Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Behavior Analysis?
A. Behavior analysis is a science-based, cost effective approach for training teachers, parents and caregivers to prevent serious behavior problems and treat them if they occur. Behavior analysts know how to motivate people to learn new behaviors that are more effective and less harmful to others. The methods have been used successfully for everything from teaching basic self-help skills and language to persons with developmental disabilities, to helping foster parents lovingly raise emotionally-difficult children or even training dogs to be effective therapeutic companions. What it is not: Behavior Analysis does not resemble any of the traditional forms of psychotherapy and most behavior analysts do not consider themselves psychotherapists.

Q. Would this method help me with my child?
A. Behavior Analysis is especially useful helping children reach their full potential. It offers specific tools to help high-risk children deal with school failure and also has been used for children with development disabilities.

Q. Can Behavior Analysis be used for autistic children?
A. Behavior Analysis is one of the few proven methods for effective early intervention with autistic children – 50 to 75 percent can be successfully "mainstreamed" into regular classrooms, as a result.

Those seeking therapy for their autistic child need to be aware that there are many fads, frauds and hoaxes offering miracle "cures." Always check closely to make sure your therapist is specially trained and qualified. You should avoid therapies that have no research basis, such as sensory integrative therapy, facilitated communication, auditory integration training and dietary restrictions, such chelation therapy. There is no scientific evidence that these methods work, and in fact, some may actually be harmful.
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Q. What are some other examples where Behavior Analysis has been effective?
A. Behavior Analysis has been used on everything from helping people stop smoking and start exercising to increasing driver safety and improving productivity in the workplace. It's used by government agencies, in private practices and in corporate America. The typical behavior analyst is part clinician, part detective and part scientist. And they may work in a variety of capacities, including: educator, administrator, supervisor, business consultant, or professional specializing in developmental disabilities. Behavior Analysis can apply in virtually any type of setting, including dealing with a problem co-worker at work or helping a child adapt to his middle school class.

Q. What is the Florida Association for Behavior Analysis?
A. The 26-year old Florida Association for Behavior Analysts is the largest statewide organization in the country committed to the promotion and support of Behavior Analysis.

The purpose of the Florida Association for Behavior Analysis is to promote the use of ethical, humane and effective application of behavior principles in all segments of society, including education, business, rehabilitation facilities and government.

Members of FABA come from a variety of backgrounds, including consulting firms, state government programs, private therapy practices and school administrators. The organization's purpose is to serve these individuals' continuing education needs and network professionals as the field continues to develop and expand.

FABA's annual conference, held each fall, is a popular forum for exchanging ideas and data-based research related to Behavior Analysis, Behavior Therapy, Performance Management and Behavior Management programming. The group also publishes a quarterly newsletter, The FABA Observer, to share information on new facilities and new effective programs for treatment in Florida. In an effort to encourage networking, FABA also publishes an annual directory of members, including their special areas of interest and expertise, as well as the presentation topics for each year’s conference.