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"Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the science in which procedures derived from the principals of behavior are systematically applied to improve socially significant behavior to a meaningful degree and to demonstrate experimentally that the procedures employed were responsible for the improvement in behavior."
"Applied behavior analysis focuses on objectively defined, observable behaviors of social significance; it seeks to improve behaviors under study while demonstrating a reliable relationship between the procedures employed and the behavioral improvement; and it uses the methods of science - description, quantification, and analysis."
-Cooper, John O., Heron, Timothy E., Heward, William L. Applied Behavior Analysis. Columbus, Ohio 1987.
ABA can include any/all of several scientifically validated teaching methodologies such as Discrete Trial Instruction/Training, Incidental Teaching, Natural Environment Training, Verbal Behavior, and Fluency.