Glossary Terms

Escape extinction is a behavioral strategy used in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to reduce or eliminate behaviors that are maintained by escape or avoidance of a task or demand. In this procedure, the individual is no longer allowed to escape or avoid the task following the occurrence of the undesired behavior. Instead, the task or […]

Extinction is an effective technique used to reduce unwanted behaviors by removing the reinforcement that maintains them. Though the behavior may temporarily increase during the process (extinction burst), consistent application of the extinction procedure typically leads to a decline in the behavior over time. Example A young boy named James constantly interrupts his parents during

Attention Extinction, also known as planned ignoring, is a strategy used in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to decrease the frequency of a behavior by withholding attention or other reinforcing responses that typically follow the behavior. The goal is to remove the reinforcement (usually attention) that maintains the behavior, making it less likely to occur in

Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence (ABC) Data Collection is a method used in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to record information about a behavior and the surrounding environmental events. Specifically, it involves: By tracking the ABC sequence, behavior analysts can identify patterns in behavior and determine the function of the behavior, which helps guide the development of appropriate intervention strategies.

Automatic negative reinforcement occurs when a behavior is strengthened because it directly results in the removal, reduction, or avoidance of an aversive stimulus, without the involvement of another person. The reinforcement is intrinsic to the behavior itself, meaning the behavior occurs to eliminate an unpleasant sensation or experience, and the individual is motivated to continue

A student frequently complains about a difficult math assignment, and each time the teacher responds by allowing the student to take a break or giving them easier work. The student’s behavior of complaining is socially mediated negative reinforcement because the teacher’s actions remove the aversive task (the difficult math assignment), making the student more likely

Automatic positive reinforcement occurs when a behavior is strengthened because it directly produces a reinforcing stimulus, without the involvement of another person. The reinforcement is intrinsic to the behavior itself, meaning the individual engages in the behavior to achieve an internal or sensory reward, rather than to gain attention, escape, or access to tangibles. Example

Social skills refer to the abilities that enable individuals to interact and communicate effectively with others in social settings. These skills involve understanding and using appropriate behaviors, such as making conversation, understanding social cues, and managing interpersonal relationships. Communication skills are the abilities that allow individuals to convey information, express thoughts, and understand messages from

Daily Living Skills are fundamental skills that allow individuals to care for themselves and manage everyday tasks. Teaching these skills is a key focus in ABA interventions, helping individuals achieve greater independence and improve their ability to participate in daily activities. Example Brushing teeth, tying shoes, washing hands, preparing simple snacks, making the bed, using

A Skills Assessment is a process used to evaluate an individual’s current abilities and competencies across various domains (e.g., communication, social skills, self-care, academic skills). In Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), skills assessments help identify areas where a person excels and areas that require intervention or development. This information is used to create personalized intervention plans