Types of ABA Therapy Explained: Techniques, Models, and Examples
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is one of the most widely used and scientifically supported approaches for helping individuals—especially those with autism—develop crucial skills and reduce challenging behaviors. As the field has grown, a common question from parents and caregivers is: Are there different types of ABA therapy?
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about ABA therapy types, models, techniques, and how families can choose the right approach for their child using applied behavior analysis examples, modern techniques, and practical advice for home.
What is ABA Therapy?
ABA therapy is a
systematic, evidence-based practice that uses learning and behavior science to bring about meaningful social change. It centers on observing behavior, understanding what happens before and after a behavior (the steps of ABA therapy: Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence), and applying strategies to encourage positive changes. ABA has broad applications, supporting needs from skill acquisition to communication and daily living.
Types of ABA Therapy: An Overview
ABA therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. It includes different types or program structures that can be adapted to meet unique goals. The two main program types are:
- Comprehensive ABA Therapy
- Focused ABA Therapy
Other well-known approaches include Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) and specialized models like Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) or the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM).
Let’s look at each in detail.
1. Comprehensive ABA Therapy
Comprehensive ABA Therapy is a broad, intensive intervention aimed at improving functioning across multiple domains: communication, self-care, social skills, and academics. Key features include:
- Covers many skill areas, addressing a variety of behaviors and abilities.
- Typically involves high intensity: about 20–40 hours per week for one to three years or more.
- Used most often for younger children or when a wide range of challenges are present.
- Regular reassessment ensures that goals stay relevant and interventions are effective.
Example:
A preschooler receives comprehensive ABA to address communication delays, help with toilet training, and build play skills. Treatment is structured across clinic, home, and sometimes community settings with regular family involvement.
2. Focused ABA Therapy
Focused ABA Therapy targets specific skill deficits or behaviors and is less intensive, typically 10–20 hours per week over a shorter period. It’s ideal when there are just a few areas of need:
- Works on one or a few targeted skills, like reducing self-injury or improving peer interaction.
- Fits all ages—can support children, teens, or adults whenever focused help is necessary.
- Involves close progress monitoring and adjustments as goals are met.
Example:
A teenager receives focused ABA to manage anxiety-driven behaviors at school, working on techniques to request breaks or regulate emotions during stressful times.
3. Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI)
EIBI is a specialized, comprehensive form of ABA designed specifically for very young children (usually under 5). Key traits:
- Delivered intensively (often 30–40 hours weekly).
- Focuses on building foundational skills like attention, imitation, and early communication.
- Integrates learning into daily routines, ensuring skills generalize beyond the therapy room.
Example:
A toddler starts EIBI shortly after diagnosis and learns essential communication, imitation, and play readiness skills in both clinic and home settings.
4. Natural Environment Teaching (NET)
Natural Environment Teaching uses ABA therapy techniques in real-life settings—home, community, or wherever a child naturally spends time. Skills are taught during activities the child already enjoys.
Example:
A child learns to ask for snacks during snack time or to share toys during playdates, rather than during a staged therapy session.
Other ABA Models and Techniques
ABA therapy is implemented using a mix of proven techniques, many of which can be embedded within any type of ABA program. Here’s a list of ABA techniques—several can be used at home or in community settings:
- Discrete Trial Training (DTT): Structured, step-by-step learning.
- Pivotal Response Training (PRT): Focuses on pivotal moments, child-led and naturalistic.
- Functional Communication Training (FCT): Teaches productive ways to communicate needs.
- Task Analysis & Chaining: Breaks complex tasks into steps.
- Modeling: Demonstrates target behaviors for imitation.
Many programs will combine several of these techniques for maximum effectiveness.
Focused vs Comprehensive ABA Therapy
A Parent's Guide to Choosing the Right Approach for Your Child
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a scientifically validated approach to understanding behavior and how it's affected by the environment. As a parent, choosing between Focused and Comprehensive ABA can be challenging.
This interactive guide will help you understand the key differences, determine which approach might be best for your child's unique needs, and provide reliable information to support your decision.
| Feature | Comprehensive ABA | Focused ABA |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Broad approach covering multiple developmental areas simultaneously | Narrow focus targeting 1-3 specific concerns or skills |
| Intensity | 20-40 hours per week for 1-3 years | 10-20 hours per week for a shorter period |
| Primary Goal | Foundational growth across multiple developmental domains | Rapid skill acquisition or behavior change in targeted areas |
| Best For | Children needing support across multiple domains (communication, social, daily living skills) | Children with specific behavioral challenges or needing targeted skill development |
| Age Range | Typically younger children (2-6 years) | All ages, including older children and teens |
| Setting | Often clinic-based with some in-home components | More flexible - home, school, or community settings |
Comprehensive ABA Therapy
Comprehensive ABA is an intensive approach designed to address multiple developmental areas simultaneously. It's often recommended for younger children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who need substantial support across various domains.
Key Characteristics:
- High Intensity: 20-40 hours per week of therapy
- Long-Term Commitment: Typically 1-3 years
- Broad Focus: Addresses communication, social skills, daily living skills, play skills, and reduction of challenging behaviors
- Developmental Approach: Builds foundational skills that support overall development
When to Consider Comprehensive ABA:
- Your child has significant delays in multiple developmental areas
- Your child is between 2-6 years old (early intervention period)
- You're seeking to build a broad foundation of skills
- Your child needs support across different environments (home, school, community)
Focused ABA Therapy
Focused ABA targets specific behavioral concerns or skill deficits. This approach is designed to produce meaningful change in a shorter timeframe by concentrating on 1-3 priority areas.
Key Characteristics:
- Moderate Intensity: 10-20 hours per week of therapy
- Shorter Duration: Typically several months to a year
- Specific Focus: Targets 1-3 specific behaviors or skill areas
- Goal-Oriented: Designed to achieve specific, measurable outcomes
When to Consider Focused ABA:
- Your child has specific behavioral challenges (aggression, self-injury, elopement)
- You need help with specific skill acquisition (toileting, feeding, sleep routines)
- Your child is older and needs targeted support
- You're looking for a more flexible therapy schedule
- Your child has already completed comprehensive ABA and needs maintenance or targeted support
Which ABA Approach is Right For Your Child?
Based on your answers, might be the best approach for your child.
Comprehensive ABA Benefits
Why choose comprehensive ABA?
- Addresses multiple skill deficits simultaneously
- Creates foundational skills for future learning
- Provides intensive support during critical developmental periods
- Often leads to significant cognitive and adaptive gains
- Helps with generalization across settings and people
Research shows: Early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI), a form of comprehensive ABA, can lead to substantial improvements in IQ, language, and adaptive behavior for many children with ASD (Reichow et al., 2018).
Focused ABA Benefits
Why choose focused ABA?
- Targets specific, high-priority concerns
- Requires less time commitment from family
- Can be implemented in natural settings (home, school)
- Produces noticeable results in shorter timeframes
- More flexible and adaptable to family schedules
Research shows: Focused ABA interventions are effective for teaching specific skills and reducing challenging behaviors, with outcomes often maintained over time (National Autism Center, 2015).
References & Reliable Sources
- Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (2014). Applied Behavior Analysis Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Practice Guidelines for Healthcare Funders and Professionals.
- National Autism Center. (2015). Findings and Conclusions: National Standards Project, Phase 2.
- Reichow, B., Hume, K., Barton, E. E., & Boyd, B. A. (2018). Early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) for young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 5.
- Leaf, J. B., Leaf, R., McEachin, J., Taubman, M., Ala'i-Rosales, S., Ross, R. K., ... & Weiss, M. J. (2016). Applied behavior analysis is a science and, therefore, progressive. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46 (2), 720-731.
- Autism Speaks. (2023). Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
The Steps of ABA Therapy
All types of ABA therapy services follow key steps. Knowing these helps families understand what to expect:
- Consultation and Assessment:
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) meets with the family to assess needs and goals.
- Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA):
Direct and indirect assessments pinpoint the exact behavior(s) and their causes.
- Treatment Plan Development: A personalized plan with clear, measurable, and meaningful goals.
- Therapy Implementation: Trained therapists (often Registered Behavior Technicians) use aba therapy techniques in sessions at the clinic, home, or community.
- Progress Monitoring and Adjustment: Data is collected constantly, and plans are adapted as progress is made.
- Parent and Caregiver Training: Families are taught aba therapy techniques at home for continuity and long-term success.
Applied Behavior Analysis Examples in Practice
Here are some classic applied behavior analysis examples that illustrate the breadth of ABA therapy techniques:
- Positive Reinforcement: A child earns praise or tokens for using words instead of tantrums to express needs.
- Task Analysis in Self-Care: Handwashing is broken into steps: turn water on, get soap, scrub, rinse, dry—each step is taught and reinforced.
- Modeling Social Greetings: A therapist demonstrates saying “hello,” then the child practices with peers.
- Natural Environment Teaching: Skills are practiced in everyday life, such as learning to ask for help at the store.
Types of Modeling in ABA
Another key question is, what are the types of modeling ABA?
- Role Modeling: An adult or peer demonstrates the target behavior.
- Response Modeling: The therapist walks the child through each action or response.
- Imitation Modeling: The learner directly imitates the demonstrated behavior, ideal for social or communicative skills.
Visual modeling and video modeling are also used to help children follow instructions or practice new skills.
ABA Therapy Techniques at Home
ABA isn’t confined to the clinic. Many families successfully use ABA therapy techniques at home thanks to training and support. Examples include:
- Creating token boards for rewarding homework or chores.
- Using DTT to teach new words or routines.
- Practicing social skills (“please”, “thank you”) at the dinner table.
- Using visual schedules for routines.
- Reinforcing “first, then” concepts (first homework, then play).
The effectiveness of ABA therapy techniques at home is greatly increased when parents work closely with their child’s therapy team and receive regular training.
How Inclusive ABA Can Help: Our Unique Approach
At Inclusive ABA, we know that every child’s path is different. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Personalized Planning: Our BCBA-supervised teams use in-depth assessments to design programs that grow with your child.
- Family-Focused Collaboration: We train and empower parents to use ABA therapy techniques at home, maximizing learning—because you are your child’s best teacher.
- Flexible Delivery: Choose from clinic, home, or community-based therapy to fit your lifestyle.
- Diverse Techniques: We blend focused and comprehensive approaches, using both structured and natural environment training, and offer specialized support for different learning profiles.
- Data-Driven Results: Progress is tracked in real time, with regular reviews to adjust goals and celebrate growth.
- Support for All Ages: Children, teens, and even adults can benefit from our wide array of customized programs, modeled to their needs.
Ready to experience the difference? We don’t just provide therapy—we partner with you every step of the way. See the full scope of our services at Inclusive ABA.
Conclusion: Take Your Next Step with Inclusive ABA
Choosing the right ABA therapy should be as unique as your child. If you’re wondering, “Are there different types of ABA therapy?”—the answer is yes, and the best type is the one designed for your family’s needs.
Looking to make progress that lasts? Call Inclusive ABA today to set up a consultation—let’s create a custom ABA plan together. Your child’s next achievement starts with your call. Let’s include every ability, every family, and every dream in the journey!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are There Different Types of ABA Therapy? The Bottom Line
Yes—there are different types of ABA therapy! From focused to comprehensive, from EIBI to parent-led interventions, each approach is customized to the unique needs of every learner, making ABA highly flexible and effective for both home and clinic use. The steps of ABA therapy are similar—but the details of your program will always be one-of-a-kind, determined by your child’s needs, progress, and family priorities.
How many types of ABA are there?
There are multiple types, including comprehensive ABA, focused ABA, Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI), and several models such as Pivotal Response Treatment and Natural Environment Teaching.
What are the 4 branches of ABA?
The four branches are Behaviorism, Experimental Analysis of Behavior, Applied Behavior Analysis, and Professional Practice.
Is all ABA therapy the same?
No, ABA therapy comes in various types, each tailored to the individual’s goals, needs, and family priorities.
What are the three branches of ABA?
The three original branches are Behaviorism, Experimental Analysis of Behavior, and Applied Behavior Analysis. The fourth, Professional Practice, is sometimes added to highlight applied work and ethical service delivery.
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