What is Applied Behavior Analysis?

• ✓Behavior analysis is the scientific study of behavior.
• ✓Behavior analysts ask “Why does behavior change over time?” They seek answers by looking at the biological and environmental factors, although they are primarily interested in the role of environment in behavior change.
• ✓ABA is representational of a clear and systematic way to describe, observe, and measure behavior.
• ✓ABA is a science that uses very specific information about behavior to choose interventions to improve socially significant behavior.
• ✓ABA is research based (or evidence based).
• ✓ABA is based on applied and functional goals.
• ✓ABA is data driven assessment and intervention.
• ✓ABA is supportive of an individualized approach to addressing strengths and weaknesses of individuals.
• ✓ABA is focused on increasing maintenance, generalization, and independence.

What ABA is Not!

• ✕ABA is NOT a specific method for treating autism or other developmental disorders.
• ✕ABA is NOT equivalent to any one strategy following ABA principles (e.g., Discrete Trial Training (DTT), Verbal Behavior Analysis (VBA)).
• ✕ABA does NOT increase dependence on others.
• ✕ABA research is NOT invalidated due to the focus on one child at a time (single case study).
• ✕ABA is NOT only used for behavior reduction.
• ✕ABA is NOT based on aversives (punishment).
• ✕ABA is NOT based on manipulating people.
• ✕ABA is NOT exclusive to the treatment of autism.

Running into unfamiliar terms like BCBA or RBT along the way? Our Terms to Know page breaks those down. For more information regarding ABA please contact us or go to our resource page.