Florida Tech Presents Free Workshop on Applied Behavior Analysis May 16

MELBOURNE, FLA.—The Scott Center for Autism Treatment at Florida Institute of Technology presents the free workshop, What is ABA and How Can it Help My Child? May 16, 6:30-8 p.m. It will be held in the seminar room of the center. The presenter will by Florida Tech Associate Professor Jose Martinez-Diaz, chair of the Behavior Analysis Program.

The Scott Center for Autism Treatment is located at the south end of the Florida Tech campus. Parking is available nearby. For more information, call The Scott Center at (321) 674-8106, extension 1, or email the center at thescottcenter@fit.edu.
Behavior analysis focuses on the principles that explain how learning takes place. Positive reinforcement is one such principle. When a behavior is followed by some sort of reward, the behavior is more likely to be repeated. Through decades of research, the field of behavior analysis has developed many techniques for increasing useful behaviors and reducing those that may cause harm or interfere with learning.

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the use of these techniques and principles to bring about meaningful and positive change in behavior. On a practical level, the principles and methods of behavior analysis have helped many different kinds of learners acquire many different skills – from healthier lifestyles to the mastery of a new language. Since the 1960s, therapists have been applying behavior analysis to help children with autism and related developmental disorders.