Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a therapy that is most well known to help children with autism learn skills and lessen problematic behavior like hurting themselves. It has also been used with other age ranges and disorders. All forms of ABA are based on the idea that rewarding certain behaviors will lead children to repeat those behaviors. Early forms of ABA focused on breaking skills into very small steps and rewarding kids for doing each step correctly. In the past, kids might also have been punished for doing a step incorrectly. Punishment is no longer used in any form of ABA. Tailored to individual needs, ABA is delivered in a variety of settings, including school, home, clinic, and other community settings.
Last reviewed: 2023
Intended Outcomes:
The goal of treatment is to help people function as independently and successfully as possible. For example, depending on the individual, outcomes for ABA may include the following:
- Increased language and communication skills
- Improved attention, focus, social skills, memory, and academics
- Decreased problem behaviors
Continuum of Care:
Treatment
Topic Areas:
Anxiety, Behavioral Health/Mental Health, Depression, Disruptive Behaviors, Intellectual Disabilities, Physical Health, Trauma
Ages:
Adult (25+), Childhood (4-12), Early Childhood (0-3), Teen/Adolescent (13-18), Young Adult (19-24)
Geographic Locations:
Rural, Urban
Delivery Settings:
Any
Cultural Considerations:
Limited research found involving diverse populations
Audience:
Although most commonly used for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ABA can be used for any child, adolescent, or adult who could benefit from behavioral therapy. ABA can also be used with the following conditions:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
- Obsessive compulsive disorder
- Oppositional defiant disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Panic disorder
- Traumatic brain injury sufferers
- substance abuse disorders
- dementia
- eating disorders
- anger issues
Credentials:
A board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) provides ABA therapy services. To become a BCBA, the following is needed:
- Earn a master’s degree or PhD in psychology or behavior analysis
- Pass a national certification exam
- Seek a state license to practice (in some states)
ABA therapy programs also involve therapists, or registered behavior technicians (RBTs). These therapists are trained and supervised by the BCBA. They work directly with children and adults with autism to practice skills and work toward the individual goals written by the BCBA. You may hear them referred to by a few different names: behavioral therapists, line therapists, behavior tech, etc. To learn more, see the
Behavior Analyst Certification Board website.
Manuals:
Yes
Is Training Required?
Yes, see developer info
Who can provide the required training?
Get certified at https://www.bacb.com/
Program Costs (materials, training, etc.):
Yes, refer to program website
Program/Practice Website:
https://www.appliedbehavioranalysisedu.org/
Relevant Published, Peer-Reviewed Research:
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Additional Sources:
https://www.appliedbehavioranalysisedu.org/
https://www.bacb.com
https://childmind.org/article/what-is-applied-behavior-analysis/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/applied-behavior-analysis