Glossary of ABA Terms | Special Learning

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T V

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.

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 3 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.

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 3-year recertification cycle; RBTs need 20 CEUs per 2-year cycle.

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.

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).

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.

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).

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.

RBT (Registered Behavior Technician): A paraprofessional certification from BACB. RBTs implement ABA programs under supervision of BCBAs and require 20 CEUs per 2-year recertification cycle.
Reinforcement: A process in which a consequence increases the future frequency of a behavior. Can be positive (adding something) or negative (removing something).

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.

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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