Table 1.

Definition of ABA

Formal Definition	Simplified Definition
Cooper et al. (2007) define ABA as “the science in which tactics derived from the principles of behavior are applied to improve socially significant behavior and experimentation is used to identify the variables responsible for the improvement in behavior” (p. 20).	In simpler terms, ABA uses interventions that are supported by research. The interventions are used to improve socially significant human behaviors. Socially significant behaviors are those that are important to the child’s development. The main areas of development are social skills, language, academics, daily living, self-care, and vocational abilities.