Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy

Behavior analysis is the science of behavior, with a history extending back to the early 20th century. Its guiding philosophy is behaviorism, which is based on the premise that attempts to improve the human condition through behavior change (e.g., education, behavioral health treatment) will be most effective if behavior itself is the primary focus.

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To date, behavior-analytic scientists have conducted thousands of studies to identify the laws of behavior—the predictable ways in which behavior is learned and how it changes over time. The underlying theme of much of this work has been that behavior is a product of its circumstances, particularly the events that immediately follow the behavior. Behavior analysts have used this information to develop numerous techniques and treatment approaches for analyzing and changing behavior, and ultimately, to improve lives. Because this approach applied behavior analysis (ABA) is largely based on behavior and its consequences, techniques generally involve teaching individuals more effective ways of behaving through positive reinforcement and working to change the social consequences of existing behavior. Treatment approaches based on ABA have been empirically shown to be effective in a wide variety of areas. https://www.bacb.com/about-behavior-analysis/ BACB, 2025

ABA helps us understand: 

• How behavior works

• How behavior is affected by the environment

• How learning takes place

 

ABA therapy applies our understanding of how behavior works to real situations. The goal is to increase behaviors that are helpful and decrease behaviors that are harmful or affect learning.

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ABA can help:

• Increase language and communication skills

• Improve attention, focus, social skills, memory, and academics 

• Decrease problem behaviors

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​How does ABA work?

• Can be adapted to meet the needs of each unique person

• Provided in many different locations – at home, at school, and in the community

• Teaches skills that are useful in everyday life

• Can involve one-to-one teaching or group instruction