Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) uses proven methods to teach new skills and reduce challenging behaviors, but the terms used can be confusing for parents, caregivers, and even people new to the field. This glossary explains key ABA terms with simple definitions, real-life examples, and tips for using them in everyday life. Whether you're a parent trying to understand therapy reports, a new professional learning the basics, or a student studying for certification, this guide will make the language of ABA easier to understand and show how it helps in effective treatment.
Glossary of ABA Terms
A
ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)
Definition: A scientific approach that uses understanding of behavior to teach new skills and reduce challenging behaviors.
Example: Teaching a child to request a snack using words instead of crying.
Antecedent
Definition: An event or situation that occurs immediately before a behavior.
Example: A teacher says, “Time to clean up,” and the child throws a toy.
Attending
Definition: Paying attention to a person, task, or stimulus.
Example: Looking at the teacher when they are giving instructions.
Access to Tangibles
Definition: One of the functions of behavior involving gaining access to a desired item or activity.
Example: A child cries to get a favorite toy.
ABC Data (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence)
Definition: A three-part sequence explaining why behaviors occur:
- Antecedent: What happens before the behavior
- Behavior: The action itself
- Consequence: What happens immediately after
Example:
Antecedent: Mom is on the phone
Behavior: Child screams
Consequence: Mom ends call.
B
Behavior
Definition: Any observable and measurable action a person does.
Example: Saying “hello,” making eye contact, or throwing a toy.
Baseline
Definition: Measurement of a behavior before intervention starts, used as a comparison point.
Example: Tracking how many times a child requests items before intervention.
BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst)
Definition: A certified professional who designs and oversees ABA programs.
Responsibilities: Assessments, treatment planning, and supervision.
BIP (Behavior Intervention Plan)
Definition: A detailed plan created to address challenging behaviors through proactive and reactive strategies.
Example: A written plan outlining steps to reduce tantrums and teach coping skills.
Blocking
Definition: Physically preventing a behavior from occurring.
Example: Gently holding a child’s hands to stop self-injury.
Behavior Chain
Definition: A sequence of behaviors linked together to form a complex skill.
Example: Washing hands involves turning on the faucet, applying soap, rinsing, and drying.
C
Consequence
Definition: What happens immediately after a behavior, influencing whether it will occur again.
Example: Giving praise after a child says “please.”
Chaining
Definition: Teaching a behavior chain step-by-step using forward, backward, or total task methods.
Example: Teaching handwashing starting with turning on the water, then adding steps.
Conditioning
Definition: A process of learning associations between stimuli and responses.
- Classical Conditioning: Learning through association between stimuli.
- Operant Conditioning: Learning through consequences (reinforcement or punishment).
Example: Praising a child for completing homework increases the likelihood they’ll do it again.
Contingency
Definition: A relationship between a behavior and its consequence.
Example: If you finish your homework, you get screen time.
Continuous Measurement
Definition: Recording every instance of a behavior.
Example: Logging each time a child says “thank you” during a session.
Crisis Plan
Definition: A written plan for responding to dangerous or emergency behaviors.
Example: Steps for safely managing aggressive outbursts.
Cue
Definition: A signal that prompts a specific behavior.
Example: A teacher raising a hand to signal students to be quiet.
D
DTT (Discrete Trial Training)
Definition: A structured teaching method that breaks skills into small steps.
Example: Teaching colors by showing cards, prompting correct answers, and rewarding.
Data Collection
Definition: Recording information about behaviors to monitor progress and guide decisions.
Example: Tracking the number of times a child asks for help in a session.
Differential Reinforcement
Definition: Reinforcing desired behavior while withholding reinforcement for undesired behavior.
Example: Praising a child for using words instead of whining.
Duration
Definition: How long a behavior lasts.
Example: A child engages in independent play for 8 minutes.
Deprivation
Definition: Withholding a reinforcer to increase its value.
Example: Limiting tablet time so it becomes more motivating as a reward.
E
Extinction
Definition: Stopping reinforcement of a previously reinforced behavior.
Example: Ignoring tantrums that were previously given attention.
Extinction Burst
Definition: A temporary increase in behavior after extinction begins.
Example: A child screams louder before stopping when the behavior is no longer reinforced.
Echoic
Definition: Repeating exactly what someone else says.
Example: Adult says “ball,” and child repeats “ball.”
Errorless Learning
Definition: Teaching with prompts to prevent errors.
Example: Providing immediate guidance to avoid mistakes during a task.
Environment
Definition: All surroundings and conditions that affect behavior.
Example: Classroom setup, noise level, or presence of peers.
F
FBA (Functional Behavior Assessment)
Definition: A process to determine why a behavior occurs by analyzing patterns and triggers.
Example: Identifying that tantrums occur to avoid tasks.
FCT (Functional Communication Training)
Definition: Teaching appropriate communication to replace challenging behavior.
Example: Teaching a child to request a break instead of throwing materials.
Frequency
Definition: How often a behavior occurs within a set timeframe.
Example: A child raises their hand 3 times during a 30-minute session.
Function of Behavior
Definition: The reason behind a behavior, usually for:
- Attention
- Escape
- Access to tangibles
- Sensory needs
Example: Throwing toys for attention or to escape homework.
G
Generalization
Definition: Using a learned skill across different settings, people, or materials.
Example: A child says “hello” to the therapist and also to family or peers.
Gestural Prompt
Definition: Using gestures to guide behavior.
Example: Pointing to a chair to indicate “sit down.”
Group Contingency
Definition: A reinforcement system based on group behavior.
Example: A class earns extra recess if everyone completes their work.
H
Hand-over-hand Prompt
Definition: Physically guiding a person to complete a task.
Example: Helping a child zip their jacket by moving their hands.
High-Probability Request Sequence (High-P)
Definition: Giving easy tasks before a harder one to increase compliance.
Example: Asking for “high five” and “touch nose” before a harder task.
I
ITP (Individualized Treatment Plan)
Definition: A detailed document outlining skills, goals, and procedures.
Example: A multi-page plan targeting communication and self-help skills.
Inter-response Time (IRT)
Definition: Time between instances of a behavior.
Example: Time between one tantrum and the next.
Incidental Teaching
Definition: Teaching during naturally occurring situations that are child-led.
Example: Asking for “more blocks” during play.
Intraverbal
Definition: A verbal response to another’s verbal stimulus that doesn’t match it.
Example: Q: “What’s your name?” A: “John.”
Independent Responding
Definition: Completing tasks or behaviors without prompts.
Example: Brushing teeth without assistance.
L
Latency
Definition: Time that elapses between instruction and the start of behavior.
Example: A child takes 10 seconds to start picking up toys after being told to clean up.
Least-to-Most Prompting
Definition: Starting with minimal assistance and increasing as needed.
Example: Asking verbally, then modeling, then physically guiding if the child doesn’t respond.
Listener Responding
Definition: Following directions or identifying items when asked.
Example: Therapist says, “Touch your nose,” and the child does so.
M
Mand
Definition: A request for a desired item or action.
Example: A child says “juice” to ask for a drink.
Mastery Criteria
Definition: A specific goal indicating when a skill has been learned successfully.
Example: Achieving 80% accuracy in independent handwashing over 3 sessions.
Modeling
Definition: Demonstrating a behavior for someone to imitate.
Example: Showing a child how to wave goodbye.
MO (Motivating Operation)
Definition: A condition that affects the value of a reinforcer and behavior related to it.
Example: If a child is thirsty, water becomes a stronger reinforcer.
Maintenance
Definition: Continuing to perform a learned skill over time without intervention.
Example: A child continues saying “thank you” months after teaching.
Matching-to-Sample
Definition: Selecting an item that matches a model or example.
Example: Matching a red block to another red block.
N
NET (Natural Environment Teaching)
Definition: Teaching within daily activities, following a child’s interests.
Example: Using playtime with bubbles to teach requesting.
Negative Reinforcement
Definition: Increasing behavior by removing something unpleasant.
Example: Turning off loud music when a child covers their ears after asking.
Non-Contingent Reinforcement (NCR)
Definition: Providing reinforcement on a set schedule, not tied to behavior.
Example: Giving attention every 5 minutes regardless of behavior.
Neutral Stimulus
Definition: A stimulus that initially has no effect on behavior.
Example: A bell before being associated with food.
No-No Prompting
Definition: Saying “no” after errors before giving the correct prompt.
Example: “No, try again… no… touch red,” then guiding the child to the correct choice.
O
Operational Definition
Definition: Clear, measurable, and objective description of a behavior.
Example: “Tantrum” is defined as dropping to the floor and crying for more than 30 seconds.
Overcorrection
Definition: Requiring the learner to correct or redo a behavior in an exaggerated way.
Example: If a child throws papers, they must pick up all the papers and organize them neatly.
P
Positive Reinforcement
Definition: Adding something desirable to increase behavior.
Example: Giving a sticker after completing homework.
Prompting
Definition: Temporary help given to teach a new skill, with the goal of fading that help over time.
Example: Physically guiding a child’s hands to zip a jacket.
Prompt Fading
Definition: Gradually removing prompts to promote independence.
Example: Moving from hand-over-hand help to just a verbal cue.
Primary Reinforcer
Definition: An item that naturally satisfies basic needs, like food or drink.
Example: A chocolate piece or juice.
Preference Assessment
Definition: A way to find out what items/activities a person prefers.
Example: Offering toys and observing which the child picks first.
PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System)
Definition: A system using pictures to communicate wants and needs.
Example: A child hands a picture of an apple to request the fruit.
Punishment
Definition: A consequence that decreases a behavior.
- Positive Punishment: Adding something to reduce behavior (e.g., adding extra chores after hitting).
- Negative Punishment: Removing something to reduce behavior (e.g., taking away a toy after hitting).
Q
Quiet Environment
Definition: A low-noise setting that reduces distractions.
Example: Turning off background music during learning tasks.
R
RBT (Registered Behavior Technician)
Definition: A paraprofessional who implements ABA therapy under BCBA supervision.
Responsibilities: Direct therapy, data collection, behavior plan implementation.
Reinforcement
Definition: Anything that increases the likelihood a behavior will happen again.
Example: Giving praise when a child follows instructions.
Replacement Behavior
Definition: A more appropriate behavior taught to replace a challenging one.
Example: Using a “break” card instead of throwing items.
Response Blocking
Definition: Preventing completion of a behavior once it has started.
Example: Stopping a child’s hand from hitting another person.
Response Cost
Definition: Taking away a reinforcer following a behavior.
Example: Removing a token after a rule violation.
Response Generalization
Definition: When a person uses different but similar behaviors to achieve the same outcome.
Example: Saying “Can I play?” or “Let me join” to access peer play.
S
SD (Discriminative Stimulus)
Definition: A cue indicating that a behavior will be reinforced.
Example: The instruction “Touch your head” signals reinforcement for compliance.
Satiation
Definition: When a reinforcer loses its effect due to overexposure.
Example: A child stops working for gummy bears after eating too many.
Secondary Reinforcer
Definition: An item or activity that becomes rewarding through association.
Example: Stickers, praise, or tablet time.
Self-Injury (SIB)
Definition: Harmful behavior directed at oneself.
Example: Head-banging, biting hands.
Shaping
Definition: Reinforcing successive approximations toward a target behavior.
Example: Praising a child for saying “ba” as an early step toward “ball.”
Stereotypy
Definition: Repetitive, non-functional behaviors.
Example: Hand-flapping or spinning objects.
Social Stories
Definition: Short stories that teach appropriate behavior in social situations.
Example: A story explaining how to take turns during play.
Stimulus Control
Definition: When a behavior occurs more often in the presence of a specific stimulus.
Example: Raising a hand only during class discussions.
Schedule of Reinforcement
Definition: Rules for how and when reinforcement is delivered.
Example: Reinforcing every correct response (continuous) or every third correct response (fixed ratio).
T
Tact
Definition: Labeling or describing things in the environment.
Example: A child sees a dog and says, “Dog.”
Task Analysis
Definition: Breaking a skill into smaller, teachable steps.
Example: Listing steps for brushing teeth: get toothbrush, apply toothpaste, brush.
Target Behavior
Definition: A specific behavior selected for intervention.
Example: Teaching a child to request breaks instead of hitting.
Token Economy
Definition: A system where tokens are earned and exchanged for rewards.
Example: Earning stars to trade for extra playtime.
Transfer of Stimulus Control
Definition: Shifting control of behavior from prompts to natural cues.
Example: Moving from pointing to verbal instructions only.
Time-Out
Definition: Removing access to reinforcement for a short period.
Example: Having a child sit in a quiet area briefly after aggression.
Tolerance Training
Definition: Teaching someone to accept non-preferred conditions or delays.
Example: Practicing waiting before receiving a snack.
U
Unconditioned Reinforcer
Definition: An item that is naturally reinforcing without being learned.
Example: Food, warmth, or water.
V
Verbal Behavior
Definition: Communication reinforced through the listener’s response.
Example: Saying “juice” and receiving juice.
Visual Supports
Definition: Pictures, written words, or objects that clarify expectations or routines.
Example: A visual bedtime routine chart.
W–Z
Wait Program
Definition: Teaching a person to wait for a predetermined amount of time before receiving reinforcement.
Example: Gradually increasing wait time before giving a toy.
Withdrawal
Definition: Gradual removal of reinforcement or intervention.
Example: Fading adult prompts once a skill is learned.
Common Misunderstandings and Clarifications
"Isn't reinforcement just bribing?"
Clarification: Reinforcement is different from bribery. Bribery happens before a behavior to coax someone into doing something, while reinforcement happens after a behavior to increase its future likelihood. Reinforcement is a teaching tool that eventually becomes less necessary as skills develop.
"Negative reinforcement sounds like punishment"
Clarification: Despite the word "negative," negative reinforcement actually increases behavior by removing something unpleasant. For example, when you take medicine (behavior) and your headache goes away (removal of something unpleasant), you're more likely to take medicine for future headaches.
"Why is my child's behavior getting worse during therapy?"
Clarification: Sometimes behaviors temporarily increase when intervention begins—this is called an "extinction burst." It's actually a sign that therapy is disrupting the previous pattern. With consistent implementation, the challenging behavior typically decreases after this initial increase.
Conclusion
Learning ABA terminology isn’t just about picking up new words, it’s about becoming an active, informed partner in your child’s therapy journey. The more you understand these terms, the easier it will be to track your child’s progress, ask meaningful questions during therapy sessions, and use effective strategies at home or in practice.
By understanding ABA terminology, you’ll be able to:
- Ask clear, specific questions during meetings with your child’s therapy team.
- Notice small changes and signs of progress that might otherwise go unnoticed.
- Use consistent strategies to bridge what’s learned in therapy with everyday life.
- Advocate confidently for your child’s needs in school, at home, or in other settings.
It's important to remember, even the most experienced professionals had to start somewhere. Your effort to learn these terms shows your dedication to helping your child grow and thrive. Remember, it’s okay to take your time; learning this language is a process. Every new term you understand adds to your confidence and strengthens your ability to work as a team with your child’s therapists. Bookmark this glossary to use as a reference whenever you need a refresher.
With resources like Theralytics, putting these concepts into action becomes easier. From logging data and setting goals to reviewing treatment plans, Theralytics helps you focus on what really matters: meaningful progress and positive results for your child.
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