Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a well-developed, research-based, scientific discipline among the helping professions that focuses on the analysis, design, implementation, and evaluation of social and other environmental modifications to produce meaningful changes in human behavior. ABA includes the use of direct observation, measurement, and functional analysis of the relations between environment and behavior. The practice of ABA is rooted in data, which serves as a fidelity check for the effectiveness of recommended strategies and procedures. This ensures that the client’s ABA program is dynamic, never-stagnant, objective, and, most importantly, effective. It utilizes changes in environmental events, including antecedent stimuli (what happens before a behavior) and consequences (what happens after a behavior); to create programming that produces practical and significant changes in behavior. These relevant environmental events are usually identified through a variety of specialized assessment methods.
