Common ABA Therapy Terms and Definitions Explained

Key Points:

• ABA therapy terms are essential for understanding how behavioral therapy works for children with autism.
• Key ABA therapy terms like reinforcement, antecedents, and behavior modification guide therapists and parents alike.
• Knowing crucial ABA terms helps parents become active participants in their child's therapy process.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ABA therapy is one of the most commonly used and researched interventions for children with autism. This makes it a cornerstone of treatment plans for children with autism, with applications across both home and school environments. 

For parents just beginning to explore ABA therapy, however, understanding the terminology behind ABA therapy can be overwhelming. The sheer number of terms can feel like another language, but it's crucial for effective communication with therapists and for being involved in your child's therapy journey. 

In this article, we'll explain some of the most common ABA therapy terms and definitions so that you can help your child’s therapy process every step of the way.

What are ABA Therapy Terms?

ABA therapy terms are words or phrases that describe the strategies, techniques, and processes used in behavior analysis to help children with autism. These terms are key for understanding how therapists approach behavior modification, track progress, and reinforce positive behavior. 

Whether you're new to ABA or have been involved in therapy for a while, knowing these terms will help you better understand the methodology behind the treatment and how it applies to your child.

Some common ABA therapy terms include reinforcement, antecedent, behavior modification, and prompt. These terms describe how behaviors are encouraged or discouraged and how therapists structure interactions to encourage learning and growth.

The following are some of the most widely used terminologies in ABA therapy:

1. Reinforcement 

Reinforcement is one of the most important terms in ABA therapy. It's used to encourage desired behaviors by providing a positive consequence. When a child exhibits a behavior you want to increase, you reinforce it by providing something that motivates them, such as praise, a preferred toy, or a special activity.

There are two main types of reinforcement:

• Positive Reinforcement

Adding something pleasant to increase a behavior, like giving a child a sticker for completing a task.

• Negative Reinforcement

Removing something unpleasant to increase a behavior, like stopping a loud noise when a child complies with an instruction.

Both types of reinforcement help build a child’s motivation and encourage learning. Knowing how and when to reinforce certain behaviors can significantly impact the effectiveness of the therapy.

These techniques are used throughout ABA therapy to support long-term changes in behavior and improve functional skills in children with autism.

2. Antecedent

In the context of ABA therapy, an antecedent is an event or condition that occurs before a behavior. Understanding antecedents is crucial because identifying what happens before a child engages in a behavior helps therapists and parents modify the environment to prevent problematic behavior or encourage appropriate alternatives.

For instance, if a child tends to throw tantrums when asked to clean up their toys, the antecedent might be the request itself. By changing the way the request is given—such as offering a choice or using a visual aid—the antecedent can be modified, potentially leading to a decrease in tantrums.

The following are some examples of antecedents in ABA therapy:

• Verbal Instructions
• Environmental Changes
• Social Interactions

Understanding antecedents helps ABA therapists and parents create environments that reduce challenging behaviors and promote positive learning.

3. Behavior Modification 

Behavior modification is the process of changing undesirable behaviors and reinforcing desirable ones. In ABA, behavior modification techniques are applied systematically to increase appropriate behaviors and decrease problematic ones. These changes are tracked over time to assess progress and adjust strategies as needed.

Behavior modification involves using principles of reinforcement, punishment, and other strategies to influence behavior. It’s not about simply telling a child what they’re doing wrong—it’s about teaching and reinforcing the behaviors you want to see more of.

The following are some of the key components of Behavior Modification:

• Target Behavior

The specific behavior that the therapist wants to increase or decrease.

• Reinforcement/Punishment

Applying positive or negative consequences to influence behavior.

• Generalization

Ensuring that the child can perform the behavior in different settings or situations.

Behavior modification in ABA is an ongoing process that adapts to the needs of the child and works in tandem with the family and other caregivers.

4. Prompts 

A prompt is a cue or signal given to help a child complete a task. Prompts are essential in ABA therapy, particularly when teaching new skills. They can be verbal, physical, or visual in nature. 

The goal of prompts is to guide the child toward the correct behavior, but the ultimate aim is to fade them gradually so that the child can perform the task independently.

There are several types of prompts:

• Verbal Prompts

Giving verbal cues or instructions to help the child.

• Physical Prompts

Physically guiding the child’s hand or body to perform an action.

• Visual Prompts

Using pictures or written instructions to help the child understand what to do next.

Prompts are crucial in teaching skills such as communication, daily living tasks, and social interactions. Over time, these prompts are faded out to encourage independence.

5. Fading 

Fading is a technique used to gradually reduce the level of assistance or prompts given to a child. This process helps the child develop independence and perform tasks without needing constant support. Fading is a critical part of ABA therapy because it ensures that the child’s skills can be generalized to real-life situations and continue to improve even outside of therapy. The concept of fading can be applied to both prompts and reinforcement. For example, a child might initially receive lots of verbal prompts to say “hello” when they meet someone. Over time, the therapist will reduce the number of prompts, allowing the child to eventually say "hello" independently. Common fading techniques used in ABA therapy include:

• Prompt Fading

Gradually reducing the level of prompting.

• Reinforcement Fading

Reducing the frequency or intensity of reinforcement once a behavior becomes more consistent. Fading is an ongoing process and ensures that the skills a child learns are applicable in the real world, not just in a therapy setting.

6. Discrete Trial Training (DTT)

In Discrete Trial Training (DTT), your child’s therapist will use clear instructions and reinforcement to help them master each step before moving on to the next one. DTT is a highly effective method for teaching children with autism and is often used to teach skills like identifying objects, following instructions, and even communicating.

Discrete Trial Training (DTT) is ideal for teaching specific, discrete skills in a structured way. It breaks tasks into smaller steps, allowing children to learn systematically. Repeated practice and reinforcement ensure mastery of targeted skills. DTT is effective for communication, social, and academic skill development.

ABA Therapy at Astra ABA

Understanding ABA therapy terms is the first step to being an active participant in your child's journey toward success. At Astra ABA, we offer specialized ABA therapy services in North Carolina and Indiana with experienced therapists who can help create customized therapy plans that address the unique needs of your child.

Reach out today to learn more about our services and how we can support your child's growth and development.