Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a natural science that studies functional relations between behavior and environmental events (Cooper, 2007). In other words, it studies how the environment impacts behavior change. It focuses on observable and measurable behavior. The discipline aims to help individuals meet long-term outcomes so that they are more
independent in life. This is accomplished by increasing socially significant behavior; while, decreasing or eliminating maladaptive (problematic) behavior that most likely hinders the individual’s ability to live an independent and functional life. All interventions, procedures, and strategies applied in the field of ABA are evidence-based and have demonstrated effectiveness in changing behavior in living organisms.