Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT): Core techniques
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is considered a first-line treatment for children, teens, and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Like other interventions, it includes a range of approaches, some of which are more neurodiversity-affirming and more approachable than the original form of ABA.
In this article, we describe applied behavioral analysis in more detail, including principles and techniques for both therapists and caregivers.
What is applied behavior analysis?
Applied behavior analysis is a type of therapy that uses analytical principles and reinforcement to change the behavior of individuals with ASD.
ABA psychology aims to improve:
Attention, focus, and memory
Academic performance
Communication skills
Social functioning
Language skills, when combined with speech and language therapy
Fine and gross motor skills, especially when integrated with occupational therapy
Applied behavior analysis also aims to decrease certain behaviors that may be considered less desirable, such as:
Avoiding eye contact
Self-injurious behaviors, like skin picking, head banging, or other behaviors that cause harm
Meltdowns or behavioral escalations
Running away
Applied behavior analysis has been used since the 1960s. While applied behavioral analysis has received criticism over the years for using punishment for undesirable behavior, applied behavior analysis therapists now use positive reinforcement strategies.
ABA now involves rewarding desirable behaviors, which is thought to motivate clients to repeat those behaviors. Rewards might involve stickers, candy, or praise for demonstrating a behavior or completing a specific task.
ABA therapy examples
There are several different types of applied behavior therapy, each using evidence-based strategies to support learning, communication, and everyday skills. These ABA therapy examples demonstrate how different approaches can be tailored to a child’s individual needs, goals, and developmental stage. Common types of applied behavioral therapy include:
Early Start Denver Model (ESDM): This approach uses play to achieve goals. ESDM may be used in groups or individually and can strengthen specific skills, like motor coordination.
Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT): Uses motivating factors, like the client’s interests, and involves praising clients for practicing a specific behavior.
Token Economy: Uses a reward-based system to motivate clients to engage in certain behaviors.
Naturalistic teaching: A client-led style of ABA that lets the client set their own pace and is based on elements of their regular routines.
Contingent observation: Group-based applied behavioral therapy, involving peer-based observations of other children, teens, or adults practicing a specific behavior.
Discrete Trial Training (DTT): One of the original forms of applied behavior therapy performed on an individual basis and usually with younger children. DTT involves completing structured and repetitive tasks over a long period of time.
Applied behavior analysis techniques
Applied behavior analysis uses the ABC model to describe how behaviors work. Understanding this model is one of several important applied behavioral analysis techniques that can help clinicians identify behavior patterns and develop strategies to support learning and positive behavior changes.
Antecedent: The environmental trigger before the behavior. For example, a parent who asks their child to share their toys with a sibling.
Behavior: The response, or lack of response, to the trigger. The behavior can be verbal or an action. For example, a child may shout “no” in response to a caregiver’s request.
Consequence: The outcome following the behavior. For example, a caregiver may take toys away and declare playtime is over.
ABA uses specific techniques to support learning, communication, and behavior change. Common applied behavior analysis techniques include:
Positive reinforcement: One of the main techniques used in ABA. Positive reinforcement is the use of rewards to promote desired behaviors. Examples of rewards include visits to the playground, stickers, verbal praise, watching a video, or something else the individual finds motivating.
Visual supports: Using visual aids to support the child, such as breaking down a process with visual prompts, printable emotion faces, printed schedules, or reward charts.
Task analysis: Breaking down complex tasks into more manageable steps. This is also called behavior chaining.
Environmental modifications: Changing specific antecedent triggers, such as ensuring there is more than one toy to play with during a play date.
Modeling: Using videos or observing peers to model the desired behavior.
Functional communication training: Promotes different ways of communicating to reduce specific behaviors.
Shaping behaviors: Rewarding progress toward a behavior until the goal is achieved.
Self-management strategies: Helps children find ways to practice desired behaviors independently.
Parent training: Applied behavior analysis training for parents and family members to strengthen their communication and parenting skills to reinforce the behavioral goals the child is working toward.
7 principles of ABA
The seven core principles of ABA provide a framework for developing effective behavioral interventions. These principles include:
Generality: Applied behavior analysis aims for results to be durable and long-lasting. For example, the skills and techniques can be used in new environments after formal training ends.
Effective: ABA behavioral interventions are considered robust and effective in producing socially significant changes in behaviors.
Technological: The intervention or activity is thoroughly defined so that any ABA therapist can follow it and achieve the same results.
Applied: The behavior or skill can be applied in real-life situations.
Conceptually systematic: Based in science, behavioral improvements can be related to ABA behavioral principles.
Analytic: ABA trainers must collect data during their program to demonstrate the effectiveness of the ABA intervention.
Behavior: Applied behavior analysis program trainers should focus on observable and measurable behaviors for each participant.
Understanding the seven principles of ABA can help applied behavioral analysis therapists develop interventions that support meaningful, measurable, and lasting behavioral changes.
Sources
Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (2026). Board Certified Behavior Analyst. BACB.
Garey, J. (2026). What is applied behavior analysis? Child Mind Institute.
Machado, S., Paes, F., & Lima, J. L. (2025). Applied behavior analysis: Key points to improve autism treatment. Alpha Psychiatry.
Tatom, C. (2025). The 7 dimensions & core principles of ABA. Autism Parenting Magazine.
How SimplePractice streamlines running your practice
SimplePractice is HIPAA-compliant practice management software with everything you need to run your practice built into the platform—from booking and scheduling to insurance and client billing.
If you’ve been considering switching to an EHR system, SimplePractice empowers you to run a fully paperless practice—so you get more time for the things that matter most to you.
Try SimplePractice free for 30 days. No credit card required.
