-ABA Terms-

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ABA: Applied behavior analysis 

BCBA: Board certified behavior analyst 

BT or RBT: a behavior technician with ABA training that directly works with your child 

Discrete Trial Training: a style of ABA therapy that focuses on teaching goals as fast and as often as possible. Think, sitting at the table and teaching colors, shapes and animals as much as possible for 10 minutes

Generalized: when a child has mastered a goal AND they can do that goal in multiple places, with different people and across time. Think washing hands at home, at a restaurant, at school and they can do it with their teacher, their sibling and they will retain the skill forever

Individualized Educational Plan: a plan created for students with disabilities that ensures they receive specific services or resources at school. Think, pull-out sessions with a teacher, modification to class work, speech therapy, etc.  

Mastered: when a child knows the answer to a question or they know how to complete a goal based on a predetermined criteria. Think, making their bed correctly and doing it correctly 5 days in a row

Natural Environment Training: a style of ABA therapy that focuses on finding natural teachable moments wherever you’re at. Think, if a child is reaching for a toy rather than give it to them, teach them the name of the toy

Reinforcement: anything a person likes or wants and is willing to work for. Think, a break, TV, money, someone saying “great job,” a high-five