What is ABA therapy? A plain-English guide
ABA therapy teaches children to communicate and respond naturally, learning through curiosity and real-world settings rather than structured classroom drills. Breaks, rewards and play keep it engaging.
This page is for informational purposes and is not a guideline for treatment or intervention.
Who needs ABA?
ABA methods have been used with many kinds of learners, with and without disabilities, in many different settings. Behavior analysis was developed long before it was applied to autism, and it's used around the world to help people with many social and behavioral difficulties, including ADHD. Studies also support ABA programs for children with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, emotional disorders and general developmental delay.
Six ways ABA supports children with autism
Increase behaviors
Reinforcement increases helpful behaviors, like staying on task or social interaction.
Teach new skills
Step-by-step instruction teaches life, communication and social skills.
Maintain behaviors
Self-control and self-monitoring help skills last over time.
Generalize skills
What's learned in one place carries over to another, like from a small room to a full classroom.
Narrow triggers
Adjusting the learning environment limits when interfering behaviors happen.
Reduce interfering behaviors
Such as self-injury or repetitive behaviors that get in the way of learning.
How does ABA work?
Behavior analysis studies how behavior works and how learning happens. ABA uses those principles to teach appropriate behavior, including speech, academics and life skills.
Reinforcement, simply explained
We tend to repeat the things that are followed by something we value. In ABA, a behavior followed by something your child values is more likely to happen again. What works as reinforcement is different for every child, and over time it's reduced so your child can learn without constant rewards.
What a quality ABA program includes
ABA is not a one-size-fits-all set of drills. Every part of the program is customized to your child's skills, needs, interests and family. Strong programs share these features:
- Designed and overseen by qualified, well-trained behavior analysts
- A detailed assessment of your child's skills and your family's preferences
- Goals that are meaningful for your child and your family
- Ongoing measurement of progress and frequent review of the data
- Skills broken into small steps, from simple sounds to full conversations
- Plenty of planned and natural chances to practice every day
- Lots of positive reinforcement, and an emphasis on making learning fun
- Parent training, plus regular meetings with your family to review progress
What the research says
Studies on ABA are published in journals such as the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. Independent bodies including the U.S. Surgeon General, the New York State Department of Health, the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Pediatrics have endorsed ABA for children with autism.