Understanding Applied Behaviour Analysis ABA: A Practical Guide for Parents

What is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)?

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach that focuses on understanding how people learn and how their behaviours are influenced by their environment. ABA therapy is using this science to explore what skills a child currently has, what skills they would benefit from developing and how to teach those skills in positive and meaningful ways.

ABA is widely used in early intervention, education and behaviour support across Australia. It is considered an evidence based practice because decades of research support its effectiveness for developing communication, social skills, independence and behaviour change.

Importantly, modern ABA emphasises child centred practice, positive reinforcement, collaboration with families and respect for the child’s autonomy and wellbeing.

ABA Is About Teaching Skills That Support Everyday Life

Many people think ABA is only about behaviour reduction, but this is a misunderstanding. The true focus of ABA is to teach skills that help children participate more fully in daily life.

ABA can support development in areas such as

• communication

• emotional regulation 

• feeding 

• social interaction 

• daily living skills 

• play development 

• school readiness 

• coping and problem solving 

• community participation

By building these foundational skills, children develop confidence and independence over time.

How ABA Works in Practice

ABA uses structured teaching principles combined with natural routines to help children learn. Sessions often feel like play but are carefully planned to target specific goals.

Assessment and Goal Setting

ABA begins with an assessment to understand the child’s strengths, learning style, needs and areas where support may be helpful. Families are central to this process, and their priorities guide the goal setting.

Positive Reinforcement

ABA uses positive reinforcement to encourage learning. When a child experiences success, praise or a preferred activity, they are more likely to repeat and expand that behaviour. Reinforcement is individualised because what is motivating for one child may be different for another.

Breaking Tasks Into Small Steps

Complex skills are broken into manageable steps, allowing children to experience repeated success. This approach helps build confidence and reduces frustration.

Teaching Within Natural Routines

Modern ABA emphasises naturalistic teaching which means learning happens during everyday activities such as play, mealtimes, dressing or community outings. This helps children generalise skills to real life situations.

A Gentle and Child Centred Approach

ABA today looks very different from outdated practices some parents may have heard about. Ethical ABA prioritises the child’s comfort, communication and emotional wellbeing. Sessions are paced according to the child and are designed to be enjoyable and engaging.

Child centred ABA means therapists

• follow the child’s interests • respect communication attempts • use trauma informed and neurodivergent affirming practices • reinforce choice making • encourage autonomy • collaborate closely with families • monitor the child’s wellbeing at all times

Therapists adjust strategies if a child appears overwhelmed, tired or disengaged. The goal is always to support learning in a warm and respectful way.

Who Can Benefit From ABA

ABA can benefit individuals of all ages, neurotypical or neurodiverse. In the context of Bloom, we used ABA to support children with a wide range of developmental needs including autism, developmental delays, communication challenges, behaviour concerns and daily living skill difficulties. It is suitable for children of all ages and can be adapted for toddlers through to adolescents.

Families often seek ABA when they want support with communication development, social skills, emotional regulation, behaviour challenges, play skills or independence at home. We use ABA principles in our early intervention, feeding and positive behaviour support programs. 

Common Misconceptions About ABA

ABA is not rigid or harsh

Modern ABA is flexible, playful and relationship focused. Therapists adapt sessions to the child’s preferences and needs.

ABA does not aim to change a child’s personality

ABA supports skill building so children can participate more comfortably in their world. It does not attempt to suppress a child’s identity or individuality.

ABA is more than table based learning

While structured teaching may sometimes occur, most ABA in Australia is delivered within play, natural routines and daily activities.

ABA encourages communication, not compliance

ABA prioritises functional communication, emotional expression and wellbeing.

How Bloom Child Therapy Uses ABA

Bloom Child Therapy applies ABA principles in a neuroaffirming way. We use evidence informed strategies to support communication, behaviour, daily living skills, feeding and emotional regulation. Bloom’s approach prioritises relationships, child autonomy and strengths based learning.

Bloom uses naturalistic teaching strategies that fit easily into everyday routines and collaborates closely with families to develop goals that are meaningful and achievable. Sessions are tailored to the child’s sensory preferences, learning style and comfort level. We  also work with schools and other professionals to support consistency across environments.