Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific, evidence-based approach focused on understanding how behavior works and how it is affected by the environment. This therapy applies principles of learning to increase beneficial behaviors and decrease those that may be harmful or interfere with learning. While the principles of behavior apply to everyone, ABA is most widely recognized for its use in developing communication, social, and adaptive living skills for individuals, particularly those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A practical understanding of ABA requires looking closely at the processes that define its implementation day-to-day.
The Initial Functional Assessment
The process of ABA therapy begins with an intensive assessment known as the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA). This step identifies the specific reasons, or function, a particular behavior is occurring before any intervention plan is developed. The FBA involves collecting detailed data through interviews, record review, and direct observation of the individual in their natural settings.
A primary tool used in this phase is the collection of Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence (A-B-C) data. The Antecedent is what happens immediately before the behavior, the Behavior is the observable action itself, and the Consequence is what occurs immediately after. Analyzing A-B-C patterns helps the analyst hypothesize the function of the behavior, which typically falls into four categories: attention, escape from a task or situation, access to tangible items, or sensory input. Understanding this underlying purpose dictates the entire treatment plan, ensuring the intervention addresses the why rather than simply suppressing the behavior.
Instructional Strategies and Techniques
Once the function of a behavior is determined, teaching new skills or modifying existing ones begins using distinct instructional styles to maximize learning. One method is Discrete Trial Training (DTT), a highly structured, one-on-one approach that breaks skills down into their smallest components. In DTT, a therapist delivers a rapid sequence of instruction, the individual responds, and a consequence—usually reinforcement—is delivered, often while sitting at a table. This systematic and repetitive cycle is effective for establishing foundational skills, such as imitation, receptive language, and identifying objects.
Conversely, Natural Environment Teaching (NET) integrates instruction into the individual’s play, routines, and interests. This technique is more flexible and uses the child’s preferred activities and materials as the context for instruction. For instance, a therapist might teach communication skills by waiting for a child to request a toy they are already engaged with, making the reinforcement directly related to the skill being taught. NET is effective for promoting engagement and helping skills transfer to real-world situations because it utilizes the natural environment.
The Role of Data Collection and Supervision
A defining characteristic of ABA is its reliance on continuous data collection to track progress and guide decision-making. Data is collected during every therapy session on both target behaviors being reduced and new skills being acquired. Metrics tracked often include the frequency (how often a behavior occurs) or the duration (how long a behavior lasts).
This data is routinely analyzed by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), who is responsible for designing the personalized treatment plan. The BCBA examines graphed data trends to determine if the intervention is working and makes modifications to the program based on this scientific monitoring. The day-to-day implementation is carried out by a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), who works directly with the individual and collects the raw data under the BCBA’s regular supervision. This structure ensures interventions are implemented correctly and the program remains responsive to the individual’s progress.
Promoting Skills Outside the Therapy Setting
The ultimate measure of success in ABA is ensuring a skill can be used across different people, settings, and situations—a concept known as generalization. To achieve this, a significant component of ABA involves parent and caregiver training. The therapist empowers the family by teaching them how to consistently apply the behavioral strategies and reinforcement schedules used in therapy within the home and community.
By involving caregivers, the learned behaviors are reinforced across a wider variety of environments, which makes the new skills more durable and less dependent on the presence of the therapist. As the individual becomes more proficient, the therapist systematically fades prompts, which are the hints or cues used to encourage the correct response. This deliberate reduction in support is a final step to ensure the individual can perform the skill independently.