ABA is the most common form of therapy recommended for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Its widespread use can be attributed to the fact that numerous insurance policies offer ABA benefits to those with an ASD diagnosis and will cover many hours of ABA therapy per week. As a result, ABA has become the most popular treatment option for ASD.

B.F. Skinner (1938) is the founder of behaviorism. Behaviorism is a branch of psychology that studies behaviors. Skinner conducted experiments on rats and observed that they can be trained to press a lever if they receive food for doing so. Skinner went on to develop the principles of behaviorism that environmental factors such as reinforcement and consequences shape the behaviors of both humans and animals.

ABA is a therapy model based on Skinners work that involves using rewards and punishments to bring about a desired change in an individual’s behavior. Most parents and teachers reward positive behaviors and punish negative ones in children, with the goal of teaching them proper behavior. ABA aims to apply these principles more scientifically and systematically to assist individuals, even those with challenging behaviors, to improve.

Ivar Lovaas (1987) pioneered the use of ABA as a treatment for autism. His approach was deemed successful and went on to be considered the most evidence-based treatment for autism.

ABA therapy as currently practiced, involves an initial evaluation of the child by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to identify their deficits. The BCBA then creates a treatment plan that outlines specific goals, skills, and intervention strategies to be employed during therapy. The behavior technician (BT) implements the treatment plan by working directly with the child. The BT is not required to have certification, since the BCBA provides continuous training and supervision, while monitoring and evaluating the progress of the therapy to make any necessary adjustments. This approach can help to lower the cost of therapy while still ensuring that the child receives effective and evidence-based treatment.