What is ABA?

Simply put, ABA is just good teaching!

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a psychological/educational approach to learning which believes that a behavior is learned and maintained through interactions with one’s environment. Thus, the purpose of behavioral intervention is to change the environment in order to increase the likelihood that students will be more successful. Behavioral intervention relies on providing clear instructions, breaking down complex behaviors into smaller obtainable steps, providing assistance when necessary, providing reinforcement (rewards) following demonstration of appropriate behaviors, and providing clear and accurate feedback following demonstration of inappropriate behaviors.   Behavioral intervention should not just occur during a set period of time; rather, ABA should be incorporated throughout the student’s day.

There has been over 100 years of research on the principles of applied behavioral intervention. Research has shown that when behavioral intervention is implemented, individuals can learn a wide variety of skills such as: language, social skills, academic skills, self-help skills, and job related skills. Additionally, research has shown that the proper use of behavioral intervention can be effective in reducing a wide range of aberrant behaviors, including: stereotypic behavior (self-stimulation), aggression, self-injury, elopement, tantrums, non-compliance, crying, and PICA. Today, the only empirically demonstrated interventions to have positive long term effects for individuals diagnosed with autism are interventions based upon the principles of applied behavior analysis.