Thanos, who is Lecturer in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities at Kent, answers to need-to-know questions about ABA and PBS, busts some myths and lists all the reasons to study at the Tizard Centre.
MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis and Positive Behaviour Support
The key facts
What is Behaviour Analysis?
- Behaviour analysis is a science that studies how environmental, biological, and cultural factors influence behaviour over time, aiming to promote meaningful learning and development.
What is Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)?
- PBS is a person-centred, evidence-based approach to enhancing quality of life, emphasising proactive, positive strategies to support individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, and other neurodiverse conditions.
Myths About Behaviour Analysis:
- ABA is not just for autism; it’s applied in various fields like education, healthcare, and workplace safety.
- It doesn’t aim to ‘cure’ or ‘fix’ people but supports meaningful learning and autonomy.
- ABA considers genetics, culture, and environmental factors—not just experience.
- Ethical ABA uses reinforcement and person-centred approaches, not punishment or forced compliance.
- ABA doesn’t respect diversity or neurodiversity – Modern ABA is increasingly neuroaffirming, embracing neurodiversity and adapting to individuals’ needs, cultures, and preferences.
Why Pursue a Career in Behaviour Analysis?
- Make a meaningful impact, work in diverse settings, promote inclusion, use evidence-based approaches, and contribute to social justice.
Why Study at the Tizard Centre, University of Kent?
- Internationally recognised for ABA and PBS, accredited MSc programme meeting BACB and UK-SBA standards.
- Multidisciplinary approach, at the forefront of deinstitutionalisation, celebrating diversity and inclusion, with a focus on social justice.
- Strong research and practical focus, flexible study options, and excellent career prospects.
Learn More:
- Visit our website at www.tizard.org
- Watch our YouTube channel for talks on being a behaviour analyst.
- For additional resources, visit ABAI, UK-SBA, and BACB websites.
- Contact Dr Thanos Vostanis: a.vostanis@kent.ac.uk
Key for Acronyms:
- ABA – Applied Behaviour Analysis
- PBS – Positive Behaviour Support
- BACB – Behaviour Analyst Certification Board
- UK-SBA – UK Society for Behaviour Analysis
- MSc – Master of Science
- BCBA – Board Certified Behaviour Analyst
- Tizard – Tizard Centre, University of Kent
- ID – Intellectual Disabilities
- IDD – Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
The extended version
What Is Behaviour Analysis?
Behaviour analysis is a natural science that explores how individuals interact with their environment and how different factors influence behaviour over time.
Behaviour analysts examine how biological, environmental, and learning experiences shape human and animal behaviour. Since behaviour is something individuals do, behaviour analysis focuses on identifying patterns and influences that support meaningful learning and development. This approach is particularly effective in promoting useful skills and reducing barriers to inclusion.
The science of behaviour analysis has led to valuable insights that contribute to socially significant areas, such as education, workplace wellbeing, health-related behaviours, and accessibility. It is widely applied in areas including inclusive education, communication support, and creating enabling environments for autistic and disabled people.
What Is a Natural Science of Behaviour?
Sciences such as biology and physics seek to explain natural phenomena through observable, measurable processes. Similarly, behaviour analysis examines behaviour by identifying the natural and environmental influences that shape it, such as past experiences, genetics, and social interactions.
Behaviour analysts do not rely on metaphysical explanations (e.g., concepts like the mind or soul) or describe one behaviour by referring to another (e.g., explaining frequent eating by labelling it as a lack of self-control). Instead, they focus on identifying the underlying influences on behaviour, enabling the development of meaningful and practical approaches that support positive change.
Behaviour analysis provides effective ways to promote learning, enhance well-being, and create inclusive environments by understanding how real-world factors influence behaviour.
What Are Experiential Factors?
Experiential factors refer to anything an individual encounters through their senses. Behaviour analysts focus on understanding how people and other animals learn from their environment and adapt to their surroundings.
Research in this area has identified key principles of learning and behaviour. A strong understanding of these principles helps create supportive environments promoting meaningful learning, development, and well-being.
Why Focus on Individual Behaviour?
While behaviour is influenced by social and cultural factors—such as peer interactions, family expectations, and community norms—it is ultimately something individuals do. People walk, talk, think, interact.
As a natural science, behaviour analysis examines the factors that shape individual behaviour. This focus has led to principles and approaches that support individuals in developing useful skills and creating positive changes in their lives and those around them.
What Are the Principles of Behaviour?
Behaviour analysts have identified many key principles that explain how behaviour is learned and influenced by the environment. These principles help us understand how people develop new skills, adapt to different situations, and interact with the world around them.
A deep understanding of these principles requires both study and practical experience. Those interested in exploring behaviour analysis in depth may consider enrolling in an academic programme approved by behaviour-analytic professional bodies, such as the Association for Behaviour Analysis International (ABAI) or the UK Society for Behaviour Analysis.
What Is Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)?
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a person-centred, evidence-based approach to improving individuals’ quality of life and well-being, particularly those with intellectual disabilities, autism, and other neurodiverse conditions. It focuses on understanding and addressing the factors that influence behaviour in a positive, supportive, and proactive way.
Key principles of PBS include:
- Person-Centred Focus: PBS is tailored to the individual’s needs, preferences, and goals. It involves understanding the person as a whole, considering their strengths, abilities, and any challenges they may face.
- Preventative Strategies: Instead of reacting to challenging behaviour, PBS seeks to prevent it by creating environments and circumstances that encourage positive behaviour. This could involve adjusting routines, teaching new skills, or addressing unmet needs.
- Enhancing Quality of Life: PBS prioritises increasing opportunities for individuals to engage in meaningful activities, form social connections, and experience success in daily life.
- Functional Assessment: PBS involves identifying the underlying causes of challenging behaviour through observation and analysis. This allows for the development of tailored interventions to address those needs.
- Positive Reinforcement: Positive behaviour is encouraged and reinforced, rather than focusing on punishment or reducing negative behaviour. This fosters a more supportive and empowering approach to behaviour change.
- Collaboration: PBS promotes a team-based approach, often involving families, educators, caregivers, and other professionals, to ensure consistent and comprehensive support for the individual.
PBS aims to create environments where individuals can thrive, reduce the occurrence of challenging behaviours, and enhance their opportunities for learning, social engagement, and independence.
Myths About Behaviour Analysis
- ABA is only for autistic people – Behaviour analysis is a broad science applied in various fields, including education, workplace safety, healthcare, and skill development. It is not exclusively an autism intervention.
- ABA aims to ‘cure’ or ‘fix’ people – Modern, ethical ABA respects individual differences and focuses on supporting meaningful learning, autonomy, and well-being rather than ‘changing’ people.
- ABA ignores genetics and culture – Behaviour analysis recognises that behaviour is influenced by biological, social, and cultural factors, not just experience. It considers the whole context in which behaviour occurs.
- ABA uses punishment-based techniques – Ethical, evidence-based ABA prioritises reinforcement-based strategies and person-centred approaches that promote positive experiences and quality of life.
- ABA forces people to conform – Ethical practice values autonomy and self-determination, supporting individuals in ways that align with their goals and identities rather than enforcing compliance.
- ABA only focuses on surface behaviour – Behaviour analysis considers underlying environmental influences, motivation, and learning history rather than just outward actions.
- ABA is outdated and harmful – While historical practices have been rightfully criticised, contemporary ABA has evolved with strong ethical guidelines, person-centred approaches, and an increasing commitment to neuroaffirming practices.
Why Pursue a Career in Behaviour Analysis?
- Make a meaningful impact – Support individuals in developing skills, increasing independence, and improving their quality of life.
- Work in diverse settings – Apply behaviour analysis in education, healthcare, community services, organisational behaviour management, and more.
- Promote inclusion and accessibility – Help create supportive environments that respect neurodiversity and individual needs.
- Use evidence-based approaches – Apply scientifically validated principles to support learning, behaviour change, and well-being.
- Support individuals, not ‘fix’ them – Work in a field that values autonomy, dignity, and person-centred practice.
- Contribute to social justice – Advocate for ethical, equitable, and inclusive practices in education, healthcare, and social services.
- Opportunities for specialisation – Focus on areas such as autism support, education, disability services, mental health, or workplace behaviour.
- Engage in lifelong learning – Behaviour analysis is a continuously evolving science, offering ongoing professional development and research opportunities.
- Work internationally – ABA qualifications can open career paths in multiple countries, offering diverse opportunities for professional growth.
- Join a growing field – Behaviour analysis is increasingly recognised in the UK and worldwide, leading to expanding career prospects.
Why Study at the Tizard Centre, University of Kent?
- Leading Centre for ABA and PBS – The Tizard Centre is internationally recognised for its research and teaching in intellectual and developmental disabilities, Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), and Positive Behaviour Support (PBS).
- Accredited and Recognised Programmes – The MSc in ABA/PBS meets Pathway 2 requirements for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) and aligns with UK Society for Behaviour Analysis (UK-SBA) accreditation standards.
- Multidisciplinary Approach – The Centre brings together experts from psychology, social policy, and education, ensuring students develop a well-rounded understanding of behaviour analysis within broader social and systemic contexts.
- At the Forefront of Deinstitutionalisation – The Tizard Centre has been instrumental in promoting community-based support, inclusion, and person-centred care, shaping policy and practice to move away from institutional models.
- Commitment to Social Justice and Inclusion – The Centre emphasises ethical, neuroaffirming, and person-centred approaches that uphold autonomy, dignity, and human rights.
- Celebrating Diversity – The MSc programme embeds anti-oppressive practice, ensuring students learn to apply ABA and PBS in ways that are culturally responsive, inclusive, and respectful of neurodiversity.
- Strong Research and Practical Focus – The programme combines academic rigour with applied practice, ensuring students develop both theoretical knowledge and real-world skills.
- Flexible Study Options – The MSc is available both on campus (Full-Time or Part-Time) and via distance learning (Part-Time only), allowing students to tailor their studies to their personal and professional commitments.
- Expert Teaching and Supervision – Students learn from leading researchers and practitioners in ABA, PBS, and disability studies, gaining insight from those shaping the field.
- Strong Career Prospects – Graduates are well-equipped for careers in behaviour analysis, PBS, education, healthcare, and social care, with many progressing to Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification or UKBA(Cert) certification in the UK.
- Opportunities for Research and Development – The Tizard Centre is a hub for cutting-edge research, with opportunities for students to contribute to studies that shape policy and practice.
Where Can I Learn More About the MSc in ABA/PBS at the Tizard Centre?
- Visit our website: tizard.org
- Explore some of our talks on our YouTube Channel to learn what it’s like to be a behaviour analyst.
- Go to YouTube, type Tizard Centre, and then find the playlist entitled Tizard Behavioural Talks and Journal Club.
- For additional resources, visit the websites of these organisations:
Queries
You can email Dr Thanos Vostanis at a.vostanis@kent.ac.uk