Applied behavior analysis has been around since the 1960's and has been promoted as a useful technique by the American Psychological Association, the Association of Behavior Analysis, and the Association for the Advancement of Behavior Therapy.
People receive training in ABA through many universities.
The analysis of the function of a behavior so that the variables can be changed in order to change the need for that behavior. We teach that behavior is a message and that it is not sufficient to just alter the behavior. We must know the purpose or function of the behavior and give the individual a better way to communicate in order to get that need met. Dr. Buch appeared to indicate that certification of these individuals was needed in order to maintain quality control of who was teaching the behavior modification programs that are proliferating under the Lovaas or ABA names. Increasing behaviors of severely retarded and autistic persons .