What does ABA stand for?

Applied Behavior Analysis, commonly abbreviated as ABA, is a scientific discipline that focuses on understanding and improving specific behaviors. This field applies techniques and principles derived from behaviorism and employs them to bring about meaningful changes in socially significant behaviors. Practitioners of ABA analyze how behaviors are learned and maintained and utilize this knowledge to develop effective interventions for individuals, particularly those with developmental conditions like autism.

The term emphasizes both the practical application of behavioral principles (hence "applied") and the focus on observable and measurable behaviors ("behavior analysis"). This approach effectively applies behavior change methods in real-world settings, ensuring that interventions are evidence-based and tailored to meet the needs of individuals.

Each of the other options reflects variations on terminology that do not accurately represent the established field. For instance, "Applied Behavioral Assessment" suggests a focus solely on assessment rather than intervention and analysis. "Analytical Behavior Assessment" is misleading, as it implies a more theoretical approach rather than the applied focus of ABA. Lastly, "Behavioral Applied Analysis" is a reordering of the correct terms but does not properly convey the intended meaning of the established discipline. Therefore, the true and widely recognized definition pertaining to ABA is "Applied Behavior Analysis."