Key Points:

  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) relies on key principles to improve behaviors, primarily in individuals with autism.
  • Understanding ABA terminology helps parents and caregivers communicate effectively with therapists.
  • This guide explains common ABA terms in a clear, non-technical way for better comprehension.

If your child is in ABA therapy, you’ve probably heard words like “reinforcement” or “extinction.” But what do they actually mean? This guide breaks down the most common ABA terms in an easy-to-understand way so you can confidently support your child’s development and stay involved in their therapy journey.

aba vocabulary list

Common ABA Terms Parents Should Know

ABA therapy comes with a lot of specialized terminology that can be confusing for parents. Understanding these terms will help you follow along with your child’s therapy, communicate effectively with their therapists, and reinforce learning at home. Below are key ABA vocabulary terms broken into different categories to make them easier to grasp.

Reinforcement and Consequences in ABA

Reinforcement and consequences are central to ABA therapy. These concepts help shape behavior by increasing or decreasing the likelihood of specific actions occurring in the future.

  • Positive Reinforcement – Adding something desirable after a behavior to encourage it. For example, giving a child praise or a favorite toy after they say “please” increases polite requests.
  • Negative Reinforcement – Removing something unpleasant to encourage a behavior. For instance, turning off loud music when a child puts on headphones teaches them that this action leads to relief.
  • Punishment – Introducing an undesirable consequence to discourage a behavior. If a child loses screen time for hitting, they learn that hitting results in losing privileges.
  • Extinction – Withholding reinforcement for an unwanted behavior until it naturally decreases. If a child whines for candy and never receives it, they will eventually stop whining.
  • Differential Reinforcement – Rewarding appropriate behaviors while ignoring or discouraging problem behaviors. For example, praising a child for using words instead of screaming to request something.

Understanding reinforcement helps parents encourage positive behaviors while discouraging challenging ones in everyday situations.

Behavior Measurement and Data Collection

ABA therapy relies on data collection to track progress and adjust strategies. Therapists measure behavior in different ways to ensure effective interventions.

  • Baseline Data – The starting point for tracking a behavior before intervention. If a child has five tantrums a day before therapy, this number helps measure future improvement.
  • Frequency – How often a behavior occurs within a specific period. If a child raises their hand to answer a question five times in an hour, that’s the frequency of the behavior.
  • Duration – How long a behavior lasts. If a child stays focused on a task for three minutes before getting distracted, duration tracking helps measure improvements in attention span.
  • Latency – The time between a request and the child’s response. If a therapist asks a child to sit and they take 10 seconds to comply, latency measures that delay.
  • Interobserver Agreement (IOA) – Ensuring multiple observers record behavior consistently. This keeps data reliable when more than one therapist is involved in tracking progress.

By collecting this information, ABA therapists can make data-driven decisions to improve a child’s learning and behavior.

Teaching Strategies in ABA Therapy

ABA uses structured teaching techniques to help children learn new skills in an effective and engaging way.

  • Discrete Trial Training (DTT) – Breaking skills into small steps, with structured instruction and reinforcement. For example, teaching a child to recognize colors by repeatedly showing a red block and rewarding the correct response.
  • Natural Environment Teaching (NET) – Teaching skills in real-life situations instead of structured sessions. If a child learns to say “apple” during snack time, that’s an example of NET in action.
  • Prompting – Providing assistance to help a child complete a task successfully. A therapist might use physical guidance, verbal hints, or visual cues to encourage the correct response.
  • Shaping – Reinforcing gradual improvements toward a goal. If a child struggles with saying “water,” the therapist might first reinforce attempts like “wa” until they fully pronounce the word.
  • Task Analysis – Breaking down a complex skill into smaller steps. For instance, teaching handwashing step by step: turn on water, wet hands, apply soap, scrub, rinse, and dry.

These teaching strategies help children learn new skills at a comfortable pace while ensuring long-term retention.

Behavior Reduction Strategies

ABA therapy also focuses on minimizing challenging behaviors by identifying their cause and teaching appropriate alternatives.

  • Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) – Analyzing why a child engages in a specific behavior. If a child hits to escape a task, therapists identify this pattern and develop strategies to change it.
  • Replacement Behaviors – Teaching an alternative behavior to replace an unwanted one. If a child screams for attention, they might be taught to tap someone’s shoulder instead.
  • Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) – A structured plan outlining how to address problematic behaviors. A child with aggression may have a BIP that includes calming strategies and reinforcement for appropriate behavior.
  • Antecedent-Based Interventions (ABI) – Making changes before a behavior occurs to prevent it. If transitions cause meltdowns, using a visual schedule can help a child prepare for what’s next.
  • Response Cost – Removing a privilege to decrease an undesired behavior. If a child repeatedly throws toys, they may temporarily lose access to them until they demonstrate appropriate play.

By addressing the root causes of behaviors, ABA therapists help children develop better coping skills and social interactions.

aba vocabulary list

Why Learning ABA Vocabulary Helps Parents

Understanding ABA terms isn’t just for therapists—parents benefit from this knowledge, too. When parents know these concepts, they can:

  • Reinforce positive behaviors at home and in daily routines.
  • Communicate effectively with therapists and ask informed questions.
  • Advocate for their child’s individualized needs in therapy and school settings.
  • Gain confidence in using ABA strategies beyond structured sessions.

Overall, when parents are familiar with these terms, they can actively participate in their child’s therapy journey, ensuring consistency across different environments.

Find Expert ABA Therapy at Pops ABA

If you’re looking for personalized ABA therapy, Pops ABA provides expert services to help children build essential life skills. Our dedicated professionals use evidence-based techniques to promote positive behaviors and enhance learning.

We serve ABA therapy services in New Jersey and North Carolina, offering tailored ABA programs for children with autism. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your child’s growth and success.