Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has been around for decades as a science, though its widespread application in everyday settings like homes, schools, and communities is still relatively new. This recent growth means that parents as consumers need to be thoughtful and proactive when choosing a provider, and stay engaged throughout the process to ensure their child is receiving the most effective care possible.
One important concept in the ABA therapy process is known as social validity. Any behavior analyst that went through a reputable graduate program should be familiar with this concept—and they should be considering it when making decisions every step of the way.
Social validity means that the treatment:
- Targets goals that are meaningful to the individual and their family
- Uses methods that are respectful, appropriate, and clearly understood by all involved
- Leads to changes that actually improve aspects of the individual’s everyday life
Here are a few questions that can help you and your team check for social validity:
- Is this goal meaningful to our family?
- Are we comfortable with how a behavior being addressed?
- Do I have a clear understanding as to why the intervention is helpful?
- Are we seeing positive results at home, school, or with friends because of this intervention?
Behavior analysts have lots of tools to help your child grow—but just because an expert sees an intervention as important doesn’t always mean it’s the right fit. If the strategies are not meaningful to the people who matter most, they might not be as helpful in the long run.
A strong behavior analyst will always connect what they’re doing in sessions to the bigger picture—how the individual is learning, interacting, and thriving in daily life. Although the entire process may come with various challenges, every step should reflect the values and long-term goals of the individual and their family.
