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Information for Journalists and Media Outlets

ABA Australia welcomes enquiries from journalists, researchers, and media organisations seeking accurate information about applied behaviour analysis, behaviour support, and behaviour analytic practice in Australia.

Quick Facts

Topic Summary
What is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)? ABA is a scientific approach to understanding behaviour and applying evidence-based strategies to improve meaningful outcomes in people’s lives.
Where is ABA used? ABA is applied across many sectors including disability support, education, mental health, healthcare, organisational behaviour management, and public health.
Who provides ABA services? ABA services are delivered by trained professionals known as behaviour analysts who specialise in behavioural assessment and intervention.
National professional credential ABA Australia provides the Certified Behaviour Analyst (CBA) credential, which recognises practitioners who meet national training and competency standards.

Understanding Behaviour Analysis

What is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)?

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is the science of understanding behaviour and how it is influenced by the environment. Behaviour analysts use this science to assess behaviour and design practical interventions that improve socially meaningful outcomes.

ABA is based on decades of research in behavioural science and is widely used in fields including disability services, education, healthcare, and organisational performance.

  • Identifying environmental factors that influence behaviour
  • Teaching new skills and adaptive behaviours
  • Reducing behaviours that pose risks to individuals or others
  • Measuring progress through data and ongoing evaluation

What Does a Behaviour Analyst Do?

Behaviour analysts are trained professionals who specialise in understanding and changing behaviour using scientific principles.

Their work typically includes:

  • Conducting behavioural assessments
  • Identifying the factors that influence behaviour
  • Developing behaviour support or intervention plans
  • Teaching new skills and adaptive behaviours
  • Monitoring outcomes and adjusting strategies based on data

Behaviour analysts work across many sectors, including:

  • Disability support services
  • Schools and educational programs
  • Mental health services
  • Aged care
  • Healthcare settings
  • Organisational and workplace behaviour management

What is a Certified Behaviour Analyst (CBA)?

The Certified Behaviour Analyst (CBA) credential is a professional certification provided by ABA Australia.

The credential recognises practitioners who meet national standards for training, supervision, and professional competence in behaviour analysis.

CBA certification typically includes:

  • Graduate-level coursework in behaviour analysis
  • Supervised practical experience in behaviour analytic practice
  • Demonstrated competency in behavioural assessment and intervention
  • Ongoing professional development requirements
  • Adherence to professional and ethical standards

Behaviour Analysis in Australia

ABA Australia is a professional association that supports the development of behaviour analysis as a recognised profession in Australia.

  • Provides national certification for behaviour analysts
  • Promotes professional self-regulation and ethical practice
  • Supports professional development and continuing education
  • Represents Australia within the international behaviour analysis community
  • Advocates for evidence-based behavioural services across sectors
ABA Australia aims to improve public understanding of behaviour analysis and support high standards of professional practice in behavioural services.

Common Questions About ABA

Is ABA only used for autism?

No. Behaviour analysis is used in many areas including education, healthcare, workplace performance, mental health, public health, and disability services. While ABA is widely known for its application in autism intervention, the science of behaviour analysis has broad applications.

Is ABA only used with children?

No. Behaviour analytic approaches are used across the lifespan, including with adolescents, adults, and older individuals in a wide range of settings.

What is Behaviour Support?

Behaviour support refers to structured strategies designed to improve quality of life and reduce behaviours that may pose risks to the individual or others. Behaviour support plans are typically informed by behavioural assessment and focus on teaching new skills and modifying environmental factors that influence behaviour.

Media Enquiries

Journalists seeking expert commentary, background information, or clarification about behaviour analysis in Australia are welcome to contact ABA Australia.

Email: admin@auaba.com.au
Website: auaba.com.au

ABA Australia aims to respond to media enquiries as promptly as possible.

Updated 10/3/2026

ABA Australia is a

qualifying member of the

National Alliance of the Self Regulating Health Professionals

CONTACT US

PO Box 61
Sandy Bay, TAS 7005

admin@auaba.com.au

The Association for Behaviour Analysis Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

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