Is ABA Only for Autism?

Yo Miss Jess,

 My best friend just started dating a new guy. She really likes him, but as a dutiful BFF I needed to check him out. He claims to be a “Behavior Analyst,” but when I complimented him on having the patience to work with children with Autism he said he doesn’t work with kids. WTF? Is this guy full of it? Should I tell my BFF to show this liar the door?

 Peace,

Skeptical in Stockton, CA

Dear Skeptical,

Fret not-the guy isn't lying!  While the majority of publicity centers around those who work with children with Autism, it is hardly the only application for applied behavior analysis (ABA).  Behavior analysts can work in any field and with any population you can think of.  Some common applications include:  business, animals, health care, gerontology, sports, schools, and the environment.   

With businesses, the principles of ABA can be applied to increase productivity, increase employee safety, decrease tardiness/call-offs, and increase up-selling.  ABA can be used at all business, from Fortune 500 corporations to local restaurants and bars. 

When applied with animals, ABA can help properly train both household pets as well as wild animals at zoos and rescue centers. Positive reinforcement (and other behavioral components) can do wonders for teaching Ben the Dog to sit, as well as training Simba the Lion to come to his crate when a medical test needs to be administered at a big cat rescue center.   ABA is often employed at animal shelters and humane societies, to help train abandoned pets so that they may have a better shot at being adopted. 

For geriatric clients, ABA can help combat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, increase engagement in physical activities at nursing homes, and help in the independent completion of activities of daily living-including toileting, dressing, and eating.   

This small list is just the tip of the iceberg, of course.  If there is a behavior involved, then ABA can be applied, and a difference can be made. 

-Ms. Jess

Yo Miss Jess,

 My best friend just started dating a new guy. She really likes him, but as a dutiful BFF I needed to check him out. He claims to be a “Behavior Analyst,” but when I complimented him on having the patience to work with children with Autism he said he doesn’t work with kids. WTF? Is this guy full of it? Should I tell my BFF to show this liar the door?

 Peace,

Skeptical in Stockton, CA

Dear Skeptical,

Fret not-the guy isn't lying!  While the majority of publicity centers around those who work with children with Autism, it is hardly the only application for applied behavior analysis (ABA).  Behavior analysts can work in any field and with any population you can think of.  Some common applications include:  business, animals, health care, gerontology, sports, schools, and the environment.   

With businesses, the principles of ABA can be applied to increase productivity, increase employee safety, decrease tardiness/call-offs, and increase up-selling.  ABA can be used at all business, from Fortune 500 corporations to local restaurants and bars. 

When applied with animals, ABA can help properly train both household pets as well as wild animals at zoos and rescue centers. Positive reinforcement (and other behavioral components) can do wonders for teaching Ben the Dog to sit, as well as training Simba the Lion to come to his crate when a medical test needs to be administered at a big cat rescue center.   ABA is often employed at animal shelters and humane societies, to help train abandoned pets so that they may have a better shot at being adopted. 

For geriatric clients, ABA can help combat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, increase engagement in physical activities at nursing homes, and help in the independent completion of activities of daily living-including toileting, dressing, and eating.   

This small list is just the tip of the iceberg, of course.  If there is a behavior involved, then ABA can be applied, and a difference can be made. 

-Ms. Jess