Overview
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a discipline that studies the way behaviors are learned and reinforced by one’s environment, especially as a form of therapy. It’s commonly used with developmental disorders or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as an evidence-backed modality that involves positive reinforcement to reward desired behaviors while reducing undesirable ones.
A core model for ABA is the ABC model that tracks an Antecedent (what happens before the behavior), Behavior, and Consequence (what happens after the behavior). This lends itself easily using data to drive and evaluate the reinforcement patterns. Specific protocols include:
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Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
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Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT)
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Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)
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Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)
In the United States, ABA practitioners must have credentials achieved through the Behavioral Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Generally, these practitioners tend to be:
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Registered Behavior Technician
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Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA)
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Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)