Glossary of ABA Terms

Key terminology used in Applied Behavior Analysis, organized alphabetically for quick reference.

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPRSTV

A

ABC Data
Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence data collection method used to identify the function of a behavior by recording what happens before (antecedent), the behavior itself, and what happens after (consequence).
ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)
A scientific discipline that applies principles of behavior to improve socially significant behaviors. Based on the work of B.F. Skinner and the experimental analysis of behavior.
Antecedent
Any stimulus that precedes a behavior and may influence whether the behavior occurs. Part of the three-term contingency (A-B-C).
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
A neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. ABA is a widely used, evidence-based intervention for ASD.

B

BACB (Behavior Analyst Certification Board)
The nonprofit organization that credentialsBoard Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), BCaBAs, and RBTs. Sets standards for the field of ABA.
BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst)
A graduate-level professional with specialized training in behavior analysis. BCBAs design and oversee ABA programs and require 32 CEUs every 2 years for recertification.
Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)
A written plan that outlines strategies to reduce challenging behaviors and teach replacement behaviors based on a functional behavior assessment.

C

Chaining
A teaching method that breaks complex skills into smaller steps and teaches each step in sequence. Includes forward chaining, backward chaining, and total task chaining.
CEU (Continuing Education Unit)
Units of credit earned through professional development activities. BCBAs need 32 CEUs per 2-year recertification cycle. RBTs do not earn CEUs for recertification: they need 12 PDUs (professional development units) per 2-year cycle, in effect since January 2026, with the first deadline in January 2028.

D

DTT (Discrete Trial Training)
A structured ABA teaching method that breaks skills into small, distinct components and provides repeated practice with clear antecedents, prompts, and consequences.
Differential Reinforcement
A behavior reduction strategy that reinforces an alternative or incompatible behavior while withholding reinforcement for the target behavior. Includes DRA, DRI, DRO, and DRL.

F

FBA (Functional Behavior Assessment)
An assessment process to identify the function (purpose) of a challenging behavior. Functions typically include attention, escape, access to tangibles, and automatic/sensory reinforcement.
Fixed Ratio (FR)
A reinforcement schedule in which reinforcement is delivered after a fixed number of correct responses (e.g., FR5 = reinforcement after every 5 correct responses).

G

Generalization
The occurrence of a learned behavior across different settings, people, materials, or time. A key goal of ABA intervention is for skills to generalize beyond the training environment.

M

Mand
A verbal operant (type of verbal behavior) in which a speaker requests something they want. Controlled by a motivating operation and specific reinforcement.
Motivating Operation (MO)
A variable that temporarily alters the effectiveness of a reinforcer and the frequency of behavior that has been reinforced by that stimulus. Includes establishing operations (EO) and abolishing operations (AO).

P

Positive Reinforcement
The process of adding a stimulus following a behavior that increases the future probability of that behavior. A core principle of ABA.
Prompt
A supplementary cue that helps a learner perform a target behavior. Prompts are systematically faded over time to promote independence.

R

RBT (Registered Behavior Technician)
A paraprofessional certification from BACB. RBTs implement ABA programs under supervision of BCBAs and require 12 PDUs (professional development units, not CEUs) per 2-year recertification cycle, in effect since January 2026.
Reinforcement
A process in which a consequence increases the future frequency of a behavior. Can be positive (adding something) or negative (removing something).

T

Task Analysis
Breaking a complex skill or behavior chain into smaller, teachable steps. Used in chaining programs to teach multi-step skills like hand washing, dressing, or meal preparation.
Tact
A verbal operant in which a speaker labels or describes something in their environment. Controlled by a non-verbal stimulus and produces generalized conditioned reinforcement.
Token Economy
A behavior management system in which learners earn tokens for appropriate behavior and exchange them for backup reinforcers. Based on the principles of conditioned reinforcement.

V

VB-MAPP (Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program)
An assessment tool developed by Dr. Mark Sundberg to evaluate language and social skills in children with autism, based on Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior.
Video Modeling
A teaching strategy in which a learner observes a video demonstration of a target skill and then imitates the behavior. Effective for social skills, daily living, and play skills.

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