Applied Behaviour Analysis

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is the application of the science of learning and behaviour that aims to improve the lives of individuals by a meaningful degree. The science of behaviour analysis helps us understand how behaviour works, how it is affected by the environment, and how learning occurs. These findings are then applied to address an individual’s goals and to teach skills that improve their quality of life.

ABA examines what happens in the environment immediately before and after a behaviour (i.e., antecedents and consequences) and applies strategies both before the behaviour occurs—to promote use of a new skill—and after, to reinforce the individual for using the skill.

At NPSCSPN, ABA services are offered in English only, and are available in-person or virtually. Services are delivered by Behaviour Analysts registered with the CPBAO, in keeping with Ontario’s title protection and scope guidance.

What is ABA?

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is the practical use of behavioural science to support meaningful change. By studying how behaviour functions within its environment and how learning occurs, ABA applies those insights to a person’s goals to teach skills that enhance quality of life.

ABA focuses on what happens before and after behaviour (i.e., antecedents and consequences) and uses proactive strategies to set up success, followed by reinforcement to help new skills stick.

Why is ABA effective?

The main goal of ABA is to increase behaviours that are helpful and meaningful to a person. Learning these skills can open doors to other functional behaviours without direct training (e.g., being able to request wanted or needed items). As functional skills grow, behaviours that are harmful or that interfere with learning often decrease.

ABA intervention uses evidence-based strategies, meaning they’ve met criteria showing they are useful, high-quality, and effective. These strategies can be applied in daily life - at home, school, and in community settings - and have been shown to be effective across the lifespan, from early childhood through adulthood.

Using the principles of behaviour (e.g., reinforcement), ABA can teach a variety of skills, including but not limited to:

Social skills
Language and communication
Tolerating challenging/aversive situations
Self-care and daily living
Executive functioning (planning, organization, attention)
Motor skills
Emotional regulation

Who can use ABA?

Although ABA is often associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), its concepts can be applied to any learner. Examples include developing healthy habits, improving time management skills, enhancing accuracy in sports, and increasing workplace efficiency.

While ABA is available to individuals with a neurodevelopmental diagnosis such as ASD, strategies used in ABA have also been shown to help neurotypical individuals.

Furthermore, anyone involved in a person’s life can learn to implement these strategies, allowing skills to generalize to natural environments and improve treatment outcomes, as well as the likelihood that skills will be maintained long-term.

Our ABA Philosophy

Person-Led, Trauma-Informed, Neurodiversity-Affirming

At NPSCSPN, we recognize that ABA’s history includes practices that some autistic and neurodivergent people found harmful or traumatic.

Our approach is different. We use ABA thoughtfully and respectfully to build functional, personally meaningful skills. We never make someone “fit in” or mask who they are.

Programs are co-created with the individual and family, prioritize autonomy and consent/assent, and focus on goals that matter to them. We rely on naturalistic teaching, positive reinforcement, and the least intrusive, most effective supports.

We avoid goals aimed at suppressing harmless self-expression. We work transparently and ensure we center dignity, safety, and cultural humility. All interventions are based on evidence-based practices.

Services Offered

Assessments

An ABA assessment is the process of gathering information to understand a person’s skills, needs, and environment so that individualized goals and supports can be developed. Assessments typically include direct observation, caregiver interviews, standardized measures, and a discussion of potential barriers that may impede progress. The results guide the development of a personalized treatment plan that builds on strengths and addresses areas for growth.

Examples of assessments offered:

Skills-Based Assessment: A comprehensive, criterion-referenced tool that focuses on client-centred interventions.
Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA): An FBA identifies the reasons (or “functions”) behind challenging behaviours by examining what happens before, during, and after the behaviour. The goal is to understand why the behaviour occurs so that effective and supportive strategies can be developed.
Functional Analysis (FA): An FA is a structured way of testing different situations to confirm what triggers and maintains a behaviour. This allows for the selection of the most effective strategies to replace it.

Intervention

ABA interventions are personalized roadmaps that outline goals and strategies to support an individual’s development. Each plan is based on assessment results and tailored to the client’s unique strengths, challenges, and priorities. Interventions focus on teaching practical skills, reducing barriers, and fostering independence through positive, evidence-based strategies.

Child and Adolescent ABA Intervention

We offer focused intervention in adaptive life skills, coping with stressful or aversive situations, enhancing communication, advocacy skills, executive functioning, and social skills.

Adult ABA Intervention

We offer services in adaptive life skills, coping with stressful or aversive situations, enhancing communication, advocacy skills, executive functioning, performance-based skill training, and social skills.

Caregiver / Parent Coaching

We believe that caregivers and parents should feel empowered and confident in supporting their loved ones. Through personalized sessions, we provide coaching that enables caregivers and parents to apply ABA strategies in everyday situations, promoting skill development beyond therapy sessions.