Curious about Applied Behavior Analysis?

What is ABA?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) uses scientifically proven principles of learning and motivation to teach new skills and behaviors. ABA uses evidence-based methods such as positive reinforcement and environmental manipulation to teach skills that encourage the individual to access more of their environment. A well-rounded ABA program will include client specific goals in the areas of communication, social skills, adaptive daily living, and emotional regulation.

Who Benefits from ABA?

ABA has been proven as an effective treatment for individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, or related disorders. ABA’s individualized treatment approach can be tailored to meet a persons needs at any age or ability level.

Who Implements ABA Therapy?

ABA therapy teams consists of multiple trained professionals that are assigned to each individual person receiving therapy. One or more Behavior technicians (BT) or Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT) work under the direct supervision of a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to implement therapeutic treatment goals.

  • Board Certified Behavior Analyst: Hold a master’s degree or higher in ABA, psychology, special education, or other related degree. They have completed 2000 hours of supervision under a BCBA and passed the certification exam through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).

  • Registered Behavior Technician: Have undergone a 40-hour training course as outlined by the BACB, completed an RBT competency assessment, and passed the RBT exam. RBT continues to get ongoing supervision from a BCBA at a minimum of 5% of their direct hours.

  • Behavior Technician: Have undergone a 40-hour training course as outlined by the BACB and receive continued supervision from a BCBA while working toward taking their RBT competency and exam.

ABA Teaching Methods

  • Discrete Trial Training (DTT)

    DTT is a systematic approach to learning in which larger skill are broken into smaller (discrete) components. These smaller pieces are taught to the person individually through repetition.

  • Natural Environment Training (NET)

    NET is a less formal approach to teaching skills. Opportunities to work on specific skills are contrived in an environment that is most natural for the person receiving therapy. NET also captures naturally occurring moments to teach and strengthen skills and behaviors. NET also helps promote generalization from a control therapeutic setting into the natural occurring environment.

  • Pivotal Response Training (PRT)

    Like NET, PRT is taught in the natural environment. PRT is child lead and captures natural moments to teach pivotal skills that impact development such as motivation, imitation, multiple cues, and self-management.