Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has its origins in the principles of behaviorism, which began in the first half of the 20th century. This branch of psychology is based on the theory that behaviors are a consequence of conditioning processes.

The fundamental areas of behavior analysis are experimental and applied. While the experimental expands scientific knowledge about learning, the applied uses theory to put it into practice.

Ole Ivar Løvaas, a Norwegian-American psychologist, initiated the application of ABA therapy in the treatment of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the 1960s.

“As a person who challenged the notion that variables that we used to consider to be stable and unchanging, like IQ and autism, aren’t really as unchanging as many had thought them to be,” said Løvaas, who was considered one of the pioneers in the field of autism.

In this regard, the distinguished scientist emphasized the importance of reinforcements to encourage desirable behaviors and skills such as social, communication and learning skills.

First, the specialist identifies replacement behavior to decrease maladaptive attending the function of the behavior. Gradually, positive reinforcements allow significant results in behavior change and are very effective for developing various skills that can then be applied in social settings.

According to the American Psychological Association, ABA is an evidence-based best practice treatment. This means that there is scientific evidence that demonstrates the usefulness, quality and effectiveness of the therapy.

Around twenty investigations have tested the results of programs that apply therapies between 25 to 40 hours a week over one to three years. It should be noted that the greatest advances are most notable at early ages.

In addition, other benefits of ABA therapies are the reduction of problematic behaviors, anxiety and aggressiveness; improving memory, attention and emotional connections.

According to behavior analysts, while all behaviors have a purpose, some can be maladaptive. Likewise, specialists highlight that certain variables in the environment contribute to reinforcing negative behaviors.

Therefore, it is crucial to determine the cause of specific behaviors to provide the most effective interventions to meet the patient’s needs.

There’s no question about the benefits that ABA brings to enhancing the behavior of children with autism spectrum disorder. The evolution of its theoretical and practical principles serves as evidence of the quest for new ways to optimize therapies, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality of life for patients.