Applied Behavior Analysis is often mistakenly defined as a treatment for children with autism. ABA is best defined as the application of the principles of behavior to promote behavior change and improve quality of life. These behavior principles can have a wide range of treatment applications from substance abuse treatment, brain injury rehabilitation, occupational safety intervention, employee performance and satisfaction, and interventions for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Have you ever said, “First eat your dinner, then you can have dessert?” If you have, you’ve used ABA.
Are you paid for your work after your work is complete? That’s ABA.
Does your company give bonuses for high performance? If so, they are using ABA.
The science of behavior and learning provide the basis of ABA therapy. ABA therapy for children with autism uses knowledge of how behavior works to develop unique programs to fit the needs of the individual learner.