What Are the Two Types of ABA? Comprehensive vs. Focused

What are the two types of ABA? If you’re exploring support options for your child, you may have come across the term Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). This form of therapy offers a structured way to help children develop new skills and reduce challenging behaviors. Understanding the different ABA strategies is the first step toward finding the right fit for your family. This guide will explain the two main approaches in behavior analysis—Comprehensive and Focused ABA—to help you make an informed decision for your child’s future.

Understanding Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

At its core, Applied Behavior Analysis is a therapeutic approach grounded in the science of learning and behavior. The American Psychological Association recognizes it as an effective form of treatment for individuals with autism and other developmental or behavioral disorders.

The primary goal of ABA programs is to increase helpful behaviors and decrease those that may be harmful or affect learning. Through careful behavior analysis, therapists can create individualized plans to help your child thrive. Let’s explore the principles that make this therapy successful.

Defining ABA and Its Importance for Children

Applied Behavior Analysis is a therapy used to improve specific skills, such as social skills, communication, and academics, as well as adaptive learning skills like motor skills and self-care. It’s a highly flexible treatment that can be adapted to meet the unique needs of each individual.

For many children, particularly those on the autism spectrum, ABA can be life-changing. An ABA therapist works one-on-one or in small groups to build essential behavioral skills. The therapy helps children understand their environment and learn more effective ways to interact with others, which can lead to greater independence and confidence.

The importance of ABA lies in its data-driven approach. Therapists track progress closely and adjust strategies as needed, ensuring the interventions are effective. This focus on measurable outcomes helps your child make meaningful and lasting progress.

Core Principles of ABA in Behavioral Therapy

ABA therapy operates on a few key principles designed to understand and change behavior. A behavior analyst uses the Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence (ABC) model to examine what happens right before a behavior (antecedent), the behavior itself, and what happens right after (consequence). This method of behavior analysis helps identify the functions of behaviors.

A central tenet of ABA is positive reinforcement. When a desired behavior is followed by a reward, the individual is more likely to repeat that behavior in the future. This encourages positive change without using punitive measures. A behavior analyst will identify what motivates your child to create an effective reward system.

Various ABA strategies are used to teach new skills. Some common techniques include:

• Discrete Trial Training (DTT): This involves breaking skills down into small, “discrete” components and teaching them one by one.
• Modeling: The therapist demonstrates the desired behavior for the individual to imitate.
• Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS): This uses pictures to help nonverbal individuals communicate their wants and needs.

What Are the Two Types of ABA?

When considering Applied Behavior Analysis for your child, you’ll find it isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. There are two main types of ABA therapy: Comprehensive ABA and Focused ABA. Each one is designed to meet different needs, and understanding them is key to choosing the right path for your family.

Both types of ABA interventions use the same evidence-based principles, but they differ in their intensity, duration, and the scope of skills they address. Examining various ABA therapy examples can help illustrate these differences. The following sections will provide an overview of both Comprehensive ABA and Focused ABA.

Overview of Comprehensive ABA

Comprehensive ABA is an intensive behavioral intervention designed to address a wide range of developmental areas simultaneously. Think of it as a broad-spectrum approach that targets multiple skill sets, rather than just one or two behaviors. The goal is to produce significant and lasting positive behavior change across all aspects of a child’s life.

This type of therapy often involves a substantial number of hours per week and is typically recommended for younger children who have been diagnosed with a developmental disorder like autism. The program is designed to help them “catch up” on developmental milestones that they may be missing.

Key areas addressed in Comprehensive ABA include communication skills, social skills, play skills, self-care, and academics. By working on these areas together, the therapy helps children build a strong foundation for future learning and social interaction.

Overview of Focused ABA

In contrast to the broad approach of Comprehensive ABA, Focused ABA is designed to target a limited number of specific behaviors. This treatment is less intensive, involving fewer hours of therapy per week, and is typically provided over a shorter period.

The primary goal of Focused ABA is to address a few high-priority areas. This could mean decreasing a challenging behavior, such as tantrums or aggression, or teaching specific new skills, like toilet training or learning to accept “no.” The ABA strategies used are highly targeted to produce quick and effective results in these particular areas.

Like all ABA, this approach relies heavily on positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors. It’s an excellent option for individuals who may not require an intensive, full-scale program but need support with a handful of specific challenges.

Comprehensive ABA: Goals and Approach

The main goal of Comprehensive ABA is to produce broad and meaningful positive behavior change across multiple areas of your child’s development. These ABA programs are designed by a board-certified behavior analyst to be all-encompassing, addressing the core deficits associated with developmental disorders.

This approach is not about “fixing” a single problem but about building a wide range of functional skills that will serve your child for a lifetime. The following sections will explain who benefits most from this approach and how these intensive programs are structured.

Who Benefits from Comprehensive ABA?

Comprehensive ABA is often the recommended treatment for young children who have received a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Because their developmental delays can span multiple areas—from communication to social interaction to play—an intensive and broad approach is necessary to help them build foundational skills.

Children with significant behavioral challenges across various settings also benefit greatly from Comprehensive ABA. If a child struggles at home, at school, and in the community, this type of program can provide the consistent and intensive support needed to learn new skills and generalize them to different environments.

The decision to pursue Comprehensive ABA typically follows a detailed behavior assessment. This evaluation identifies the full scope of a child’s needs, confirming that an intensive, multi-faceted intervention is the most appropriate and effective path forward.

How Comprehensive ABA Is Structured

Comprehensive ABA programs are characterized by their high treatment intensity. A child might receive between 25 and 40 hours of therapy per week. This intensive schedule is designed to create as many learning opportunities as possible throughout the child’s day.

These ABA programs integrate a variety of ABA interventions and are not confined to a clinical setting. Therapy often takes place in the child’s natural environment, such as at home, school, or in the community, to help them practice skills in real-world situations. Strong reinforcement systems are used to motivate the child and reward progress.

The structure of Comprehensive ABA is designed to be holistic and may include:

• A mix of one-on-one therapy and small group instruction.
• Parent training to ensure skills are supported outside of therapy sessions.
• Collaboration with teachers and other professionals involved in the child’s care.

Focused ABA: Purpose and Applications

The purpose of Focused ABA is to concentrate treatment on a few specific goals. Unlike the broad scope of comprehensive therapy, this approach narrows the field to address the most pressing concerns for an individual and their family. ABA interventions are carefully selected by a behavior analyst to target these priority areas.

Techniques like discrete trial training may be used to teach a new skill, while other strategies might focus on reducing a challenging behavior. Let’s look at who is best suited for this targeted approach and how goals are set.

Individuals Best Suited for Focused ABA

Focused ABA is an excellent option for individuals who have a limited number of specific behaviors they need to work on. This can include children, teens, or even adults who are generally doing well but face challenges in one or two key areas. For example, a child might need help with social anxiety or a teenager might need support developing better organizational skills.

An ABA therapist might use Focused ABA to help an individual improve their interpersonal skills, such as learning to initiate conversations or understand social cues. It’s also highly effective for decreasing specific problem behaviors, like self-injury or refusing to follow instructions, and replacing them with positive behaviors.

This approach is also suitable for individuals who have already completed a comprehensive program and now need to fine-tune certain skills or address new challenges that have emerged. It offers a flexible way to continue receiving support without the intensity of a full-scale program.

Setting Realistic Targets in Focused ABA

In Focused ABA, setting clear and realistic targets is crucial for success. The goal of any ABA program is to improve an individual’s quality of life, and in this approach, that is achieved by making measurable progress on a few high-priority objectives. These targets are typically short term and designed to be achieved within a specific timeframe.

An ABA therapist will work with you and your child to identify these targets. The focus is on a desired behavior that will have the most significant positive impact. For instance, instead of a broad goal like “improve communication,” a focused target might be “learn to ask for help using a three-word phrase.”

Examples of realistic targets in Focused ABA include:

• Reducing instances of a specific challenging behavior by 80%.
• Mastering a self-care skill, like tying shoes or brushing teeth, independently.
• Learning to tolerate waiting for a preferred item for up to five minutes without protest.

Key Differences Between Comprehensive vs. Focused ABA

While both Comprehensive ABA and Focused ABA use positive reinforcement as a main strategy, their application is quite different. The two types of ABA programs are distinct in their intensity, duration, and the scope of behaviors they address. Understanding these differences is essential for choosing the right path for your child.

A treatment evaluation conducted by a qualified professional will help determine which approach is most appropriate. The following sections break down the key distinctions in treatment intensity and the range of skills each program targets.

Treatment Intensity and Duration

One of the most significant differences between the two ABA models is the treatment intensity and duration. Comprehensive ABA is a high-intensity service, often recommended for 25 to 40 hours per week. The treatment duration is typically long-term, lasting for several years to address broad developmental goals.

Focused ABA, on the other hand, is provided for a lower number of hours, usually between 10 and 25 hours per week. It is a short-term intervention designed to meet specific goals within a limited timeframe. The goal is to provide optimal treatment for a few target behaviors and then fade out services.

Range of Skills and Behaviors Addressed

The range of skills targeted is another major distinction between Comprehensive and Focused ABA. As its name suggests, Comprehensive ABA addresses a wide array of skills across all developmental domains. This can include everything from basic communication skills and social interactions to academic skills and daily living routines.

A comprehensive behavior assessment will identify deficits in multiple areas, and the program will be designed to address all of them concurrently. The goal is to build a complete foundation of skills that the child may be lacking.

Focused ABA, in contrast, zeroes in on a very limited number of skills or behaviors. The targets are specific and finite, such as reducing aggression during transitions or teaching a child to respond to their name. This approach is not intended to address all of a child’s needs but rather the one or two that are most pressing.

How Providers Decide Between Comprehensive and Focused ABA

The decision between Comprehensive and Focused ABA is made carefully and collaboratively. A provider doesn’t simply pick one; the choice is based on a thorough behavior assessment and a deep understanding of your child’s unique situation. Ethical practices require that ABA programs are tailored to the needs of each client.

This process involves looking at assessment results, a child’s age, their specific challenges, and the family’s goals and capacity. Considering the individual’s environment is also key to creating a plan that will be successful. The following sections detail how assessments and family needs guide this important decision.

Conducting Individual Assessments

The first step in any ABA program is a comprehensive behavior assessment. This is much more than a simple checklist; it’s an in-depth evaluation conducted by a qualified ABA therapist or behavior analyst to understand your child’s strengths and challenges. The assessment helps identify which skills to target and what function a behavior serves.

One key tool is the functional behavior assessment (FBA). An FBA helps the therapist understand the “why” behind a challenging behavior. By identifying what triggers the behavior and what the child gets out of it, the therapist can develop specific strategies to teach a more appropriate replacement behavior.

This detailed person work ensures that the therapy plan is perfectly tailored to your child. The assessment results provide a clear roadmap, indicating whether a broad, comprehensive approach is needed or if a more targeted, focused plan would be more effective.

Family and Child Needs in Choosing an ABA Program

Meeting the needs of each client is at the heart of ABA, and this includes the family. Your family’s goals, values, and capacity are crucial factors in choosing between ABA programs. A behavior analyst will work with you to understand what you hope to achieve through therapy.

Are you looking to build foundational communication skills and social skills for a young child? A comprehensive program might be the best fit. Or are you hoping to address a specific challenge, like toilet training or managing tantrums, for an older child? A focused program would be more appropriate.

Your input also helps in designing effective reinforcement systems. You know what motivates your child best, and this information is vital for creating a program they will engage with. The final decision is a partnership between the provider and your family, ensuring the chosen path is realistic, sustainable, and aligned with your goals.

What to Expect During Comprehensive and Focused ABA Sessions

Curious about what happens during ABA programs? While every session is tailored to the individual, there are common structures and activities you can expect. An ABA therapist will guide your child through various session activities designed to teach new skills and encourage positive behaviors using consistent positive reinforcement.

Sessions can take place in a clinic or in natural settings like your home or your child’s school. This helps your child practice their new skills in the environments where they’ll use them most. Let’s explore what a typical session looks like for both types of ABA.

Structure of a Typical Comprehensive ABA Session

A Comprehensive ABA session is often a blend of structured learning and more natural, play-based activities. The therapist will use a variety of ABA strategies to keep your child engaged and create numerous learning opportunities throughout the session.

A portion of the session might involve structured techniques like Discrete Trial Training (DTT), where skills are broken down into small steps and taught systematically. This is often done at a table and is highly effective for teaching new concepts. Positive reinforcement is used immediately to reward correct responses.

The session will also include time for more naturalistic teaching, such as Pivotal Response Training (PRT), which uses your child’s natural motivations during play to teach key skills. A typical session might include:

• A mix of table-based work and floor time play.
• Opportunities to practice social skills with the therapist or peers.
• Activities that embed learning into daily routines.

Focused ABA Session Activities

Activities in a Focused ABA session are highly targeted to the specific behaviors the program is addressing. Since the goals are narrow, the session activities are designed to provide repeated practice and reinforcement for those particular skills. The ABA strategies and interventions are chosen specifically for that purpose.

For example, if the goal is to teach a child to wait their turn, the therapist might set up games that require waiting and use a reward system to reinforce patient behavior. If the target is reducing aggression, the therapist will use specific ABA interventions to practice coping strategies when the child feels frustrated.

A Focused ABA session is structured to maximize progress on the target goals. Activities could include:

• Role-playing social scenarios to practice a specific skill.
• Using a token board or another reward system to shape a desired behavior.
• Repeatedly practicing a new skill in short, structured intervals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the differences between Comprehensive and Focused ABA is crucial for families looking to support their children’s developmental needs. Each approach offers unique benefits tailored to specific challenges and goals. Whether your child requires a broad spectrum of skills or targeted interventions, choosing the right type of ABA can make a significant difference in their growth and learning. Remember, the best outcome is achieved when decisions are made thoughtfully, considering individual assessments and family needs.

At Epic Minds Therapy, we help families understand how different ABA models fit different stages of development and goals. Serving North Carolina, our team guides parents through the differences between comprehensive and focused ABA, explaining how each approach supports learning, behavior, and independence. With personalized assessments and clear recommendations, we help families choose a plan that truly matches their child’s needs. Contact Epic Minds Therapy today to learn which ABA approach is right for your child and how we can support their progress.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which type of ABA is right for my child?

The best way to know is to consult with a qualified behavior analyst. They will conduct a comprehensive behavior assessment to understand the specific needs of each client. Based on the results and your family’s goals, they will recommend which of the ABA programs is the most appropriate fit.

Can my child switch between comprehensive and focused ABA?

Yes, absolutely. ABA programs are flexible. An ABA therapist will continuously monitor your child’s progress. As they master skills and their needs evolve, they may recommend transitioning from a comprehensive program to a focused one, or vice versa, to ensure continued positive behavior change and effective support.

Are both types of ABA covered by insurance in the United States?

In the U.S., many insurance plans provide coverage for Applied Behavior Analysis as a medically necessary treatment for behavioral disorders like autism. However, coverage for these health services can vary by state and provider. It is essential to contact your insurance company directly to understand your specific benefits.

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Sources:

• https://www.behavior-analysis.org/
• https://www.apa.org/
• https://methodsof.com/antecedent-behavior-consequence-model/
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9983163/
• https://childrensautismcenter.org/how-much-aba-is-enough/