Applied Behavior Analysis

 
 
 
Medicaid & Long-Term Care
 
Share
No
No

What would you like to do?

What you need to know

​​​​

What is ABA?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based form of behavioral therapy that can be beneficial for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and developmental or intellectual disabilities.

How does ABA work?

ABA involves many techniques for understanding and changing behavior. All of these techniques focus on antecedents (what happens before a behavior occurs) and on consequences (what happens after the behavior). Positive reinforcement is one of the main strategies used in ABA, but ABA is a flexible treatment that can:

  • Be adapted to meet the unique needs of individuals
  • Be provided in different locations – home, school, in the community
  • Involve one-on-one teaching or group instruction

Benefits of ABA

ABA Therapy is a proven approach designed to increase positive behaviors and reduce harmful or destructive ones. Its benefits include:

  • Encourages Positive Behaviors: Focuses on increasing desirable behaviors and habits.
  • Improves Social Skills: Helps develop better communication and social interactions.
  • Reduces Harmful Behaviors: Addresses and decreases behaviors like self-harm or harm to others.
  • Manages Destructive Actions: Provides strategies to minimize destructive tendencies.
  • Enhances Safety: Reduces dangerous behaviors such as running away.

Frequently Asked Questions

See the ABA Medicaid Service Definitions and Guidelines FAQ​​