Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Techniques: How They Support Behavior Change

Evidence-based applied behavior analysis (ABA) techniques support behavior change across diverse populations, helping individuals work toward goals and improve their quality of life.

ABA is widely recognized as an effective approach for supporting individuals with conditions such as autism and ADHD. However, according to Lusineh Gharapetian, PhD, BCBA-D®, assistant professor and associate program director of the MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program at Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology, these strategies can also be used more broadly.

ABA techniques can be helpful for anyone who wants to build new skills or shift behavior patterns, from athletes to employees across a range of industries. “These techniques are universal. There’s not just one subset of the population you can apply them to,” Gharapetian says. “You can use them with anyone and with any context or situation.”

According to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), applied behavior analysis is a scientific approach to understanding learning and behavior. It uses techniques such as positive reinforcement to improve socially significant behaviors. A core principle is that behaviors that are reinforced are more likely to continue, while those that aren’t tend to decrease and even disappear.

ABA therapy began in the 1960s in a structured form called Discrete Trial Training (DTT), where children were led repeatedly through activities broken down into components. Since then, ABA therapy has evolved to include teaching and reinforcing skills in natural environments, whether through play or everyday activities.

ABA therapy can support positive change for individuals of all ages and with a wide range of needs. Examples include:

Not only can ABA therapy be used across the lifespan, Gharapetian says, but “it can be used in workplace settings. It can be used in sports. It can be used in clinical settings. It’s the wide utility of it that drew me to it.”

To understand how applied behavior analysis works, it’s helpful to look at some of the core techniques.

ABA therapists use a variety of techniques to help individuals manage positive behavioral change. The table below describes seven common ABA techniques used, at a glance. Continue reading for more details and examples of each technique.

An instructor, peer, or video demonstrates a behavior for the learner to imitate.

Example: A therapist models a cooking skill like how to stir ingredients in a bowl, then the learner practices it.

Most people learn by observing and imitating others. “If they learn to imitate, then we can start incorporating model prompts,” Gharapetian says, “and we can get rid of anything more intrusive like a physical prompt, or a full physical prompt, where you’re hand over hand doing something with the client.”

A practitioner provides a preferred item or activity immediately after a desired behavior to increase the likelihood that the behavior will occur again.

Example: A child is learning to request a toy instead of reaching for it. When the child asks for it appropriately, the practitioner provides it, reinforcing the behavior.

Positive reinforcement is often used alongside other ABA techniques to support skill development and behavior change.

Shaping reinforces successive approximations of a target behavior, gradually increasing expectations until the full behavior is achieved.

Example: A child says “cook” when prompted for “cookie” and still receives the cookie. As the child’s skills develop, the practitioner increases expectations for clearer speech, reinforcing “cookie,” then “big cookie.”

Shaping can be used to build a wide range of skills, from communication to physical activities.

Behavior chaining involves breaking a complex skill into smaller steps and teaching them in sequence using positive reinforcement until the full behavior is learned. In some cases, the learner practices one step at a time; in others, they complete the full sequence with support that is gradually faded.

Example: When learning to put on a shirt, a person might first practice identifying the front and back. Once that step is mastered, they move on to pulling the shirt over their head, then placing their arms into the sleeves. Alternatively, they may practice the entire sequence with guidance, with prompts gradually reduced as they gain independence.

Self-management strategies involve teaching individuals to monitor and regulate their own behavior using tools such as goal setting, self-monitoring, and prompts, with support gradually faded as independence increases.

Example: A student sets a daily phone reminder to begin homework at the same time each day. After initial guidance, they learn to set and follow the reminder themselves and gradually rely less on prompts as the behavior becomes consistent.

An appropriate communication behavior is taught to replace a challenging one, with the instructor reinforcing the replacement behavior while withholding reinforcement for the original behavior.

Example: An employee who leaves their workstation when overwhelmed receives coaching to ask for a break or help instead. When they do, they’re given a break or support, reinforcing asking for help before leaving their desk.

Antecedent modifications include a range of interventions that change the environment or conditions before a behavior occurs to influence its likelihood. This can look like adjusting access to preferred items—for example, limiting time with a favorite toy in advance of learning a new skill, to keep it as motivation for later.

Example: A visual schedule given to a child at the start of the day helps them anticipate transitions, reducing frustration and problem behaviors.

These ABA techniques are often used in different combinations, allowing practitioners to tailor interventions to each individual’s goals and needs.

ABA practitioners analyze behavior patterns to understand why they occur and create a plan to change them, in alignment with treatment goals.

“We look for an ‘on/off’ switch. Can we make this behavior start? Can we make this behavior stop?” Gharapetian says. Once therapists understand the behavior, Gharapetian says, “we select techniques that we think are appropriate for changing that behavior.”

Board certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) lead this process by conducting assessments and developing individualized treatment plans. These plans include selecting and combining techniques that best support each person’s needs and progress. Other professionals with ABA certifications, such as registered behavior technicians (RBTs) and board certified assistant behavior analysts (BCaBAs), help implement these plans under BCBA supervision.

Core components of ABA practice include behavioral assessment, data collection and analysis, intervention design, and ongoing evaluation of outcomes.

Research suggests that ABA-based interventions can support improvements for autistic individuals in multiple areas, including:

The benefits of ABA therapy extend beyond autism, supporting positive outcomes in areas such as:

If you’re interested in learning applied behavior analysis (ABA) techniques, a strong starting point is exploring how to become a behavior analyst.

Designing effective intervention plans requires training in behavioral assessment, intervention design, and data analysis. One pathway is earning an online Master’s in Psychology, particularly a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis, which can help prepare you for BCBA certification.

Professionals with ABA training often work in clinical and educational settings, but career opportunities are available in many environments. What can you do with a master’s in ABA? Graduates may pursue roles in organizational behavior management, forensic behavior analysis, sports and health coaching, leadership and management, and entrepreneurship and consulting.

Studying applied behavior analysis provides a versatile skill set for understanding behavior and helping individuals build new skills and achieve meaningful goals across a wide range of settings.

Created by the online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program from Pepperdine University.