Website by CWS
The ABA Vocabulary Guide for Parents Starting Therapy
September 13, 2025
If you’re new to ABA therapy, the amount of jargon can feel overwhelming. We get it—there are so many acronyms and terms that sometimes it feels like learning a new language.
That’s why we’ve put together this quick guide to help you feel more confident and prepared as you start your child’s therapy journey.
Key ABA Terms Explained
Behavior
When we say “behavior” in ABA, we don’t just mean “bad behavior.” Behavior is simply anything a person does—talking, playing, waving, or even sitting quietly.
Antecedent
This is what happens right before a behavior. For example, if a parent says, “Time to clean up,” the instruction is the antecedent.
Consequence
This is what happens right after a behavior. It could be praise, a toy being taken away, or simply no reaction at all. Consequences help us understand why a behavior keeps happening.
Reinforcement
Think of reinforcement as motivation. It’s when we provide something positive (like praise, a toy, or extra playtime) to encourage a behavior to happen again.
Prompt
A prompt is a gentle hint or help we give a child to guide them toward the right response. It could be pointing, modeling, or even a verbal reminder.
Function of Behavior
Every behavior happens for a reason—maybe to get attention, escape a task, ask for something, or for self-comfort. Knowing the function helps us teach healthier alternatives.
Generalization
This is when a child learns a new skill in therapy and then uses it in different places—like at school, the park, or home.
How We Support Families
At Divine Steps ABA, we know ABA terms can sound intimidating at first. That’s why we take the time to explain everything in simple, parent-friendly ways.
From your child’s first autism evaluation to personalized in-home ABA therapy, we’re here to guide your family every step of the way.
We proudly provide ABA therapy in Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina.
If you’re ready to start this journey with us, reach out today—we’d love to support your family.
FAQs
Why does ABA use so many terms?
ABA is based on science, so it comes with its own language. But don’t worry—we’ll always explain things in plain, simple words.
Do I need to memorize all the ABA terms?
Not at all. You’ll naturally learn the important ones as therapy progresses.
How can I ask questions if I don’t understand something?
We encourage parents to ask as many questions as needed. We’re here to make sure you feel informed and supported.
Sources:
- https://www.appliedbehavioranalysisedu.org/what-is-an-antecedent-based-intervention/
- https://www.autismspeaks.org/applied-behavior-analysis
- https://www.appliedbehavioranalysisedu.org/what-is-reinforcement-and-why-is-it-important-in-aba/
- https://psychcentral.com/autism/functionsofbehavioraba
- https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/aba-principles/
- https://gsep.pepperdine.edu/blog/posts/aba-techniques-strategies-for-behavior-analysts.htm
Understand early intervention for autism in Virginia, when to begin support, and how early therapy helps improve communication, behavior, and long-term outcomes.
ADHD & autism are distinct conditions with unique challenges. Learn differences, impacts, & how therapies provide effective support for individuals and families
Learn whether Asperger's syndrome is part of autism spectrum disorder. Discover key differences, traits, and how therapies support individuals with ASD.