What is Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)?
ABA uses a systematic approach to teaching complex skills through the use of positive reinforcement and motivation. It is a program of intensive one-on-one teaching based on research first published by B.F. Skinner in 1938 and later expanded upon by many others. ABA is also sometimes referred to as “Lovaas”, after Dr. O. Ivar Lovaas, a professor of psychology at UCLA, who pioneered the use of ABA in teaching autistic children and documented its success. ABA is an intensive, structured teaching program. Lessons to be taught are broken down into their simplest elements. These elements are taught using repeated trials where the child is given an instruction (like “do this” or “touch object” or “look at me”). Correct responses and behaviors are rewarded with lots of positive reinforcement. When incorrect responses occur, they are ignored and appropriate responses are prompted and rewarded. Undesirable behaviors are approached in the same manner. Initially the program teaches simple skills
