What Is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)? | Parent Training Handout

Confused about ABA?

This clear, compassionate, and evidence-based handout explains what Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is, how it works, and how it supports individuals across the lifespan—using parent-friendly language without jargon.

Created by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), this resource is ideal for parent training, caregiver education, staff onboarding, and introductory ABA lessons.

📘 What’s Included (5 Pages):

✔️ What is ABA?
A clear explanation of ABA as a scientific, evidence-based approach to understanding and improving behavior

✔️ Key Principles of ABA

• Behavioral assessments
• Data collection
• Individualized programming
• Positive reinforcement
• Generalization

✔️ Who ABA Can Benefit

• Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Children & adults
• Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Those working on communication, social, adaptive, and life skills

✔️ Common ABA Strategies Explained Simply
Including:

• Positive reinforcement
• Token economies
• Prompting & fading
• Shaping & chaining
• Modeling
• Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
• Antecedent-based interventions
• Social stories & visual supports

✔️ Parent Training Review Questions
Thought-provoking questions to support:

• Caregiver understanding
• Reflection on values and concerns
• Preparation for Behavioral Skills Training (BST: modeling, rehearsal, feedback)

👨‍👩‍👧 Who This Resource Is For:

• Parents & caregivers new to ABA
• ABA providers (BCBAs, RBTs, BIs)
• Special education teachers
• Parent educators & trainers
• Adults receiving ABA services
• Graduate students or interns learning ABA foundations

🎯 Skills & Concepts Targeted:

• Understanding ABA principles
• Reducing misconceptions about ABA
• Collaboration between families and providers
• Ethical, individualized behavior support
• Foundations for effective parent training

❤️ Why Educators & Families Love This Resource:

✔️ Written in clear, respectful language
✔️ Supports ethical and modern ABA practices
✔️ Ideal for intake meetings, parent training sessions, or workshops
✔️ Helps families feel informed, empowered, and included
✔️ Can be used with children, teens, or adults

📄 File Details:

• Format: PDF
• Pages: 5
• Printable & digital-friendly
• Not editable