Applied behavior analysis

A therapeutic approach based on the science of learning and behavior, widely used in interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder. ABA uses systematic reinforcement — rewarding desired behaviors with objects, food, praise, or other motivators — to teach new skills including communication, social interaction, and daily living tasks. Pioneered by Ivar Lovaas in the 1960s, traditional ABA requires many intensive sessions with trained professionals, which can be costly and places significant demands on families. While ABA remains one of the most evidence-supported interventions for autism, it has been critiqued by disability advocates for focusing on behavioral compliance rather than autistic well-being. Technology-enhanced approaches are increasingly being explored to supplement ABA, using computer-generated visual and auditory feedback to motivate vocalization and speech production in ways that may reduce the social anxiety some children with autism experience during human-led sessions.