In general, interventions based upon the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) have been documented as highly effective in teaching a range of academic, social, communicative, motor, and adaptive skills. The central theory behind ABA is that “Behavior rewarded (reinforced) is more likely to be repeated than behavior ignored.” Behavioral intervention seems to help children “learn to learn.” Research has shown interventions based upon the principles of ABA consistently teach new skills and behaviors to children with autism.

ABA is an intensive approach to intervention and children usually work about up to 40 hours a week with a trained, ideally Board Certified, professional. Waiting lists for Board Certified ABA therapists can be long because the demand is so great.

Communication challenges are at the heart of an autism spectrum diagnosis and may contribute to behavior problems. The addition of a speech/language therapist to your child's team may help improve his or her communication skills. Some speech therapists who work with children with autism incorporate the principles ABA into their practice to encourage positive behavior as the children either successfully imitate speech, or communicate properly on their own. A child’s progress in language acquisition can be rated with a tool used by many speech therapists, and other members of the team. The Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS) is an assessment, curriculum guide, and skills tracking system used for children with autism. ABLLS allows therapists and teachers to carefully track a child’s specific task objectives.