Applied behaviour analysis: Evidence and controversy in occupational therapy practice (May 7, 2024)

Presented by: Danielle Bayly, OT Reg. (Ont.)

The presence of externalizing behaviours (such as yelling, hitting, and throwing objects) is a frequent cause of children being removed from activities and environments, which has a significant impact on their ability to access, initiate, and sustain meaningful occupations (Dunleavy, 2015). Applied behaviour analysis (ABA) is an intervention approach that “uses principles of learning theory to bring about meaningful and positive change in behaviour, to help individuals build a variety of skills … and help generalize these skills to other situations” (Ogundele, 2018). ABA has a longstanding history of strong evidence as a behavioural intervention (Novak & Honan, 2019), however the use of some ABA practices has been associated with concerns and controversy (e.g., Leaf et al., 2022) and it is generally under-utilized by the occupational therapy profession (Welch & Polatajko, 2016).

This webinar will provide an overview of applied behaviour analysis (ABA) and its evidence as an intervention with children. The controversies related to the use of ABA will also be discussed.

After taking part in this webinar, participants will be able to: 

1. Recognize the key frames of reference and theories used in applied behaviour analysis (ABA).
2. Understand the evidence behind the use of ABA as an intervention for challenging/interfering behaviours in children.
3. Understand the controversies and related concerns of families and/or other professionals.

Level Intermediate (3-5 years of experience in this specific practice area)

Areas of practice Autism/neurodiversity, Developmental Disability, Mental Health, Pediatrics

Client age group Children (5-12 years old)