Core ABA Language and Acronyms

ABC

Antecedent - Behavior - Consequence

Antecedent

The event or condition that comes before a behavior in the ABC sequence

Behavior

The action being observed or measured

Consequence

Something that follows behavior and affects its future occurrence

Reinforcement

A consequence that increases the chance the behavior will happen again

Punishment

A consequence that reduces the future likelihood of a behavior

Positive reinforcement

A stimulus is added after behavior and the behavior increases

MO

Motivating operation

SE

Setting event

DR

Differential reinforcement schedule

DRI

Differential reinforcement for incompatible behavior

DRO

Differential reinforcement for other behavior

DRA

Differential reinforcement for alternative behavior

DRL

Differential reinforcement for low rates of behavior

DRH

Differential reinforcement for high rates of behavior

FCT

Functional communication training

NET

Natural environment teaching

DTT

Discrete trial teaching

FA

Functional assessment

FBA

Functional behavior assessment