Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientifically validated approach to understanding behavior and how it is influenced by the environment. It is a systematic method of studying behavior, focusing on the principles that explain how learning takes place. ABA has been widely used to support individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, but its principles are applicable across various settings and populations.
At its core, ABA seeks to identify and understand the relationship between behavior and its consequences. It emphasizes the use of evidence-based interventions to increase desirable behaviors and decrease undesirable ones. ABA techniques are based on the principles of reinforcement, prompting, shaping, and fading, among others, and they are tailored to the unique needs of each individual.