What is an "ABA Program"? Thirty years of research has clearly shown that intensive early interventions based upon the learning and behavior principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can significantly improve the lives of children with autism.  Yet, there is still much misunderstanding about just exactly what ABA is and is not.  It's important to know that ABA is not a magic bullet for autism, nor is it a rigidly applied program designed to make students respond automatically and perform in predictable ways.  The following information should help to sort through some of the confusion around this important autism treatment option...  My Doctor said to find an "ABA program" for my son?  What is it? All over the world, professionals diagnosing young children with autism recommend interventions based on applied behavioral analysis to families asking, "What should happen next?" for their newly diagnosed child.  In many parts of the US, medical, therapeutic and educational institutions routinely provide intensive ABA programs as a matter of course as the best option for helping improve the lives of children on the autism spectrum.  The reasons why... Programs based on the science of applied behavior analysis have thirty years of science pr oven success in reducing the impact of autism in most children.  Ongoing research continues to provide more information about how humans learn and what strategies work best for children with autism.  So, ABA programs, including methods of assessment, curricula, strategies and teaching approaches are based on empirical evidence.  More importantly, they are individually designed and scientifically implemented.  This means that information about teaching and learning is continuously monitored, collected and graphed to determine levels of success for every child.  ABA programs do not rely on casual observations or anecdotal information to belie success; carefully monitored data is instead used to assess, plan and improve every child's program.  If a child is not responding to a well, designed, individualized ABA program, the data will tell.  Children needing additional therapies or alternative program approaches can be quickly identified and recommendations for additional services implemented in a timely way.  In other words, families need not wonder if a program is helping their child--the evidence will be clear.  ABA programs are rooted in the notion that all meaningful human behaviors develop in a positive, re-inforcing environment.  These behaviors included communicative, adaptive and socio-emotional behaviors.  Consequently, ABA-programs address the development of the whole child.  Where can I read more about ABA?   Below are a few important links to learning more about ABA.    ABA International Spectrum of Hope Foundation  Rutgers University  National Standards Report