What Is Applied Behavior Analysis?

Written by Kendall K. Morgan
Medically Reviewed by Shruthi N, MD on February 12, 2026

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a type of therapy often used for autism. If you have a child diagnosed with autism, their pediatrician may suggest ABA therapy to help them develop social, emotional, or daily living skills.

ABA is a type of interpersonal therapy. Your child usually works with a practitioner one-on-one. But parents can also play a big role. The goal of ABA is to improve social or other positive skills of daily living while minimizing behaviors that are negative, unsafe, or difficult. It does this by using techniques based on principles of learning theory.

"At its core, ABA looks at what happens before a behavior, the behavior itself, and what happens after, so we can understand why a behavior is happening and teach more helpful alternatives," says Doreen Samelson, a licensed clinical psychologist and chief clinical officer at Catalight, a nonprofit behavioral health network, in Walnut Creek, California. "In everyday terms, that might mean supporting communication, social connection, learning, or independence through structured practice like school or through a more child-directed manner of play and daily routines, depending on what works best for the person. ABA isn't one single method — it ranges from naturalistic to more structured teaching."

ABA therapy is really a science, says Whitney Ence, PhD, a licensed psychologist and board-certified behavior analyst at the University of California San Francisco. ABA may include different techniques that rely on the same learning principles, with the goal of changing specific behaviors in desired ways.

"We're following their lead, building on interests, and teaching skills in a really naturalistic context to help support social communication skills, teach skills of daily living, and adaptive behavior," Ence says. "We're developing skills that the family and the child or young adult want to build upon."

ABA therapy helps those who are on the autism spectrumor live with other conditions affecting intellectual abilities or executive function. It can:

  • Improve abilities such as completing tasks, communicating, and learning new skills
  • Implement maintenance behaviors such as self-control and self-regulation
  • Teach you to transfer learned behaviors to new environments
  • Modify the learning environment to challenge you in certain scenarios
  • Reduce negative behaviors, especially if they cause distress or self-harm

ABA has been studied mostly in young children with autism. But it can support communication, other practical life skills, and independence at any age. 

ABA therapy is sometimes recommended and useful for older kids, teens, and even adults. It can also have benefits for other conditions, including intellectual disabilities (with or without autism) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

"There's evidence for other neurodiverse or neurodivergent groups as well," Ence says. "I think about recommending it across the lifespan, but the intensity of it would probably vary, and the skills that are being targeted will vary based on what's needed."

For a young child who isn't talking, ABA can offer support for daily living skills like dressing or toileting, Ence explained. It may offer support in learning nonverbal skills to communicate with parents in ways that are more effective. For an older child or teen, ABA can help with independence and engagement. It may implement visual schedules or other ways to improve independence and routines at home. For instance, a middle schooler might learn skills for selecting a snack and leisure activities after school. ABA is tailored to each person and their family. It also should change over time.

For a teen or young adult, Ence says she may recommend ABA to help them learn to "engage meaningfully in their life and then collaboratively set goals based on what they want to learn and do as well," Ence says. "We're really focused on what will make the child happy and what is meaningful to families."

ABA relies on various techniques and interventions, and its approaches have changed over time. Your experience will depend on your behavioral analyst or ABA practitioner. 

This therapy relies heavily on positive reinforcement. Traditionally, when a child in ABA therapy completes a task correctly or reaches a goal behavior, there is a reward. Studies show that when someone receives something of value following a behavior, they're more likely to repeat the behavior. Over time, ABA helps instill desired behaviors.‌

Just as good behaviors are rewarded, negative behaviors are discouraged or ignored. ABA helps you make the connection between what happens before and after a behavior. When behaviors aren't reinforced, the idea is that they'll start to happen less often or go away.

For example, if a teacher asks your child to clean up toys, they may respond in one of two ways. If they begin cleaning up the toys, the behavior is rewarded (positive consequence). If they yell, throw a tantrum, or refuse, the behavior is met with a negative outcome.‌ Negative behaviors are often met by a teacher not responding to the negative behavior. Until your child stops or shows they are willing to follow the command, there's no reward.

Over time, your child learns what is socially acceptable and what isn't. The goal of ABA is for desired behaviors to follow your child into the real world. With a better understanding of social dos and don'ts, they're better prepared for social situations at school, at events, and with family.

When your child first begins ABA therapy, the practitioner sets benchmarks for behavior. They'll talk to you about what you want out of therapy for your child and make a treatment plan. Over time, as your child progresses or priorities change, new goals are set.

ABA has been practiced since the 1960s, in different ways by different practitioners and at different times. Approaches that fall under ABA include:

Discrete trial training (DTT). This was the first version of ABA. It's also the most structured. Your child will sit at a table with a therapist. They'll be asked to complete a task. When they do it correctly, they get a reward, such as a treat or sticker. While in the past a child received punishment for not responding the right way, that's not accepted anymore. This form of ABA therapy involves lots of repetition and structure. 

Pivotal response treatment (PRT). This approach is directed by the child more than the therapist. It tends to focus on behaviors that may be useful in various situations, such as looking at someone, imitating, or giving something to another person. It relies on natural reinforcements over treats or other rewards.

Early Start Denver Model (ESDM). This method is play-based, but it may include more traditional ABA methods.

Talk to your ABA therapist about their treatment style and approach so you know what to expect.

Samelson says your ABA therapy may happen in different ways. It's most likely you'll work with a behavioral analyst or other practitioner who is trained in ABA. You might work with them for up to 40 hours a week. You may have ABA in a clinic or in your natural setting at home or school. Another way to receive ABA relies heavily on parents.

"In this model, the clinician works directly with the parent or other caregiver to teach them ABA methods that they can incorporate into their parenting," Samelson says. "Thus, parent-mediated ABA can be delivered anywhere or any time the parent interacts with their child."

Samelson says a study showed that ABA delivered by parents can work just as well and possibly better than ABA delivered by professionals. It may also require less time. Ence says when she works with children, she typically includes coaching for parents.

"I give parents lots of specific feedback to help with maintenance and generalization of skills," Ence says. "Research has shown if you're only working with a child, generalization or learning how to use the skill in other settings doesn't happen."

In some cases, she says, sessions may take place via telehealth, so your ABA therapist can see what's happening at home. No matter how ABA therapy is received, it should be affirming and aligned with your goals. If you feel that a practitioner isn't a good fit, it's a good idea to look for another therapist. Ideally, your child should be comfortable and happy during sessions.

Questions to ask your ABA therapist or agency

Ence recommends asking lots of questions before you get started, such as:

  • How much ABA training do you have?
  • Who will we be working with?
  • What is your intervention style?
  • Where will ABA therapy take place?
  • How do you monitor outcomes?
  • How many hours do you recommend?

There can be many benefits for people with autism or other diagnoses. But it's important to know that ABA isn't the only tool, Ence says. For example, you may want to consider ABA therapy along with occupational therapy, speech therapy, or other forms of therapy.

Benefits of ABA include:

Personalized plan. ABA looks different for each person. Individual goals are set based on what your child struggles with or wants the most. During individual therapy sessions, the practitioner can adapt to your or your child's needs that day.

Broad application. ABA may help with many diagnoses and concerns across the lifespan, including:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD)
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Depression
  • Fears and phobias
  • Issues with anger management
  • Severe anxiety
  • Independence
  • Social skills
  • Life skills
  • Academic or school performance

"ABA is most commonly used to support people on the autism spectrum where the strongest body of research shows it can help build communication, social, and daily living skills for young children," Samelson says. "While there's less research on ABA with teens and adults, it's still sometimes used in those age groups — often to support practical life skills, independence, or to reduce behaviors that pose safety risks."

Proven results. Studies show that children who go through ABA therapy have good outcomes. In one study that reviewed intensive, long-term therapy, the participants showed gains in:

  • Language skills
  • Intellectual abilities
  • Skills for day-to-day living
  • Social abilities

The participants in this study went to therapy for 25-40 hours per week for between one and three years.‌ However, ABA therapy doesn't require a certain number of hours to see benefits.

"Consistently, we've found that more hours don't always mean better outcomes," Samelson says. The focus should be on "quality over quantity."

Some think ABA therapy involves too much repetition. It may also seem to ask children with autism to act more like their neurotypical peers. Some other common criticisms of ABA include:

Positive and negative reinforcement. While this is less common today, ABA in the past often included both rewards and punishments. It generally does rely on positive reinforcements to teach and shape changes in behavior. Not everyone believes children should have a reward or consequence system for social or other behaviors.

Forced change. ABA is designed to change or shape your child's behaviors. Your child may struggle and feel not understood during the therapy sessions. Some people believe that instead of children changing to fit in better socially, changes should instead be made to adapt to people on the spectrum.

Tough on kids. Some may feel that ABA practitioners are too tough on kids or too demanding. Generally speaking, you should look for an ABA therapist who is play-based, especially with young kids.

Too time-consuming. ABA programs sometimes recommend a commitment of up to 40 hours per week, which may be difficult to manage.

Only you and your child can answer this. Here are some things to consider.

Ence says that when ABA is done correctly, forced change shouldn't be the goal. Instead, it aims to teach and support life skills your child wishes to learn or that'll improve their life. The focus shouldn't be on behaviors such as eye contact or stimming, she says. If your ABA therapy feels like a burden, or it's causing you or your child stress or distress, it's time to reassess or look for a different therapist or agency. If your child is distressed during sessions or your therapist is insisting you need many hours of therapy, these are "red flags," Ence says.

"If your child isn't happy during sessions or you don't feel like you're gaining something from it, interview a different ABA company," Ence says. "Let's find somebody else because this one may not be the right fit for you."

"The main benefits of ABA therapy are very practical ones," Samelson says. "What ABA doesn't do is change the core features of autism. It isn’t about making someone 'not autistic.' That shouldn't be the goal. The value of ABA is in helping people function more comfortably and safely in their daily lives, not trying to change who a person is."

It's a good idea to ask your doctor or ABA therapist questions about what they recommend and what to expect from ABA therapy. Find an agency, behavioral analyst, or therapist who's a good fit and consider your needs, wishes, and other options carefully.

Alternatives to ABA therapy may include:

ABA is an evidence-based approach often recommended for people of any age with autism. It's based on positive reinforcementto encourage certain behaviors and discourage others. It's important that the goals of ABA therapy and intervention techniques are specifically tailored to meet your specific needs and wishes. It's not the best choice for you or your child if it causes too much stress, focuses on behaviors like stimming, or tries to change who you are.

How long does ABA therapy last?

It varies, depending on your needs, goals, and wishes.

Is ABA therapy covered by insurance?

Usually. Many insurance plans offer coverage for ABA therapy for children with autism, and sometimes for adults. It's a good idea to check with your insurance plan in advance to find out what they'll cover.

How can I find the right behavioral analyst?

Start by identifying your wishes and goals. Your doctor may have recommendations or referrals. It's a good idea to ask lots of questions so that you know what to expect and find a good fit.

What are the main principles of ABA?

It's based on positive reinforcement. It involves analysis and understanding of what happens before and after a behavior to develop tailored interventions.

How does ABA therapy help children with autism?

It can help them communicate or engage socially in ways that are effective. It can also help with skills of daily living and independence.

What are ABA assessments?

They aim to identify factors or reasons for particular behaviors. An ABA practitioner uses that information to develop interventions for learning new skills, while avoiding others that may cause problems or harm.

What's the role of an ABA aide or behavioral analyst?

Behavior analysts are trained to analyze behavior and develop interventions to improve behavior and well-being. They may work in clinics, homes, or schools. They have a master's or doctorate degree in behavior analysis, psychology, or a related field. They also have to pass a certification exam. An aide, or Registered Behavior Technician, may work one-on-one to deliver ABA therapy. They generally have less education and training and work under the direction of a certified behavioral analyst.

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