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)
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:
Muharib, R., Dowdy, A., Rajaraman, A., & Jessel, J. (2022). Contingency-based delay to reinforcement following functional communication training for autistic individuals: A multilevel meta-analysis. SAGE Publications. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613211065540
Heath, C. D. C., McDaniel, T., Venkateswara, H., & Panchanathan, S. (2021). Improving communication skills of children with autism through support of applied behavioral analysis treatments using multimedia computing: A survey. Universal Access in the Information Society, 20(1), 13-30. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-019-00707-5
Rodgers, M., Simmonds, M., Marshall, D., Hodgson, R., Stewart, L. A., Rai, D., Wright, K., Ben-Itzchak, E., Eikeseth, S., Eldevik, S., Kovshoff, H., Magiati, I., Osborne, L. A., Reed, P., Vivanti, G., Zachor, D., & Couteur, A. L. (2021). Intensive behavioural interventions based on applied behaviour analysis for young children with autism: An international collaborative individual participant data meta-analysis. Autism : The International Journal of Research and Practice, 25(4), 1137-1153. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361320985680
Asta, L., & Persico, A. M. (2022). Differential predictors of response to early start denver model vs. early intensive behavioral intervention in young children with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Brain Sciences, 12(11), 1499. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12111499
Marino, F., Chila, P., Failla, C., Crimi, I., Minutoli, R., Puglisi, A., Arnao, A. A., Tartarisco, G., Ruta, L., Vagni, D., & Pioggia, G. (2020). Tele-assisted behavioral intervention for families with children with autism spectrum disorders: A randomized control trial. Brain Sciences, 10(9), 649. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10090649
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
WV Rating:
Well-Supported by Research
»WV Ratings Info
Rationale for Rating:
PLEASE NOTE: This program is considered 'well-supported by research' to improve outcomes for individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is considered 'promising' for individuals with disabilities, social-emotional learning deficits, and other issues/diagnoses.
Contraindications or Concerns:
None identified
Other Registries/Ratings
The California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare:
Not On Registry
Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development:
Not On Registry
Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness:
Not On Registry
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Model Programs Guide:
Not On Registry
Washington State Institute for Public Policy:
Not On Registry