Understanding Applied Behavior Analysis: An Introduction to ABA for Parents, Teachers, and Other Professionals (JKP Essentials Series) (Jkp Essential Series) [Paperback]

Albert J. Kearney (Author)

Book Description

Series: Jkp Essentials | Publication Date: 2008

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is based on the premise that behavior can be influenced by changes in environment and by the reinforcing consequences of that behavior. This introductory guide to ABA demystifies the basic terminology, the underlying principles and commonly-used procedures of ABA using accessible, everyday language.
Albert J. Kearney explains the kinds of learning and reinforcement processes that form the basis of ABA programs. Having covered these essential principles, he describes how the science of behavior analysis can be effectively applied to real life behavior problems. He looks at how behavior is assessed and various intervention techniques that are often employed with children who have autism and other special needs. Having laid these essential foundations, Kearney touches on more advanced topics: the applications of ABA in behavioral education, such as precision teaching and programmed instruction.
Clear, accessible and with a structure that is easy-to-follow, this book is an essential introduction to the discipline of ABA and its applications for parents and professionals.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Albert J. Kearney is a clinical and school psychologist. He earned a degree in sociology and went on to study behavior modification at Boston College. He received his doctorate in counseling psychology in 1976 and now has over thirty years' experience in the field.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Pub; 1 edition (2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843108607
• ISBN-13: 978-1843108603
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #98,637 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Text for Educators, April 22, 2008

By 

Hannah Carleton (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Understanding Applied Behavior Analysis: An Introduction to ABA for Parents, Teachers, and Other Professionals (JKP Essentials Series) (Jkp Essential Series) (Paperback)

Kearney's clear, precise introduction to behavior analysis is an essential tool for educators, particularly those working with students with special needs. The book provides a wonderful range of strategies and gives a solid overview of the field of ABA. I'd recommend this book to school psychologists, counselors, social workers, and classroom teachers and certainly to parents. Kearney explains the theory behind ABA in practical, accessible terms and then shares a wealth of examples.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Especially good book for novice!, March 22, 2008

By 

Corrine Donley "educational maverick" (WI) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Understanding Applied Behavior Analysis: An Introduction to ABA for Parents, Teachers, and Other Professionals (JKP Essentials Series) (Jkp Essential Series) (Paperback)

I recommend this book for anyone who knows nothing about applied behavior analysis! It clearly delineates the basic scientific principles upon which the discipline is built. The fact that the treatments and approaches are founded upon past research and not "hunches" about human behavior comes across loud and strong. The terminology is explained in "everyday" language so that any one who is interested does not get bogged down in techncial terms. This problem has plagued those of us who desire others to understand the science.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for Explaining the Basics, July 8, 2011

By 

Thereya (Texas) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Understanding Applied Behavior Analysis: An Introduction to ABA for Parents, Teachers, and Other Professionals (JKP Essentials Series) (Jkp Essential Series) (Paperback)

I teach young students who are on the autism spectrum and was looking for a book I could recommend to parents who are being flooded with new information, jargon and ideas. This book has been perfect for that. The parents I have recommended it to really enjoy it and my copy has been conspicious absent for quite sometime. Many of the students I work with have new diagnosis or are new to the school system so giving parents access to the terminology and jargon teachers, doctors, therapists and so many other people are using can really help them to advocate for their children.

I also don't think it would hurt for regular education teachers who may work with students who are on the spectrum to have information about ABA. There's no reason that they should be expected to go into huge amounts of depth, but this kind of information could really empower them. I think it might also help with those pesky classroom management issues with students who do not have IEPs.

I think this is a great resource and makes a strong starting off point.