ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis. It is the scientific study of human behaviors. It emphasizes on the careful observation and measurement of behaviors of interest, and the environmental factors that affect the behaviors. ABA focuses on explaining behaviors in terms of external events that can be manipulated rather than internal constructs that are beyond our control. Behavior means anything we do or say, which includes talking, reading, writing, social interaction, etc. It does not just mean negative behaviors. A vast amount of research studies have documented the effectiveness of ABA across a wide range of populations, interventionist, settings and behaviors.
ABA is effective in teaching a variety of skills such as academics, social skills, communication, eating, toileting, dressing, personal self-care, domestic skills, food preparation, money and value, home and community orientation, and work skills.
ABA is also the most effective approach in reducing many problem behaviors such as aggression, oppositional behaviors, disruptive behaviors, self-injurious behaviors, and stereotyped behaviors.