Applied Behavior Analysis

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a psychological discipline that uses respondent and operant conditioning to change human and animal behavior. It is the applied form of behavior analysis, focusing on changing behavior by first assessing the functional relationship between a targeted behavior and the environment. ABA is commonly used to treat individuals with autism, developing socially acceptable alternatives for maladaptive behaviors through differential reinforcement contingencies. With a strong emphasis on evidence-based practices, ABA has become a widely accepted treatment for autism and other developmental disorders. As of 2022, over 30,000 board-certified behavior analysts are practicing worldwide, with the field continuing to grow. However, controversy surrounds the use of ABA, with some critics arguing that it can be overly restrictive and neglect the individual's autonomy.