Behavior Analysis Self-reinforcement
This is an article I wrote about using self-reinforcement to create my own behavior plan. This gives the reader valuable insight into the mind of someone with Asperger’s Syndrome.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is science that involves using modern behavioral learning theory to modify overt behaviors. As an adult with Asperger’s Syndrome this is a theory that I use on myself daily. It’s extremely challenging to self-reinforce. I apply ABA to high functioning social situations so I can learn adaptive skills.
I often run into people some of whom are in the autism community who say ABA is not applicable to people with high functioning autism or asperger’s syndrome. I respectfully disagree with this opinion and have personal experience to back it up.
I tend to have some classic asperger’s syndrome traits like coming on too strong with people and being overbearing. This is typically done by texting or communicating with an individual too often. This is a behavior that is not accepted in our society as there are boundaries to getting to know someone. This behavior can cause people to be uncomfortable around me and so it was one that I had to change.
Here is an example of how I created and enforced my own behavior plan.
My Problematic Behavior: Calling and texting people too often: In excess of 25 times per day, 150 times per week.
The effect of the behavior is that others avoid this type of social interaction and by association were avoiding me.
Behavior Plan Outline: When I wanted to text an individual I decided to blog instead. By blogging about my feelings I was able to connect with others on a social level. Sometimes I even accessed the desired social interaction via comments and discussion about the blog. Now I was getting social interaction without being overbearing.
Positive Reinforcement: I self-reinforced with chocolate milk. Every night before bed I’m known for having a glass of chocolate milk. So if I didn’t meet my goal of not texting someone that day I didn’t have a glass of milk at night.
Without access to services as an adult I have had to be creative and come up with some of my own ideas for intervention. I’m not a therapist but I do have the knowledge of understanding how my mind thinks and works. Knowing that allows me to come up with strategies for changing my own behavior. I know neurotypicals who use the science of ABA on themselves every day.
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