What is Applied Behaviour Analysis?

Behaviour analysis is a scientific approach to understanding behaviour and how it is affected by the environment. “Behaviour” refers to a range of actions and skills (not just those which may be inappropriate), and “environment” includes a variety of physical and social events that might change or be changed by one's behaviour. The science of behaviour analysis focuses on principles about how behaviour works, or how learning takes place. Through decades of research, the field of behaviour analysis has developed many techniques for increasing useful behaviours and reducing those that may be harmful or that interfere with learning. Applied behaviour analysis (ABA) is the use of those techniques and principles to address socially important problems, and to bring about meaningful behaviour change.

Who are we?

The Hesley Group’s behaviour analysis service is made up of professionals with a variety of experiences and education. The team is comprised of Board Certified Behaviour Analysts (BCBAs), Board Certified Assistant Behaviour Analysts (BCABAs), and trainee Behaviour Analysts. Each individual brings a unique perspective, but all adhere to the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis.

What do we do?

The members of the ABA services programme work closely with other departments (Speech and Language Therapy, Clinical Psychology, Education, Care, and Medical) in a multidisciplinary team framework that allows everyone to provide the most comprehensive clinical expertise available. Our staff members are highly skilled at addressing deficits in areas such as inappropriate behaviours, pro-social skills, functional communication, self-care/domestic skills, academics, and vocational skills. By developing teaching protocols, our staff members are instrumental in helping all of the individuals we serve at Hesley live happy and productive lives.