History of ABA Therapy: Early 1900s Insights to Modern Day Practice

We understand that some people hesitate to try ABA therapy because of its complicated past, but the current iteration has made a world of difference for those with developmental delays or neurodivergent conditions. 

Let’s discuss the history of ABA therapy and how it’s evolved over the past 100 years. That way, you can feel confident in trying ABA therapy for yourself or your loved ones.

Early 1900s: The Foundations of Behaviorism

When psychology first became a scientific discipline, it was most concerned with the inner experience of humans—the thoughts and feelings that shaped a person. In the early 1900s, the theory of behaviorism began to take shape. This theory claims behaviors are a result of a person’s external environment and conditioning, rather than their internal experience. 

The foundations of behaviorism were established by psychologists such as: 

• John B. Watson: Watson is often called the father of behaviorism, as his 1913 paper “Psychology as the Behaviorist Views It” popularized the theory of behaviorism among psychologists. In it, he suggested that behavior could be an objective study, as it is observable and measurable. If psychologists took this approach to science, he argued, they could use behavioral insights to solve social problems.
• Ivan Pavlov: Pavlov’s contributions to behaviorism were so significant that his name remains in popular culture to describe conditioned behaviors. His famous study on classical conditioning trained dogs to respond to the sound of a bell by offering food when a bell rang. Even after he stopped offering food, dogs salivated in response to hearing a bell. This showcased how a neutral stimulus can become associated with a response, indicating that behaviors are learned from environments.
• Edward Thorndike: Thorndike studied what is known as operant conditioning. Under this model, learners are given reinforcement or punishment for their behaviors, which shapes their future actions. His research laid the foundation for the use of consequences to modify behaviors in educational and other settings.

In practice, current ABA therapy looks very different from classical or operant conditioning, but these early psychological insights laid the groundwork of applied behavioral science.

1920s to 1960s: The Birth of Applied Behavior Analysis

As behaviorism became an accepted theory in the field, psychologists asked: If behaviorism suggests that humans react to the environment around them, how can that be applied to teach and support people?

Early application and exploration of behaviorism came from psychologists such as: 

• B.F. Skinner: While Edward Thorndike preceded him in the study of operant conditioning, Skinner is considered the father of operant conditioning. He introduced the concept of reinforcement schedules, studying how consistent (rather than one-time) reinforcement could meaningfully shape behaviors and motivations.
• Ole Ivar Lovaas: In the 1960s, Lovaas pioneered the application of Applied Behavior Analysis to treat children with autism. He used prompts and reinforcement, including punishments, to modify behaviors. Though his methods were somewhat controversial—even at the time—his methodologies and the Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) program greatly influenced understandings of autism and behavioral analysis.
• Montrose Wolf: You’ve heard of “time-out” as a disciplinary method for children, right? Turns out the concept has origins in psychology and behavioral analysis. In his 1960s studies, Wolf used time-out as a learning tool for children in order to guide behaviors. This broadened Lovaas’s approach to ABA techniques to treat a wider range of people and behaviors. 

Early ABA application focused on corrections—sometimes to the extreme—in ways that don’t align with modern practice. However, these decades began to demonstrate how behaviors can be measured and adjusted over time. 

1970s to 1990s: The Formal Recognition of ABA Therapy

With decades of psychological studies and papers published, Applied Behavioral Analysis began to crystallize into a formally accepted science. This can be seen in the growth and support structures created in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s: 

Professional Organizations: The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) was established in 1974, and the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) was established in 1998. Both were founded to promote the field, enable standardization through professional affiliation, and establish ethical standards for the practice.

Expanded Applications: While early ABA focused specifically on children with autism, the principles expanded in these decades. Psychologists started to use ABA therapy to address a variety of behavioral challenges, including developmental delays and other neurocognitive conditions. 

Advanced Technology: ABA advanced in tandem with other technologies and scientific insights. Computer-based programs supported new therapy techniques, while broader healthcare access expanded the format in which therapies could be applied.

Ethical Considerations: Ethical considerations have long been part of psychology. Ongoing discussions and research in ABA during these years began to focus even more on ensuring ethical and culturally sensitive application of ABA techniques to support—rather than punish—clients seeking help. 

2000s to Today: The Modern ABA Therapy Landscape

ABA continues to build on the insights of the first behaviorists and the decades of research, but now focuses more on human experiences. It’s not just a matter of problem-solving; it’s about helping people live their lives to the fullest. Expanding technology, cultural shifts, and access to therapy inform modern ABA therapy practices. 

Thinking about ABA therapy today, you might have questions such as: 

Is ABA therapy still used today? Yes, ABA therapy is still used today, though it looks different from the 1960s version. With the support of therapists and family members, clients of all types are supported in behavior adjustments that can improve their lives. 

How has ABA therapy changed over time? ABA therapy has changed as psychologists learned more about human behavior. Most significantly, punishment is no longer used in ABA therapy. Instead, positive reinforcement teaches and guides behaviors. 

What are modern ABA therapy methods? The foundation of modern ABA therapy is positive reinforcement. Other modern ABA therapy methods include natural environment teaching, prompt fading, and augmentative and alternating communication.

Early ABA Therapy Compared to Modern ABA Therapy

Looking Ahead: The Future of ABA Therapy

Now that you know a little ABA history, let’s take a look at the future of ABA. The field will continue to evolve as psychologists learn even more about human behaviors and our cultural contexts. 

In the future, ABA therapy may: 

Apply to Different Populations: Historically, ABA therapy has been primarily used with children who have specific neurodivergent or developmental conditions. That has adjusted in recent years and may continue to evolve. ABA may be used with neurodivergent adults, individuals with dementia, or other groups of people in the future.

Focus More on Inclusivity: The language used to talk about neurodevelopmental conditions has shifted in recent years, in part to more accurately describe and include a wider variety of individuals. Other inclusivity shifts—like cultural and identity sensitivities—may influence the way ABA therapists approach work in the future. 

Grapple with Additional Ethical Concerns: Psychological disciplines have ethical concerns inherent in their work. While ABA has come a long way from its punishing origins, there will likely be more conversations about how it can be applied ethically to support clients and families who need help navigating challenging behavioral circumstances.

Today’s ABA Therapy Starts with Spectrum Behavioral Therapies

Whether you are looking for autism intervention strategies or other applications of ABA, a knowledgeable, compassionate team can help your family understand how ABA therapy works in practice today. Together, we can develop a plan for behavioral support that uplifts your strengths and prepares you for an even brighter future. Reach out to Spectrum Behavior Therapies to start your own ABA journey.