This article shares general information for families. It is not medical or clinical advice. Please talk with a qualified provider about your child's specific needs.
You may hear some new words as you explore ABA therapy. Here are friendly explanations of the most common ones. If you hear a term that isn't here, just ask: there are no silly questions.
- ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)
- The science of learning and behavior, applied to everyday situations to help people build meaningful skills.
- BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst)
- A graduate-level professional certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board who designs and supervises ABA programs.
- RBT (Registered Behavior Technician)
- A trained professional who works directly with a child to carry out the plan, under the supervision of a BCBA.
- Assessment
- The process of getting to know a child's strengths and needs through observation, conversation and structured activities. It helps the team choose goals.
- Treatment plan
- A written plan that describes your child's goals and how the team will work on them. It is updated as your child grows.
- Reinforcement
- Something that follows a behavior and makes it more likely to happen again, like praise, a high-five, or time with a favorite toy.
- Prompt
- A helpful hint, such as a gesture, a model or a word, that supports a child in using a skill. Prompts are gradually reduced as the child becomes more independent.
- Generalization
- Using a skill in new places, with different people, or in different situations, not just where it was first learned.
- Natural Environment Teaching (NET)
- Learning that happens during play and everyday routines, following the child's interests.
- Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
- A structured way of teaching that breaks a skill into small steps, with clear practice opportunities and encouragement.
- Functional Communication Training (FCT)
- Teaching a child an effective way to ask for what they need, so communication can replace frustration.
- AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)
- Tools that support communication beyond spoken words, such as picture cards, sign language, or speech devices.
- Adaptive or daily living skills
- Everyday skills such as dressing, eating, toileting, and personal care.
- Parent or caregiver training
- Sessions where families learn strategies to support their child's growth during daily life.
- Data collection
- Simple records the team keeps to see how skills are developing and to guide decisions about the plan.
- Assent
- A child's ongoing willingness to participate, shown through words, actions or body language. Compassionate ABA pays close attention to it.