What is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)?
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is a science-based approach that uses the principles of learning to teach meaningful, socially significant behaviours. ABA is commonly used to support individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental conditions.
ABA focuses on motivation and reinforcement to build new skills. It forms the foundation of many Early Intensive Behaviour Intervention and Positive Behaviour Support programs.
What Skills Does ABA Teach?
ABA programs target a wide range of functional skills, including:
- Teaching replacement behaviours to reduce challenging behaviour
- Independence and daily living skills
- Language skills
- Communication skills
- Social skills
- Academic skills
- Play skills
ABA gives us a comprehensive set of tools to help teach these skills effectively.
Some commonly used strategies include:
- Prompting and fading
- First–then contingencies
- Visual supports
- Task analysis (breaking tasks into smaller steps)
➡️ See our Early Intervention Programs delivering evidence-based applied behaviour analysis programs.
Is Applied Behaviour Analysis Evidence-Based?
Yes, ABA is widely recognised as an evidence-based treatment for Autism and other developmental disorders. It focuses on increasing adaptive behaviours and reducing behaviours that interfere with learning, independence, and quality of life.
The goal is to improve independence, social connection, and meaningful daily participation.
How Many Hours of ABA Are Recommended?
For early intervention, research supports approximately 20 hours per week of therapy. These hours don’t just happen at a table—they can include home, school, therapy, and social settings.
Starting early is key. When concerns first arise, beginning ABA right away can prevent children from falling further behind. Early support also helps reduce behaviours that might escalate if left unaddressed. In many cases, children begin ABA around age 3.
Examples of ABA in Action
Increasing Communication Skills
If a child pulls or hits a parent to ask for something, ABA can teach them a better way to communicate. This might involve speech, sign language, visual symbols, or an AAC device. Replacing the challenging behaviour with a more appropriate one reduces frustration and increases access to what they want—without needing to resort to hitting or pulling.
Increasing Independence
If a child wants to learn to make a sandwich on their own, ABA can help break that task into smaller steps. First, we might teach how to spread with a knife. Next, we can use a visual schedule to help the child follow the full routine of making a sandwich. This builds confidence and life skills in practical, achievable ways.
Who Is Qualified to Supervise ABA Programs?
ABA programs are overseen by professionals with extensive training:
Board Certified Behaviour Analysts (BCBAs)
BCBAs hold a master’s degree and complete thousands of hours of supervised practice. They conduct assessments, write ABA programs, teach skills, and oversee Behaviour Therapists and parents implementing the plan.
A BCBA’s role includes:
- Assessing current skills and needs
- Setting individualised goals
- Creating behaviour intervention plans
- Ensuring skills generalise across settings (home, school, and community)
- Monitoring progress and adjusting strategies
Goals should be socially significant, improve quality of life, and increase autonomy.
➡️ Learn more through ABA Australia or the BACB.
What Is the Role of Behaviour Therapists and Therapy Assistants?
Behaviour Therapists
Behaviour Therapists deliver the program created by the BCBA. They must complete a 40-hour ABA training course and pass a competency assessment with a supervisor. While they are vital to implementation, they don’t make clinical decisions or modify programs independently.
Therapy Assistants
Therapy Assistants support the delivery of ABA by practising programs across different settings each week. They collect data and provide session updates to the supervisor, allowing therapy to happen more frequently and flexibly.
Both roles are critical for maintaining consistency, generalisation, and overall success of the program.
➡️ Explore our Early Behaviour Intervention Programs to see how we deliver applied behaviour analysis in a supportive, practical way.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re looking for evidence-based support that builds lasting skills, Applied Behaviour Analysis can make a meaningful difference.
📞 Contact our team today to discuss your child’s needs and how ABA might help.
Together, we can help your child grow with confidence, independence, and purpose.
