships. Traditional applied behaviour analysis (ABA) has addressed behaviours from the perspective of replacing behaviours or improving skill deficit using a rigid method. Benefits can result using this scientific method, however a progressive ABA approach to teach socially significant behaviours moves beyond the restricted training associated to the conventional approach. The progressive Missing Links approach in a hybrid clinical and education setting, offers intervention in natural environment to unlock a learner’s full potential. The program provides the strategies needed when teaching to holistically addresses socially conscious learning. Shifting focus from deficits to lead with an emphasis on the well-being of the whole learner, supports a nuanced process of positive behaviour intervention. Responding to the needs of students in this structured yet adaptable intervention invites the opportunity for and encourages social significance. This asset-based perspective using progressive ABA promotes a contemporary intervention that can improve quality of life and enhance learning in a less restrictive manner. Influencing learning with combined principles of a progressive ABA approach to teaching, opens opportunities for students to become aware, think and decide how to make choices that will provide the best outcomes when functioning in the world. Parents can easily apply this same practice into the home, to develop socially significant behaviours such as life skills ie. (eating, self-help, tidying up) or when establishing appropriate behaviours in public. Adopting a progressive approach to when teaching socially significant behaviours can build relationships, improve skills, and provide a happier standard of living.