Understanding ABA Therapy

A Family Resource from Raven Behavior Analysis

1What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific, evidence-based approach to understanding and changing behavior. It focuses on identifying the factors in the environment that influence behavior, then systematically applying strategies to increase helpful behaviors and reduce harmful or interfering ones.

ABA is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Every treatment plan is individualized based on the child's unique strengths, needs, and goals — whether that's learning to communicate, building social skills, managing challenging behaviors, or gaining independence in daily living.

Key principle: Behavior is learned and influenced by the environment. ABA uses this understanding to teach new skills and create meaningful, lasting change.

2What Diagnoses Can ABA Support?

While ABA is most widely recognized as a treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), its principles are effective across a broad range of diagnoses and challenges:

✓Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

✓Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

✓Intellectual Disabilities

✓Down Syndrome

✓Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

✓Developmental Delays

✓Anxiety & Emotional Dysregulation

✓Feeding & Sleep Difficulties

✓Challenging Behaviors

✓Language & Communication Delays

A formal diagnosis is not always required. If your child displays challenging behaviors or developmental concerns, ABA-based consultation may still be beneficial.

3What Does the Research Say?

ABA is the most rigorously studied behavioral intervention for autism and related conditions. Decades of peer-reviewed research consistently demonstrate its effectiveness:

90%+

of children showed significant improvements in communication and adaptive behavior after intensive early ABA therapy.

Lovaas, O. I. (1987). Behavioral treatment and normal educational and intellectual functioning in young autistic children. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 55(1), 3–9.

47%

of children who received early intensive ABA achieved outcomes indistinguishable from typically developing peers.

McEachin, J. J., Smith, T., & Lovaas, O. I. (1993). Long-term outcome for children with autism who received early intensive behavioral treatment. American Journal on Mental Retardation, 97(4), 359–372.

Strong evidence

ABA is recognized as an evidence-based best practice by the U.S. Surgeon General, the American Psychological Association, and the CDC.

U.S. Surgeon General (1999). Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General. U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services. / APA Division 12 list of empirically supported treatments.

Early intervention

Research consistently shows the greatest developmental gains when ABA begins before age 5, though benefits are documented across all age groups.

Reichow, B. (2012). Overview of meta-analyses on early intensive behavioral intervention for young children with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 42(4), 512–520.

ABA has been endorsed by the U.S. Surgeon General, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and is the only autism treatment covered by most major insurance providers due to its evidence base.

4Our Process: What to Expect

Free Consultation

We start with a no-obligation 30-minute phone or video call to learn about your child, answer your questions, and see if we're the right fit for your family.

Intake & Assessment

Once enrolled, your BCBA completes a comprehensive assessment to understand your child's current skills, challenges, and priorities. This forms the basis of your individualized treatment plan.

Treatment Planning

We develop a customized plan with specific, measurable goals. You'll review and approve the plan before services begin — your input is essential.

Direct Services

Sessions are delivered in-home by a trained RBT under BCBA supervision. Sessions are structured but child-friendly — often incorporating play, routines, and natural environments.

Parent Training

We work closely with you to teach the same strategies used in sessions so progress carries over to everyday life. Parent involvement is a key part of our model.

Ongoing Review

Your BCBA monitors data and progress regularly, adjusting goals as your child grows. We communicate updates and celebrate milestones together.

5What Do Sessions Actually Look Like?

Many families are surprised to find that ABA sessions don't look like traditional "therapy." Sessions are designed to be engaging, naturalistic, and motivating for the child.

Play-Based Learning

Skills are taught through activities the child already enjoys — games, toys, movement, and natural routines.

Positive Reinforcement

When a child demonstrates a target skill, they receive meaningful praise, preferred activities, or rewards. No punishment is used.

Data Collection

Every session includes data tracking so we can objectively measure progress and make informed decisions.

Discrete Trials & NET

We use both structured practice (DTT) and teaching within natural daily activities (NET) depending on what works best for your child.

BCBA Supervision

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst designs and oversees all programming, conducting regular observations and oversight of RBT-delivered sessions.

Family Involvement

Parents are actively included — we coach caregivers on how to use strategies throughout the day, not just during sessions.

Raven Behavior Analysis

Channahon, IL · In-Home & Telehealth Consults

(815) 293-7333

info@ravenbehavior.com

ravenbehavior.com