Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the process of systematically applying interventions to improve socially significant behaviors to a meaningful degree (Baer, Wolf & Risley, 1968.) In other words, ABA is the application of evidence-based, empirically validated interventions to everyday situations that meaningfully and positively improve the lives of individuals. ABA has been used to help individuals acquire multiple social significant behaviors, such as language, reading, academics, social skills, play skills, communication, gross and fine motor skills, eating and food preparation, toileting, dressing, personal self-care, domestic skills, time and punctuality, money and value, home and community orientation and work skills. In addition, ABA principles can also help decrease maladaptive behaviors such as aggression, noncompliance, tantrum, self-injurious behavior and self-stimulatory behaviors. ABA strongly focuses on parent training and family involvement. Therapy sessions are held in the setting where the individual is struggling the most (I.e. home, school, grandparents house, recreational facilities, supermarket, etc.)
Finally, ABA is data-driven. Data is collected and analyzed continuously to ensure all individualized goals are being achieved for each client.