Applied Behavioral Analysis is also popularly referred to as Intensive Behavioral Intervention.  There are actually differences between the two terms, but most parents and lay people use them in reference to an intense program of study for a person, usually a child, which utilizes principles from the field of Operant Conditioning ("aka Behavior Modification").  This field has its roots in the theories of B.F. Skinner.  The popularly cited study by Ivar Lovaas in the 1980's showed that the principles of ABA could be applied in an intense program of behaviorally based instruction to treat children with Autism.  The study showed that children with Autism could make dramatic progress when receiving a program of instruction of this type.

Many techniques are often used in an ABA program, Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT) is one of the primary (but not the only) instructional methods used in ABA programs for children with Autism today.  This technique is used to maximize learning and can be used to develop most skills including, cognitive, social, behavioral, fine motor, play, social and self help skills.  DTT involves breaking down skills into small sub-skills and teaching each sub-skill, intensely, one at a time.  It involves repeated practices with prompting and fading of prompts to insure the child’s success. DTT also uses reinforcement to help shape and maintain positive behaviors and skills.

Teaching in (and with) the Natural Environment is also a valuable method incorporated into many ABA programs today.  As the child (or person) develops, more advanced methods are added to improve Verbal and Social skills deficits as well.

The common theme through most of the different methodologies used under the umbrella term of "ABA" is the use of Behavior based learning.  A good description of the different theories of learning can be found at http://www.uib.no/People/sinia/CSCL/web_struktur-4.htm   A simple way of understanding this is that we, as humans, learn to behave based upon the demands placed upon us by our environment.  For most people, this occurs unconsciously without us being aware of it.  For a child or person with Autism, learning occurs only when demands are carefully structured, repeated often and rewarded when the desired behavior is produced.

ABA is a large area of study, and this article is not intended to be a detailed or definitive explanation.  For more information on ABA, visit the following websites:

	The Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
	ABA Resources for Recovery from Autism/PDD/Hyperlexia

Or, refer to A Work In Progress, it is one of the best resources to learn about using ABA for kids with Autism.

There are many common misconceptions and myths about ABA, such as:

Myth # 1:  ABA produces children with Robot-Like behavior.
Although ABA does use repetition as part of the structured learning program, the training also incorporates methods designed to encourage creativity and spontaneity.

Myth # 2:  ABA is experimental.
The effectiveness of ABA has been validated and replicated in numerous studies showing the distinct benefits that can be derived by children with Autism.

Myth #3:  ABA uses negative reinforcers (spanking) or aversives.
ABA programs for children today, in most cases, do not implement any form of physical punishment.  The term "in most cases" is used because; there are no "experts" or leading researchers in the field advocating the use of negative physical punishments as part of a modern ABA based program.  That doesn't mean that there aren't some ignorant people practicing ABA and using these types of treatment methods.  You, as the parent, must still and always serve as the last gatekeeper in the filtering of good and bad treatment methods to use with your child.  In most cases, parents and therapists use very little negative verbal feedback (if any) at all in their ABA programs to indicate incorrect responses.


It is often said, this methodology is not just for children with autism; it can be used on typical kids, animals, spouses, all ages and populations.  IT IS SIMPLY GOOD TEACHING.

You will find many valuable books, tapes and conference info at the Future Horizons website about ABA.  Future Horizons is a company specializing in products related to Autism Spectrum Disorders.  This is the FIRST place to look for books and tapes on Autism because that is what they SPECIALIZE in providing.