History of ABA Therapy and Its Founding

Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA therapy, has transformed countless lives worldwide. It sparks curiosity: “When was ABA therapy founded?” To understand this groundbreaking approach, we must travel back to the early 1900s, when psychology was shifting from theories of the mind to the science of behavior. The history of ABA therapy and its founding is filled with innovation, persistence, and compassion. It’s a story that begins with curiosity about human learning—and evolves into one of the most evidence-based therapies for autism and developmental challenges today.

Let’s explore the fascinating timeline that shaped ABA into what it is now—scientific, structured, and deeply human.

When Was ABA Therapy Founded 

The history of ABA therapy and its founding began long before it had a name. Its roots trace back to the early 20th century, when researchers started questioning how people learn. Rather than focusing on inner thoughts, they looked outward—to behavior itself.

It started with Dr. John B. Watson, often called the father of behaviorism. In 1913, he published “Psychology as the Behaviorist Views It,” a paper that challenged traditional psychology. Watson believed behavior was learned, not inherited, and that understanding it required observing actions, not emotions.

This idea laid the foundation for modern behavior analysis. But it wasn’t until the work of another pioneer, Dr. B.F. Skinner, that the pieces started to come together.

The Behaviorist Spark: Skinner’s Influence

Dr. B.F. Skinner took Watson’s ideas further. He explored how consequences shape actions—a concept he called operant conditioning. Using his famous “Skinner Box,” he demonstrated that behaviors followed by rewards were more likely to be repeated, while those followed by no reward or a consequence faded away.

This principle became one of the cornerstones of ABA. It indicated that behavior could be measured, predicted, and changed. In the 1930s and 1940s, Skinner’s experiments helped explain everything from how children learn language to how habits form. His work wasn’t about punishment—it was about motivation and reinforcement.

Still, the real leap came decades later, when researchers began applying these principles to human learning in meaningful, structured ways.

The Birth of ABA as a Therapy

By the late 1950s and early 1960s, psychology had entered a new era. Researchers were looking for practical ways to apply behavioral science to everyday life. At that point, Dr. Ole Ivar Lovaas, a Norwegian-American psychologist, made his debut.

At UCLA, Lovaas began testing behavioral principles on children with autism. His goal was simple yet revolutionary: to help children learn communication, social, and life skills through structured teaching and positive reinforcement.

In 1968, the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis (JABA) was founded. According to a 2013 study by Morris, Altus, and Smith (Behav Anal, 2013), this period marked the true founding of ABA as a scientific field. Between 1959 and 1967, researchers published 36 groundbreaking articles that solidified the “applied” dimension of behavioral science. ABA was no longer a theory—it was a practical method for improving real lives.

The Lovaas Revolution: 1960s–1980s

In 1987, Lovaas published one of the most influential studies in autism therapy:
“Behavioral Treatment and Normal Educational and Intellectual Functioning in Young Autistic Children.”

He worked with a group of young children, providing intensive one-on-one ABA sessions—up to 40 hours per week. The results were stunning. Nearly 47% of the children made significant gains in communication, learning, and social behavior. Some even attended regular classrooms afterward.

This research catapulted ABA into the global spotlight. Suddenly, parents, educators, and doctors had hope. The history of ABA therapy and its founding now had a proven scientific backbone—and its impact was undeniable.

Yet, like all science, it evolved with time and feedback.

Evolving Beyond the Lab

Early ABA methods were rigorous. Sessions were repetitive, structured, and often clinic-based. But as more studies emerged in the 1990s, the field began shifting toward flexibility and natural learning.

Researchers discovered that children learned best when therapy was enjoyable, meaningful, and rooted in daily life. So, ABA expanded into what’s now called Natural Environment Teaching (NET) and Pivotal Response Training (PRT).

These modern forms of ABA take place during play, mealtime, or community outings rather than in a sterile room. The focus moved from strict compliance to authentic learning.

Instead of “Do this because I said so,” the message became, “Let’s learn this together.”

Major Milestones That Defined ABA

Here’s a quick timeline of pivotal moments that shaped ABA therapy as we know it:

• 1913: John B. Watson introduces behaviorism.
• 1938: B.F. Skinner publishes “The Behavior of Organisms.”
• 1959–1967: Foundational articles on applied behavior published (Morris et al., 2013).
• 1968: Launch of the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis (JABA).
• 1980: Formation of the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).
• 1987: Lovaas’s landmark study confirms the effectiveness of intensive ABA.
• 1998: Establishment of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) sets professional standards.

Each milestone strengthened ABA’s credibility, bringing it from research journals into homes, schools, and clinics worldwide.

Modern ABA: A Child-Centered Science

Today’s ABA looks quite different from its early form. It’s dynamic, personalized, and collaborative. Modern practitioners emphasize empathy, self-expression, and independence over repetition.

Current methods blend science with compassion. They teach through choice-making, play-based learning, and functional communication. Therapists often use alternative methods like AAC devices or visual supports for nonverbal learners.

Even better, research continues to support ABA’s effectiveness. According to the U.S. Surgeon General (1999), more than 20 studies show ABA significantly improves communication, learning, and social functioning in children with autism. The CDC also lists it among the most evidence-based treatments for developmental disorders.

ABA has gone from “behavior control” to “behavior empowerment.”

Beyond Autism: Expanding Horizons

While ABA is best known for autism intervention, its reach goes much further. Over time, it’s been used to improve performance, wellness, and behavior across various settings.

Examples include:

• Education: Teachers use ABA principles to reinforce participation and reduce disruptive behaviors.
• Sports & Fitness: Coaches apply reinforcement to build consistency and motivation.
• Business: Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) uses ABA to boost employee performance and morale.
• Health & Wellness: Therapists help clients build better habits—like exercising regularly or quitting smoking.

Isn’t it amazing how one scientific framework can adapt across so many human experiences?

Science Meets Humanity: The New ABA Philosophy

The field’s latest evolution is perhaps its most inspiring. Modern ABA aligns with neurodiversity-affirming principles—recognizing that different ways of thinking and behaving are valuable, not deficient.

Rather than teaching conformity, ABA now aims to foster confidence, communication, and self-advocacy.

Here’s what defines this new generation of ABA:

• Individualized Goals: Tailored to the person’s interests and values.
• Respect for Autonomy: Individuals have a voice in their own therapy.
• Strengths-Based Approach: Focused on abilities, not deficits.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Recognizing family beliefs and traditions.
• Collaboration: Families, therapists, and clients co-create goals.

By embracing diversity, ABA continues to evolve—not as a rigid method, but as a living, ethical practice.

What the Research Says

A 2013 analysis by Edward K. Morris, Deborah E. Altus, and Nathaniel G. Smith reviewed 36 foundational publications on ABA’s origins. Their conclusion? ABA didn’t appear overnight—it evolved through decades of experimentation and refinement.

The study emphasized that ABA’s strength lies in its seven dimensions—applied, behavioral, analytic, technological, conceptually systematic, effective, and generality. These pillars remain the gold standard for evidence-based therapy today.

In simpler terms, ABA keeps growing stronger because it listens—to science, to feedback, and to people.

Looking Ahead: The Future of ABA

So, what comes next? The history of ABA therapy and its founding shows that evolution is part of its DNA. Future directions already include exciting innovations:

• AI-Powered Learning Tools: Digital programs that track progress in real time.
• Virtual Reality (VR) Therapy: Simulated social settings for safe skill practice.
• Telehealth: Bringing ABA to families in remote areas.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working with occupational and speech therapists for holistic growth.

The vision? To make therapy more accessible, engaging, and empowering for every learner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is B.F. Skinner is considered a key figure in ABA’s foundation.

Because his theory of operant conditioning explained how reinforcement shapes learning, which became the basis of modern ABA therapy methods.

2. How do ABA techniques differ from behavior modification?

Behavior modification focuses mainly on reducing behaviors. ABA, however, emphasizes understanding why a behavior occurs and teaching meaningful, positive replacements.

3. Did early ABA use punishment?

Early versions did include some aversive techniques, but today’s ABA fully rejects them. Modern practice centers on positive reinforcement, compassion, and respect for autonomy.

4. How do ABA practitioners personalize therapy today?

They assess each individual’s strengths, communication style, and preferences to create a plan tailored to their goals—whether it’s language, social interaction, or life skills.

5. What makes ABA different from other autism therapies?

Its strength lies in its measurable results, evidence-based design, and adaptability. ABA grows with the individual, helping them thrive rather than forcing conformity.

Empowering Every Step Toward Growth

From Watson’s early experiments to today’s child-centered therapy rooms, the journey of ABA is a powerful reflection of progress. The story of how Supportive Care ABA blends science and empathy continues to create life-changing experiences for children and families across Georgia. This evolution shows that ABA isn’t just about learning behaviors—it’s about nurturing potential, building confidence, and celebrating every milestone.

So, the next time someone asks, “When was ABA therapy founded?” you can say—it wasn’t just founded once. It grew, one discovery at a time, through the dedication of those who believed in human potential. At Supportive Care ABA, that belief is at the heart of everything we do.

If you’re ready to start your child’s journey toward meaningful progress and joyful learning, reach out to us today—let’s create a brighter path together.