Garrett Butch is the father of a 6 year old with autism and is the founder of Maximum Potential.

When looking at the various aspects of ABA therapy, it is easy to focus on such things as discrete trial teaching, repetition, or reinforcement. There is no doubt that these elements of the treatment are absolutely imperative. With that said, however, it is important for parents and educators to understand that even the best repetition and trials will be hindered without rigorous and proper data collection. ABA is an evidence based method of teaching, and the collection of data is absolutely essential.

Data collection helps ABA therapists accurately measure performance throughout the teaching process. Not only does it provide them with a deeper understanding of how the child progresses, but it enables them to monitor any setbacks or to identify any changes in environment or stimuli that led to different responses. It also helps parents and educators come up with behavior plans and to make adjustments to the curriculum as needed. The diagnostic information provided on data sheets should always be as detailed and accurate as possible, and schools and parents should work together to share and compare these sheets on a regular basis.

There are a number of different types of data collection that help make ABA therapy more effective. Monitoring progress and setbacks is important, but it is equally important to make specific notes about reinforcement offered, prompts used to garner specific responses, and reactions to different stimuli and circumstances. It is also important to collect data on skill acquisition as well as on any improvements or changes noticed in any aspect of the therapy. This can help educators to understand exactly what is working and what is not and can even help to make clear what areas the child experiences the most difficulty in.

Data collection is as important to the student as it is for the educator. While parents and teachers collect data to help themselves understand what is working, the data is used to create a better learning environment for the student. ABA is always most effective when offered intensively at both home and school, and data collection makes it much easier for parents and educators to create matching lessons and trials and to compare data from different environments. Providing these students with the best learning opportunities possible is crucial, and this means creating trials that are as identical as possible. ABA can be very effective, and data collection can help ensure that you give your child the best opportunities possible.

Garrett Butch is the father of a 6 year old with autism and is the founder of Maximum Potential. MP's courses in ABA Therapy and ABA Training were developed by 2 PhD BCBAs to empower parents and school systems and to provide effective and affordable training for school systems and parents. Visit MaximumPotentialKids.com to learn more.