What is applied behavior analysis?
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a psychological field that relies heavily on the ability to analyze verbal and visual cues from clients or family members, such as looking up or raising an eyebrow, to identify what the client’s needs are, based on how they are responding to their surroundings. The behavior analyst then makes changes to the surroundings to help that individual learn to be more successful in their environment, while helping them reduce maladaptive behaviors such as withdrawal, outbursts or aggression.
Applied Behavior Analysis careers focus on the reinforcement of positive behavior to enact long term behavior change.
As an Applied Behavior Analyst, you would create and implement interventions that address social concerns within different populations and settings.
Applied Behavior Analysts work with clients with developmental disorders such as autism, as well as anxiety, various mental illnesses and addictive behaviors.
If you are interested in working with children or with people with behavioral challenges, this is a fulfilling field with high demand.
Applied behavior analysis can assist children and families with developmental or behavioral issues such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or learning disabilities. Behavior analysis is also used in competitive sports, organizational psychology, and in many environments that optimize prosocial behavior.
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