What is ABA?
When people hear "applied behavior analysis" (or ABA), they might immediately think of autism treatment. But ABA, my field of study and practice, is so much more than that! While ABA has certainly made significant strides in supporting individuals with autism, its scope is much broader. ABA is a science of change, focused on understanding why we do what we do and how we can use that knowledge to create positive, lasting improvements in anyone’s life. My goal is to apply these principles to work with adults who are looking to build healthier habits, develop new skills, and improve their quality of life.
Let’s dive into what ABA really is and how it can apply to anyone seeking positive habits and personal growth.
What is ABA?
ABA is a scientific approach to understanding behavior. In simple terms, it looks at why we do what we do and how we can use that knowledge to create positive change. Behavior analysts like myself study the relationships between behavior (what we do) and the environment (the world around us), using proven methods to help people reach their goals.
The core idea is that behavior is influenced by our environment and our experiences. By changing our environment or the way we respond to it, we can shape our actions in a way that aligns with our goals. For example, whether we're looking to exercise regularly, knit more often, or spend less time on our phones, ABA offers tools to help us get there!
One of the amazing things about ABA is its versatility. While it’s widely known for its success in helping individuals with autism, ABA is also applied in areas like:
Education: Improving classroom behavior and enhancing learning.
Organizational Behavior: Boosting productivity and job satisfaction in workplaces.
Health and Wellness: Supporting habits like exercise, healthy eating, and stress management.
Personal Development: Helping people establish habits that lead to long-term goals, which is especially relevant for our book club, Reflective Stitches.
By applying ABA principles, we can understand what drives our actions and use that insight to make changes, one small step at a time.
How ABA Works: The ABCs of Behavior
At the heart of ABA is the A-B-C model:
Antecedent (A) - What happens before a behavior.
Behavior (B) - The action we want to understand or change.
Consequence (C) - What happens after the behavior, influencing whether it happens again.
Let’s say you want to build a new habit, like knitting a few rows each night. According to ABA, you could set up an antecedent (cue) to remind yourself, such as placing your knitting project near your bed. When you knit (behavior), you might reward yourself with a few minutes of a favorite book or show (consequence). Over time, the enjoyable consequence can make you more likely to keep up this nightly habit!
Why ABA Matters for Everyone
ABA isn’t just for specialists or therapists—it’s something everyone can use to make life easier, more enjoyable, and more fulfilling. By understanding what motivates our actions, we can work with our natural tendencies, instead of against them, to make lasting changes.
My Journey with ABA
Through my work, I help people use their favorite activities, like knitting, to develop positive habits and build skills. When you’re engaged in something you love, making changes doesn’t feel like a chore—it feels like an extension of yourself.
So, if you’re ready to make small, meaningful changes in your life, welcome! Together, we’ll explore how to apply the science of ABA to the art of habit-building and personal growth. Let's start this journey of transformation, one stitch, one step at a time.
