What is ABA?

ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis.

Applied Behavior Analysis: the process of systematically applying interventions based upon the principles of learning theory to improve socially significant behaviors to a meaningful degree, and to demonstrate that the interventions employed are responsible for the improvement in behavior (Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968).

Don't worry, Ill explain it a little bit!

ABA is a scientifically valid approach to understanding behaviors (in ABA terms, discovering the "function"), hence, understanding=ability to change!

ABA focuses on observable, and measurable behaviors.

ABA uses the principles of learning to increase or decrease behaviors (think about it for a second. . . a "behavior" includes a lot!), and it generalizes learned behaviors (meaning that the learner can use new skills with multiple individuals, in different situations, and in many different environments)

ABA utilizes research-based interventions to teach skills and increase/decrease behaviors. Thus, a quality ABA program

ABA relies on data collection and analysis to determine the best intervention in teaching new skills/behaviors, and reducing challenging behaviors

Who is it for?

ABA is a research-based practice that has the most support among Autism interventions, however it can help with a wide variety of individuals with or without a diagnosis. Simply put: if there is a behavior, ABA can be applied.

References: Baer, D.M., Wolf, M.M., & Risley, T.R. (1968). Some current dimensions of applied behavior analyis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis. 1, 91-97