Has your child been recently diagnosed with Autism? Maybe your developmental pediatrician has recommended applied behavior analysis. Do you have questions about what ABA is or how it can help your child? Perhaps you have driven past an ABA therapy center in Bergen County but aren’t quite sure what they offer. This article will give you all of the information you need to know about applied behavior analysis to see if it’s the right fit for you and your learner.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to understanding behavior. ABA Therapy is proven to help children across the Autism Spectrum learn valuable skills to promote independence, including aiding the development of language and communication skills, improving attention, social skills, and academics, and decreasing problem behaviors (BACB, 2021). Applied behavior analysis targets appropriate and functional behavior to increase quality of life in children, adolescents, and adults with Autism. There are several ABA therapy centers in Bergen County dedicated to offering the most successful services and interventions for individuals with Autism. Applied behavior analysis is also used in Early Intervention, which is available for children as young as 18 months who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and focuses on the assessment and treatment of problem behavior (Greer & Kodak, 2018). Behavior analysts must often get creative with solutions and treatment plans because each client is unique; as the saying goes, if you’ve met one person with Autism, you’ve only met one person with Autism.
When learning about applied behavior analysis, you may wonder how or what aspects of this science make it so successful for individuals on the Autism Spectrum. ABA consist of 7 key dimensions that contribute to the success of interventions. These dimensions are generality, effective, technological, applied, conceptually systematic, analytical, and behavioral. These dimensions can be easily remembered by using the acronym GET A CAB.
So, now that we know that these 7 dimensions contribute to the development of interventions and therapy techniques in applied behavior analysis, let’s further explore each dimension.
Generality – Generality explains that learned skills can be utilized in different environments across different individuals. When teaching learners with Autism new skills, it is crucial that they also learn to generalize the skill. The goal of applied behavior analysis is to promote independence through skill development. The generalization of intervention ensures that a skill can be carried over into real-life experiences as opposed to solely a therapeutic environment.
Effective – Interventions improve behavior. In applied behavior analysis, data is collected, and interventions are closely monitored to ensure improvement.
Technological – Interventions in applied behavior analysis are described clearly and concisely so procedures can be implemented accurately. When behavior analysts write interventions or instructional notes for learners, they are written using operational definitions of target behaviors and are measured using objective observation. Interventions are intended to be followed precisely to ensure the best results. The technological aspect of applied behavior analysis is important because it allows interventions to be implemented across technicians or individuals working with the learner. The instructions and notes should be so specific that another technician or behavior analyst will be able to replicate the procedure without issue.
Applied – Applied behavior analysis focuses on socially significant skills that will promote independence for the learner. These skills will enhance and improve the quality of daily life and socially significant behavior for the learner. Applied simply means that the interventions should be impactful for the learner in their daily lives.
Conceptually Systematic – All interventions implemented in applied behavior analysis are research-based. ABA relies on research-based techniques that are consistent with principles and concepts presented in research and literature. This dimension allows providers to not only understand what they are doing but why they are doing it.
Analytical – applied behavior analysis is data-driven. When an intervention is being implemented, data is carefully collected to determine the success of the intervention. Behavior analysts make data-driven decisions regarding interventions based on objective observations made. If the data shows that a problem behavior is decreasing, the behavior analyst will likely continue to implement the intervention; however, if a problem behavior is increasing or not making significant improvements, the behavior analyst will likely opt to modify the intervention to ensure effective treatment.
Behavioral – behavior is observable and measurable. When considering an intervention, a behavior analyst will objectively define a target behavior that can be easily observed and measured.
These seven dimensions of applied behavior analysis contribute to the success of interventions being implemented in ABA therapy centers across the country and ABA therapy centers in Bergen County. The use of these 7 dimensions ensures that interventions have the highest likelihood of being successful and gives learners the opportunity to display the most socially significant improvement possible. For more information about the seven dimensions of applied behavior analysis reach out to a local behavior analyst or an ABA therapy center in Bergen County!
References:
BACB. (2021). Behavioral Treatment of Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities Fact Sheet. Behavior Analyst Certification Board. https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Behavioral-Treatment-of-Autism-and-Other-Developmental-Disabilities-Fact-Sheet_210108.pdf.
Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Applied Behavior Analysis. Pearson.
Greer, B. D., & Kodak, T. (2018). Introduction to the special issue on applied behavior analysis. Learning and Motivation, 62, 1–3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lmot.2017.03.005
Why the 7 Dimensions of ABA Matter in Real-World Therapy
While each of the seven dimensions serves a distinct purpose, their true strength comes from working together. When all seven dimensions are applied consistently, ABA therapy becomes more ethical, effective, and meaningful for the learner and their family.
These dimensions ensure that:
- Therapy goals focus on skills that truly improve daily life
- Interventions are based on science, not guesswork
- Progress is measured objectively
- Skills learned in therapy carry over to home, school, and community settings
Without these guiding principles, behavior intervention risks becoming inconsistent or ineffective.
Common Misunderstanding About ABA Dimensions
Some people assume the 7 dimensions are a checklist completed once at the start of therapy. In reality, they are ongoing standards that guide every stage of intervention—from assessment to teaching to long-term maintenance.
ABA professionals continuously revisit these dimensions to:
- Adjust goals
- Improve teaching strategies
- Ensure skills are lasting and meaningful
Frequently Asked Questions About the 7 Dimensions of ABA
What are the 7 dimensions of Applied Behavior Analysis?
The 7 dimensions are a set of guiding principles that define what makes ABA effective, ethical, and evidence-based. They ensure therapy focuses on meaningful behaviors, uses data, and produces real-life improvements.
Why are the 7 dimensions important in ABA therapy?
They help ensure that ABA interventions are not random or inconsistent. When all seven dimensions are followed, therapy is more likely to be effective, measurable, and transferable to everyday life.
Do all ABA programs use the 7 dimensions?
High-quality, ethical ABA programs are expected to follow all seven dimensions. They are considered foundational standards in behavior analysis.
Can ABA still work if one dimension is missing?
If one or more dimensions are missing, the intervention may be less effective or less meaningful. The dimensions are designed to work together, not independently.
Are the 7 dimensions only used in autism therapy?
While commonly used in autism services, the 7 dimensions apply to all ABA-based interventions, including education, behavior support, and skill development across age groups.
Comparison Table: 7 Dimensions of ABA
Dimension | What It Focuses On | Simple Explanation |
Applied | Social importance | Targets behaviors that truly matter in daily life |
Behavioral | Observable actions | Focuses on behaviors that can be seen and measured |
Analytical | Data & evidence | Uses data to prove the intervention is working |
Technological | Clear procedures | Interventions are written clearly so others can follow them |
Conceptually Systematic | Scientific principles | Strategies are based on established behavior science |
Effective | Meaningful results | Produces real, noticeable improvement |
Generality | Skill transfer | Skills carry over across settings, people, and time |
Meet the Experienced ABA Therapists at Capable Cubs ABA Therapy Center in Bergen County
At Capable Cubs, we believe that selecting an ABA therapy center near you is an incredibly critical decision with lasting consequences. As a leading ABA services provider in Bergen County, we encourage parents to always ask questions and evaluate our services and therapists without any hesitation.
Our team of highly trained ABA clinicians includes experienced and qualified BCBAs and RBTs who specialize in combining various ABA methods for providing the most effective treatment to your child with ASD. We create a structured roadmap for every child, including extensive initial assessments, comprehensive ABA treatment plans, critical learning milestones and effective discharge plans to successfully transition out of our care. Our goal is to help your child build the skills needed to increase independence, build meaningful relationships, and connect with their community.
Select an ABA therapy center that works best for your family’s priorities, needs, and goals. Get in touch with the Autism specialists at Capable Cubs. Call 201-786-6280 or contact us online to learn more about our quick intake process.