Professional Diploma in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)

Topic One: An introduction to Applied Behaviour Analysis

• What is Applied Behaviour Analysis?
• Historical background to behaviour analysis
• 7 Dimensions that define ABA
• Common misconceptions about ABA
• The BACB and BCBA credential and what this means

Topic Two: What is Behaviour?

• Principles of ABA: The basic principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis and related terminology, including reinforcement, punishment and extinction

Topic Three: Selecting, Defining and Measuring Behaviour

• Identifying and selecting target behaviours
• Operationally defining target behaviour(s)
• Understanding what data is and why it is important
• How to measure behavioural data
• Displaying data – Graphs
• Analysing the data

Topic Four: Functions of Behaviour

• Identifying the four functions of behaviour: SEAT
• ABC Data collection and analysis
• What to do next

Topic Five: Functional Behavioural Assessment

• Types of Functional Behaviour Assessment
• The role of functional analysis and who should be involved
• Developing a Behaviour Support Plan

Topic Six: The Role of Reinforcement

• Understanding the difference between positive and negative reinforcement
• What is natural reinforcement?
• Preference assessment / Reinforcer assessment
• Schedules of Reinforcement and how to thin reinforcement
• How to use reinforcement for establishing new skills (i.e. prompting, shaping and chaining)

Topic Seven: Positive Behaviour Support

• Positive behaviour support in action
• Designing effective environments as a proactive strategy
• Universal interventions
• Supporting self- management – the importance of choice and independence

Topic Eight: Functional Communication

•  A brief introduction to Verbal Behaviour
• Skinner’s verbal operants
• Different types of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
• The role of the multidisciplinary team in supporting functional communication

Topic Nine: ABA and Disability

• Neurodivergence – the importance of choice and input
• Early Intervention
• The role of the IEP / individual care plans

Topic Ten: Ethical Considerations

• Ethical use of ABA
• The importance of consent in intervention
• Accountability
• The role of upskilling – further training options

*Course content is subject to review after each intake and may be updated in line with industry standards.

A written assignment of 2,500 words is the assessment requirement for this Applied Behaviour Analysis diploma.

Learners will be expected to carry out an assignment where you will choose and define a target behaviour, assess the possible function(s) of the target behaviour and then identify and discuss possible strategies to support effective behaviour change.

A detailed assignment brief will be posted to Moodle under the assignment folder. Assignments must be submitted through Moodle within 4 weeks following completion of the
course.

Your Applied Behaviour Analysis course assessment is marked according to the following grade bands:
Distinction (70% +)
Merit (60-69%)
Pass (40-59%)

This Applied Behaviour Analysis course is aimed at:

• Educators and special education professionals
• Care and disability support workers
• Behavioural support practitioners
• Parents or caregivers seeking ABA knowledge
• Professionals pursuing further study in behaviour analysis

At the end of this Applied Behaviour Analysis diploma, learners will have achieved the following learning outcomes:

1. An Introduction to Applied Behaviour Analysis: Learners will understand broadly what Applied Behaviour Analysis is, as well as its historical background.
2. Principles of ABA: Learners will be able to outline the basic principles of ABA and the related terminology.
3. Defining and Measuring Behaviour: Learners will be able to select and define socially significant behaviour.
4. Collecting and Graphing Data: Learners will be able to outline the importance of collecting and analysing data.
5. Identifying the Function(s) of Behaviour: Learners will be able to use and analyse ABC data collection to identify the possible function(s) of different behaviour.
6. Functional Behavioural Assessment (FBA): Learners will gain an understanding of the different types of FBA and how this informs the development of Behaviour Support
   Plans (BSP).
7. The Role of Reinforcement: Learners will be able to understand the difference between positive and negative reinforcement and how reinforcement shapes
   behaviour.
8. Positive Behaviour Support: Learners will gain knowledge on various proactive / preventative strategies to support individuals to manage their own behaviour.
9. Functional Communication: Learners will be able to identify what functional communication means, as well as the different types of alternative and augmentative communication (AAC).
10. ABA and Disability: Learners will be able to discuss the role of ABA for supporting a range of different conditions and neurodiverse individuals, and the importance of early intervention.
11. Ethical Considerations: Learners will have reviewed the ethical use of ABA and understand what this means for individuals availing of ABA intervention.

14 CPD credits for members of the Psychological Society of Ireland.

City College Dublin’s Professional Diploma Course is a focused, practical programme designed and delivered by an industry practitioner, that consolidates, upskills or reskills learners in a professional area. They are stand-alone qualifications that indicate that you have been trained in a particular area or specific subject matter.

City College Dublin Diplomas are suitable for career minded learners wishing to advance their professional skills and prospects. They are widely accepted by employers and many students are sponsored to study here by their organisation.

In addition to our scheduled Professional Diploma courses, City College Dublin can provide bespoke training over 3 – 4 days, please contact [email protected] for further details.

Completion of this Applied Behaviour Analysis course supports learners in developing practical skills relevant to roles in:

• Behavioural support practitioner roles
• Special education support roles
• Disability support and care roles
• Pathway to further behavioural sciences study