ABA is the science in which the principles of behavior are applied to improve socially significant behaviors. We use only evidence-based strategies to improve social and communication skills, decrease problematic behaviors, and teach socially appropriate replacement behaviors. 

There are six key components to ABA that are essential for any practitioner to keep in mind. 

1. ABA is guided by the attitudes and methods of scientific inquiry

2. All procedures are described and implemented in a systematic, technological manner

3. Not all means of changing behavior qualify as ABA; only those derived from the basic principles of behavior

4. Focus on socially significant behavior

5. Meaningful improvement in important behavior

6. Analyze the factors responsible for improvement

Behavior Keys takes these six components and implements individualized plans for each client based on their areas of need, parent and stakeholder input and guidance from any medical or diagnostic personnel.  The goal is to provide a multidisciplinary approach to the development of socially significant behavior that will allow the client to meet their personal goals and assist them in becoming as independent as possible.  Areas that are commonly addressed through ABA are:

1. Communication

2. Social Skills

3. Adaptive Behavior 

4. Behavior Management 

5. Caregiver / Stakeholder Training

Behavior Keys provides a tiered model of therapy that involved the use of Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT) as well as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA).  

RBTs are paraprofessionals who practice under the close, ongoing supervision of a BCaBA, BCBA, or BCBA-D. The RBT is primarily responsible for the direct implementation of behavior-analytic services. 

BCBAs/LBAs hold a graduate-level certification in behavior analysis at the national and state level. Professionals who are certified at the BCBA level provide behavior-analytic services and supervise the work of Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts, Registered Behavior Technicians, and others who implement behavior-analytic interventions.