What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?
- kidsabaservices
- Dec 23, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Dec 30, 2025
Behaviorism: A philosophical approach to understanding how the environment shapes behavior
Behavior Analysis: A science focused on understanding, explaining, describing, and predicting behavior
Applied Behavior Analysis: An approach to therapy that relies on behavior analysis
ABA therapy’s history begins with psychologist B.F. Skinner. He embraced behaviorism, a branch of psychology that turned away from introspective methods. Skinner pioneered the field of applied behavior analysis. ABA is a branch of behaviorism that applies the science to human behavior. It seeks to understand how what precedes behavior (antecedents) and what follows a behavior (consequences) shape that behavior.
In the past, ABA therapy was very rigid and intense. However, it has evolved to be more client-centered and compassionate. Current ABA practices are founded on decades of evidence and focus solely on benefitting those they treat. ABA should not seek to change individuals but rather to empower them within their own lives and experiences.
The goal of ABA therapy is to increase helpful behaviors and decrease behaviors that prevent learning or are otherwise harmful. ABA therapy addresses a variety of needs such as language, self-help, social skills, and more.
While ABA therapy is most often used for individuals with autism, it is not linked to it or exclusive to individuals with autism. Many can benefit from ABA therapy, those with intellectual disabilities, ODD, or anxiety. In order to assure the highest quality of care, KIDS ABA Services focuses its efforts specifically on children with autism diagnoses.
ABA is different from other types of therapy, such as OT, PT, and Speech therapy. While these therapies are more specialized, ABA targets more generalized areas of living. It is also different from mental health counseling, which explores internal emotional states. Contrarily, ABA therapy targets observable behaviors that interfere with successful independent living.
Are you wondering if ABA therapy is right for your child?
If your child has autism or you suspect that they do, you can learn more here.
If your child does not have autism but you are still interested in ABA services, here are other resources that can help.
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