What is ABA?

Applied Behavior Analyis (ABA) is a science focused on understanding how interactions with our physical and social environments shape behavior. At its heart, ABA is a science of learning, which is applied to solve real-world problems. It helps us understand why behaviors occur and, when those behaviors pose obstacles to success, how we can change environments to support individuals to live the lives they want. As a science, ABA is ground in research, and thus, is constantly evolving as it seeks to better understand how learning occurs and how to facilitate new learning that promotes meaningful outcomes.

 

In addition to researchers who advance the science, the field of ABA is also comprised of practitioners, who are trained to apply the science of ABA in authentic contexts. Although ABA is often associated with therapeutic approaches for people with autism or developmental disorders, the applications of ABA are much broader. Behavior analysts might work in schools to promote prosocial behavior and improved academic performance for students in both general and special education, in hospitals to arrange environments that promote improved quality of life for people with dementia or other medical or mental health issues, in community centers or sporting organizations to promote exercise or improved athletic performance, in government or the private sector promote sustainability initiatives such as recycling and reducing energy consumption, or in prisons to facilitate rehabilitation and skill development of incarcerated people – just to name a few!