What is ABA, Anyway?

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Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a science-based way of helping kids learn new skills, one small step at a time. It’s often used with children with autism, but it can help lots of kids. Instead of focusing on “stopping” behaviors, good ABA uses positive reinforcement and teaches kids better ways to communicate, play, and handle big feelings, so they can do more of what they love, with more independence and less frustration. The goal is to enable kids to navigate different situations and improve their overall quality of life.

Why Who You Choose Matters: I’ll be honest with you: ABA hasn’t always been done well. Years ago, people without proper training could practice it, and some used outdated, punishment-based methods. Thankfully, a lot has changed! The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) now has a strong ethics code that centers positive reinforcement, and only trained, supervised, and certified professionals can practice. As of 2025, Illinois also requires behavior analysts to hold a state license.

I’m proud to be both certified and licensed, dedicated to practicing compassionate ABA therapy rooted in positive reinforcement. Whether you’re a family, a clinic, or a school, please look for a certified, licensed BCBA. Every child and family deserves safe, ethical, caring support!

What Can ABA Help With?

Every plan is individualized for the child, family, and support team, helping them gain skills that improve their everyday life! Here are just a few examples of the things we might work on together: 

  • Communication Skills: Sharing wants and needs with words, signs, pictures, or a talker device.
  • Social Skills: Making friends, saying hi, taking turns, sharing, and chatting with peers.
  • Self-Care & Independence: Building daily living skills like dressing, brushing teeth, using the toilet, and feeding themselves.
  • Emotional Regulation: Guiding children in recognizing and managing emotions in safe and healthy ways.
  • Behavioral Challenges: Swapping hitting, meltdowns, or self-injury for calmer coping skills and better ways to communicate.
  • Following Directions: Listening and following along at home, at school, and out and about.
  • Safety Awareness: Teaching essential safety skills such as staying close to a caregiver in public, recognizing dangers, and responding appropriately.
  • Focus & Attention: Enhancing a child’s ability to stay engaged in tasks, follow routines, and concentrate on learning activities.
  • Play & Leisure Skills: Encouraging meaningful play, creativity, and participation in games or group activities with others.

Who is ABA For?

ABA can help people of all ages who need a little extra support with communication, social, independence, or behavior skills. It’s best known for helping children with autism, and it can also help kids with developmental delays, ADHD, learning differences, and other behavior challenges. Skills are practiced wherever they matter most: at home, at school, and out in the community.

Who is ABA for

Who’s on Your Child’s Team?

BCBA (that’s me!): I design each child’s plan, oversee their program, and visit 1-5 times a week depending on their needs. I also train and guide the therapists, clinic staff, and school teams who work with them.

Parents/caregivers, clinic staff, or school staff: You meet with me frequently to review progress, set goals, and learn strategies to use between sessions. Whether you’re a parent, a clinic team, or a teacher, you know this child best, so you’re a key part of the team. 

It takes a village: It truly takes a village to raise and support our kids! Everyone who matters in a child’s life is an important part of the team. I work alongside siblings, family members, teachers, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), occupational therapists (OTs), physical therapists (PTs), social workers and counselors (LCSWs and LCPCs), registered behavior technicians (RBTs), and medical providers to create one seamless plan for your child, client, or student. 

Evidence-Based Citations

  • Casey, L. B., & Carter, S. L. (2024). Applied behavior analysis in early childhood
    education: An introduction to evidence-based interventions and teaching strategies (2nd ed.). Routledge.
    https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003333357
  • Choi, K. R., Bhakta, B., Knight, E. A., Becerra-Culqui, T. A., Gahre, T. L., Zima, B., &
    Coleman, K. J. (2022). Patient outcomes after applied behavior analysis for autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 43(1), 9–16.
    https://doi.org/10.1097/DBP.0000000000000995
  • Cohen, H., Amerine-Dickens, M., & Smith, T. (2006). Evidence-based treatment for
    autism: The intensive behavioral intervention model. The Scientific Review of Mental Health Practice, 4(1), 26–39.
  • Du, G., Guo, Y., & Xu, W. (2024). The effectiveness of applied behavior analysis
    program training on enhancing autistic children’s emotional-social skills. BMC Psychology, 12, Article 568.
    https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-024-02045-5
  • Gitimoghaddam, M., Chichkine, N., McArthur, L., Sangha, S. S., Symington, V., &
    colleagues. (2022). Applied behavior analysis in children and youth with autism
    spectrum disorders: A scoping review. Autism Research, 15(9), 1691–1706.
    https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2767
  • Reichow, B., Barton, E. E., Boyd, B. A., & Hume, K. (2012). Early intensive behavioral
    intervention (EIBI) for young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2012(10), CD009260.
    https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD009260.pub2
  • Roane, H. S., Fisher, W. W., & Carr, J. E. (2016). Applied behavior analysis as treatment
    for autism spectrum disorder. Pediatrics, 137(5), e20160568.
    https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2016-0568
  • White, S. W., Koenig, K., & Scahill, L. (2007). Social skills development in children with
    autism spectrum disorders: A review of the intervention research. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 37(10), 1858–1868.
    https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-006-0320-x