ABA TherapyBlog
When your child starts ABA therapy, you’ll hear a mix of new words, strategies, and clinical language. It can feel like a lot — but once you understand the basics, everything becomes much easier to follow. Here’s a parent-friendly breakdown of ABA terms, presented in a new order to keep things simple and easy to digest.
Key ABA Terms Every Parent Will Hear
Reinforcement
One of the core ideas in ABA. Reinforcement increases the chance a behavior will happen again, whether it’s through praise, a favorite toy, or extra playtime.
Positive Reinforcement
Giving something enjoyable (like a reward or kind words) to encourage a behavior you want to see more of.
Preference Assessment
A process used to learn what your child enjoys most — essential for choosing motivating rewards.
Pairing
A relationship-building step where the therapist becomes associated with fun, comfort, and positivity. This helps your child feel safe and excited to learn.
BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst)
The professional who designs the ABA treatment plan, analyzes data, and guides your child’s therapy.
RBT (Registered Behavior Technician)
The therapist who works directly with your child each session, carrying out the BCBA’s plan.
Assessment
Testing and observation used to understand your child’s strengths and needs. Common assessments include VB-MAPP, ABLLS-R, and AFLS.
Task Analysis
Breaking a skill (like washing hands or tying shoes) into smaller, teachable steps.
Chaining
Teaching those small steps in order — either starting from the first step (forward chaining) or the last step (backward chaining).
Shaping
Rewarding small improvements that lead toward a final skill. Great for children just starting something new.
Prompting
Helping your child when they need support. Prompts can be verbal, physical, visual, or modeled.
Prompt Fading
Gradually reducing help so your child can complete tasks independently.
Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
Highly structured teaching with clear instructions and quick rewards. Great for early learners.
Natural Environment Teaching (NET)
Teaching during play, mealtime, or everyday routines to help skills feel natural and generalizable.
Generalization
When your child can apply a skill across different people, places, and situations — one of the biggest goals of ABA.
Functions of Behavior
The “why” behind behavior. Almost all behaviors fall under one of four functions:
- Getting attention
- Escaping something
- Accessing something
- Sensory/automatic reasons
Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)
A personalized plan that helps decrease challenging behaviors and teach more appropriate alternatives.
Replacement Behavior
A healthier behavior that serves the same purpose as the challenging one — like requesting a break instead of crying.
Extinction
A strategy where a behavior no longer gets the response that used to reinforce it, helping it decrease over time.
Extinction Burst
A normal, temporary increase in the behavior when extinction first begins.
Functional Communication Training (FCT)
Teaching your child to communicate their needs using words, gestures, or AAC devices.
Data Collection
Therapists take data to track progress, spot patterns, and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Final Thoughts
We know ABA can sound overwhelming at first, but once you get familiar with these terms, everything starts to feel clearer and more manageable. And you never have to learn it alone — we walk families through every step.
At Epic Minds Therapy, our team supports you with understanding, guidance, and a personalized plan built around your child’s strengths. Whether you choose in-home ABA or school-based ABA, we make sure you feel confident and informed.
Explore our North Carolina locations here
Whenever you’re ready to get started, reach out to us — we’re here to help.
FAQs
Do I need to memorize every ABA term?
No — you’ll naturally learn them as your child progresses through therapy.
Are these terms used in every ABA program?
Most of them, yes. They’re widely used across ABA practices.
What if the language still feels confusing?
Just ask! Your child’s therapy team should always explain terms clearly and simply.
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