Applied Behavior Analysis

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the application of the science of behavior to real life situations.

The practice of ABA gained popularity in the 1980s and 90s with Dr. Ivaar Lovas’ application of behavioral principles to children with autism. Using discrete trial training (a process derived from behavioral principles to teach skills), he was able to demonstrate that children with a variety of behavioral difficulties were able to quickly gain new skills.

Since that time, the practice of ABA has remained a gold-standard treatment approach to behavioral difficulties seen in some children with autism. However, newer research has also demonstrated that an ABA-based approach can help people of all ages with a wide range of behavioral difficulties. Some of these difficulties include defiance, aggression, depression, anxiety, phobias, and sleep disorders.