Applied Behavioral Analysis

Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is the application of behavioral science to the analysis of behavior. ABA is widely regarded as the most researched intervention in addressing the social, linguistic, and mental differences in autistics.

In the late 20’s B. F. Skinner outlined the basics theorems of behavioral science. In the late 30’s he outlined how these principles could be applied to the acquisition of language.

Current ABA therapies use Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior to encourage functional communication in autistics through use of positive reinforcement. Dr. Vincent Carbone is one of the most vociferous endorsers of this interpretation of Skinner’s behavioral science.

One of the most important author in this field is Ole Ivar Loovas. Ole Ivar Lovaas is known for developing and testing the methods of behavioral psychology to help children with autism and Asperger's Syndrome, eventually to be known as Applied Behavioral Analysis or ABA. He is the author of an early influential book on the subject, The Me Book. Dr. Lovaas has long been associated with UCLA