# What is applied behavior analysis (ABA)? A guide for new professionals

> The science behind ABA, the seven dimensions, core concepts, and what modern, compassionate practice looks like.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/what-is-applied-behavior-analysis
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-27

**Short answer:** Applied behavior analysis (ABA) applies the science of learning and behavior to make socially meaningful improvements in people's lives. It looks at how the environment affects behavior, uses data to guide decisions, and is defined by seven dimensions described by Baer, Wolf and Risley in 1968. ABA is used in autism services, education, health and organizations.

**Key takeaways**
- ABA applies the **science of learning** to **socially meaningful** change.
- It's defined by **seven dimensions** (Baer, Wolf and Risley, 1968).
- The core unit is the **antecedent-behavior-consequence** relationship.
- Modern practice is **individualized, assent-based** and often **naturalistic**.

## What is ABA?

Behavior analysis is the science of how behavior is affected by the environment. Applied behavior analysis uses that science to improve behavior that matters to a person and the people around them.[2]

## What are the seven dimensions of ABA?

In 1968, Baer, Wolf and Risley described seven dimensions that define ABA:[1]

| Dimension | What it means |
| --- | --- |
| Applied | Targets behavior that is socially significant for the person |
| Behavioral | Measures real, observable behavior |
| Analytic | Shows that the intervention caused the change |
| Technological | Procedures are described clearly enough to replicate |
| Conceptually systematic | Procedures link back to behavioral principles |
| Effective | Changes are large enough to matter in daily life |
| Generality | Changes last over time and carry across settings and people |

## What core concepts should I know first?

- **Three-term contingency**: antecedent, behavior, consequence
- **Reinforcement**: consequences that make behavior more likely in the future
- **Function**: the reason a behavior happens, such as attention, escape, access to items, or sensory
- **Prompting and fading**: helping, then removing help
- **Generalization**: using skills in new places and with new people
- **Measurement**: counting and graphing behavior to guide decisions

## What does modern ABA look like?

Many programs now blend structured teaching with **naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions (NDBIs)**, which teach within play and daily routines, follow the child's lead, and use natural reinforcers.[3] Good practice also centers **assent**, **caregiver goals** and **quality of life**.

**Why this matters.** ABA has faced criticism from some autistic adults, especially about older, rigid practices. Assent-based,
  individualized care responds to that. See [What is assent in ABA?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/assent-in-aba)

**Parents asking about ABA?.** Share our plain-language parent guide: [What is ABA therapy, and is it right for my child?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/aba-therapy)

## What can I do next?

- [ ] Read Baer, Wolf and Risley (1968)
- [ ] Practice identifying antecedents and consequences in one session
- [ ] Learn one naturalistic teaching strategy this month

Read next: [DTT vs. NET: which should I use?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/dtt-vs-net)

## Common questions

### Is ABA only for autism?

No. ABA is a science of behavior used in many areas, including education, health, safety and organizational performance. Autism services are the largest area of practice.

### What is the three-term contingency?

The antecedent (what happens before), the behavior, and the consequence (what happens after). It's the basic unit behavior analysts use to understand why a behavior happens.

### Is ABA the same as discrete trial training?

No. Discrete trial training is one teaching method within ABA. Many programs combine it with naturalistic, play-based approaches.

## Sources

1. Baer DM, Wolf MM, Risley TR. Some current dimensions of applied behavior analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 1968. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1968.1-91
2. Behavior Analyst Certification Board: About behavior analysis. https://www.bacb.com/about-behavior-analysis/
3. Schreibman L, et al. Naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions: empirically validated treatments for autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2407-8

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.