ABSTRACT
Applied behavior analysis is an approach to changing behavior that employs procedures based on scientifically established principles of learning. The field of ABA has almost become synonymous with autism treatment and education, although this is not an accurate portrayal of the field. Students in both the regular education classroom and special education classroom can have behavior problems that interfere with learning, and behavior analysts are good at using reinforcement-based systems to improve behavior. Teaching students with autism can be difficult, even for experienced school district personnel. School district personnel may find it difficult to keep up with the research literature for a variety of reasons such as minimal preservice training in reading and interpreting research or just not enough time in the day. Empiricism is the practice of objective observation and experimentation.
