What is the primary goal of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?

The primary goal of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is to increase socially significant behaviors and decrease maladaptive behaviors. This reflects the core principles of ABA, which emphasize the importance of modifying behavior in a way that is meaningful and beneficial to the individual and their community.

ABA focuses on behaviors that have practical significance in the person’s daily life, which can include communication skills, social interactions, self-care, and academic performance. By addressing these behaviors, ABA aims to enhance the individual's quality of life and improve their ability to function within society. At the same time, diminishing maladaptive behaviors, which may hinder personal development or social interactions, plays a crucial role in this process. The outcome is not just compliance but fostering skills that lead to more effective and positive participation in various life domains.

This understanding distinguishes ABA from approaches that might prioritize conformity to societal norms without considering the individual's own needs and goals, or those that limit their focus solely to cognitive learning or maladaptive behaviors without promoting positive behavior change. Thus, the essence of ABA lies in its holistic approach to behavior modification, addressing both the increase of desirable skills and the reduction of problematic behaviors.