What is Applied Behavior Analysis?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to understanding behavior and how it is affected by the environment. It is widely used to support individuals with autism and other developmental differences by teaching meaningful skills and reducing behaviors that may interfere with learning or daily life.

At its core, ABA is about building up—not fixing. We believe every child is a whole person, with unique thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Effective ABA should always be respectful, compassionate, and centered on the individual’s dignity and well-being.

What is Compassionate ABA?

Compassionate ABA means that we listen first. We get to know your child as a person—not just a set of behaviors. We want your child to feel safe, supported, and cared for during every session.

This approach is built on trust, joy, and connection. We work together with families to create goals that truly matter to you and your child—not just checklists or boxes to be ticked.

We focus on what’s called “Happy, Relaxed, and Engaged”—a phrase inspired by behavior analyst Dr. Greg Hanley. This means your child should feel good during sessions:

• Happy: smiling, laughing, or doing something they enjoy

• Relaxed: calm body, comfortable space

• Engaged: paying attention and interacting in a way that feels natural and fun

If your child isn’t happy, relaxed, and engaged, then we pause and figure out what’s going on. That’s how we build real progress—by making learning feel safe and meaningful.

How We Understand Thinking and Language

We also use ideas from something called Relational Frame Theory (RFT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

The idea is simple: We all learn through relationships—between words, ideas, and experiences. RFT helps us understand how children learn language, how they see the world, and how they make connections between things.

ACT is about helping kids and families do what matters most, even when things are hard. Instead of fighting tough feelings, we help kids learn how to notice their thoughts and feelings, and still move toward the people, places, and things they care about.

We’re Here for Your Family

Every child is different, and every family deserves support that feels good, not stressful. ABA should never be about control or compliance. It should be about growth, confidence, and connection.

If you have questions or want to learn more about how compassionate ABA can help your child, we’d love to talk.

Let’s work together to help your child feel safe, heard, and excited to learn.