For parents facing the difficulties associated with a child who has challenges in communication, toileting, or self-dressing, daily life can seem like a constant struggle. Thankfully, a well-researched framework provides a route to greater independence. Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is grounded in decades of thorough research aimed at comprehending human behavior and imparting essential life skills.
Dr. Anton James, a Chartered Behavioural Psychologist and certified behaviour analyst, is dedicated to clarifying the principles of this discipline for families in the community. Recognized globally as an expert by the International Behaviour Analysis Organization (IBAO), Dr. Anton is the Founder and Director of The Tree House International, where he has been instrumental in advancing certified behaviour therapy in Sri Lanka.
Dr. Anton emphasizes that a common mistake in conventional education and caregiving is the tendency to respond solely to observable behavior. He states, “People often concentrate on a child’s actions, like disrupting a class, without exploring the underlying reasons for such behavior.”
For instance, if a student misbehaves and is immediately removed from the classroom, this response may inadvertently reinforce their behavior if their intent was to escape a challenging subject. Dr. Anton points out, “In Sri Lanka, the practice of sending children out of class is prevalent as a form of discipline. It is crucial to comprehend the reasons behind a child’s behavior before determining an appropriate response.” By analyzing the “function” of a behavior, practitioners can transform disruptive actions into constructive skills, such as teaching a child to request a break calmly.
ABA is adaptable, employing structured techniques like Discrete Trial Training to segment skills into manageable steps, as well as Naturalistic and Incidental Teaching, which integrates learning with play and aligns with a child’s interests. Importantly, ABA does not aim to force a child to fit a standard definition of “normal.” Rather, it concentrates on enhancing practical communication, academic, and daily living skills that facilitate meaningful engagement in society.
As the acceptance of ABA increases, Dr. Anton cautions families to remain discerning regarding practitioners’ qualifications. There is a significant difference between attending a seminar and obtaining professional certification. “Just as attending a heart health seminar does not qualify someone as a cardiologist, completing a course in ABA does not equate to being a certified behavior therapist. Professional certification involves assessed competence, supervised practice, examinations, and ongoing ethical responsibilities. It is essential for the public to recognize this distinction.”
In Sri Lanka, many individuals offering behavior therapy, even in reputable hospital environments, may lack the necessary credentials. “Employment in a hospital should not be misconstrued as evidence of ABA certification,” Dr. Anton advises.
Dr. Anton introduced certified behaviour therapy to Sri Lanka four years ago. As the only certified analyst in the country at that time, he collaborated with international specialists to enhance local expertise. Currently, he is co-founding the Behaviour Analysis Registration Board (BARB) in partnership with the IBAO, which will introduce a localized certification framework early next year to safeguard families and improve service delivery across the nation.
Dr. Anton concludes by underscoring that families have specific consumer rights. “Before commencing therapy, always inquire about the practitioner’s credentials, the certifying body, certification number, and expiration date. Additionally, since frontline behavior therapists are trained to execute plans under strict supervision, it is vital to ask: Who oversees this therapist, and how can formal complaints be addressed?”
