Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the scientific study of behavior. ABA stems from research by B.F. Skinner. Skinner believed that people learn through consequences and therefore behavior can be changed through positive reinforcement. Later, in the 1980s, due to the work of Ivar Lovaas and others, ABA was altered in a way that changed how children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) received treatment. With that said, ABA has become the most notable, scientifically proven, treatment for individuals with ASD.

ABA focuses on positive behaviors, while reducing negative behaviors to improve a variety of functional skills across different environments. In order to do this, the behavior technician works on motivating their client through rewards/reinforcement which encourages skills that will help build their independence. ABA therapy is not only effective for children, but also teenagers, and adults with ASD.

The ABA team is an essential part to ABA therapy. The behavior technician implements the treatment plan that has been created by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The behavior technician’s job is to teach your child the skills they need to grow within their environment and ultimately become independent. This may consist of decreasing maladaptive behaviors and increasing appropriate replacement behaviors and/or helping them learn to communicate and understand their environment.

Parents play a critical role in the treatment of their child’s symptoms of ASD; thus, our BCBA develops a plan for the parents to follow to help teach them how to implement ABA procedures. The BCBA and parent collaborate on setting goals that would be attainable for the family as a unit and teaches strategies that parents can use in the home to help support their child’s growth.