ABA is an acronym for applied behavior analysis. ABA is the application of behavioral principles to solve problems of social significance. It is not one procedure, or even a handful of procedures or therapeutic techniques. It is an entire discipline, with success in developmental disabilities, education, business, and medicine, to name just a few. ABA is behavioral technology; the principles that are applied to solve meaningful problems are derived from research results in basic behavioral science (such as the experimental analysis of behavior). Applied behavior analysts are analogous to physicians, who develop treatments for biological problems based on basic medical research. For more detailed information about behavior analysis, see our Links page.

Early and intensive ABA by far is the most effective approach for establishing language, self-help skills, and reducing unwanted behavior with children diagnosed with autism and other developmental disorders.