What is Applied Behavior Analysis?

Client and culturally centered practice: We aim to collaborate with our clients to consistently tailor our approach to incorporate their values and meet their individual goals. 

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is “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).”

ABA is the practice within the larger field of Behavior Analysis. Within the field there is decades of research on understanding the influences of one’s behavior and its environment. Typically, behavior analysts will begin services by evaluating a client’s (or organization’s) current skill set. That is, what does the client do well, what do they do too much of (behavioral excesses) and what do they do too little of (behavioral deficits). Then, the behavior analyst will assess environmental conditions that influence the client’s behaviors. This information is used to develop an individualized treatment plan designed to help clients achieve their personal goals in aims of improving their lives.

ABA not only focuses on interventions to help individuals acquire new socially significant behaviors such as communication, social, and academic skills, but also transferring these skills to everyday conditions. Behavior analysts, who work with clients of all ages and in a variety of settings (e.g. clinics, schools, businesses, etc.), design interventions with the goal of increasing client’s independence so that these skills can be used in everyday life. ABA interventions have been effective in meeting client goals and solving problems in a variety of areas including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Organizational Behavior Management, Sports, Gerontology, Health, and more.

ABA interventions can be classified into two categories: Comprehensive and Focused interventions. Comprehensive interventions are designed to teach skills across many domains and focused interventions emphasize specific behavior change such as reducing challenging behaviors or increasing specific sets of skills such as communication, social, and self-help skills.