What is ABA?
Understanding ABA Therapy and How It Helps Your Child Grow
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a science-backed approach to helping children with autism learn new skills and reduce behaviors that may get in the way of daily life. At ABA in the Bay, we use ABA to teach meaningful skills—like communication, play, self-care, and social interactions—while supporting your child’s growth in a way that’s respectful, positive, and personalized.
ABA isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a flexible framework that allows us to tailor therapy to your child’s unique needs, interests, and goals.
How ABA Works
ABA therapy focuses on understanding how behavior works, how behavior is affected by the environment, and how learning happens. We break down complex skills into smaller, teachable steps and use positive reinforcement to encourage progress.
Here’s what that can look like:
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Helping a child learn to request what they need (with words, gestures, or visuals).
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Teaching play skills, turn-taking, or how to follow simple routines.
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Reducing behaviors that cause harm or make it hard to participate in daily life.
Areas Of Focus
Communication & Language Skills
Social Skills Development
Daily Living Skills
Safety Skills
Academic Readiness
Behavior Management
Play & Leisure Skills
Community Integration
Parent & caregiver Training
Toilet Training
Self Advocacy
Vocational Skills
Children are not things to be molded but are people to be unfolded.
– Jess Lair
Is ABA Right for My Child?
If your child has an autism diagnosis or not, ABA therapy can be an incredibly effective way to support their development—especially when started early. Whether your child is nonverbal, just starting to speak, or struggling with behaviors that impact daily life, we’re here to help.
Still have questions? We’re happy to talk you through how ABA might help your child specifically. Contact us here to schedule a free consultation.