Course Offerings

This course introduces students to the science of applied behavior analysis (ABA), focusing on how behavior is learned, maintained and changed. Students explore ABA applications in autism support, education, business, marketing and daily life. The course emphasizes understanding theory and practice – not professional certification – making it suitable for students in human services, psychology, education, business and general interest.

Course Objectives

Define ABA as a science. Describe behavior as measurable and observable. Identify core ABA characteristics (applied, behavioral, analytic, technological, effective, conceptually systematic, generality).

Analyze behavior using ABC data. Distinguish reinforcement from punishment. Explain why individuals engage in certain behaviors.

Explain how ABA supports learning in autism. Identify common ABA interventions and why they work.
Discuss ethical considerations when working with individuals with autism.

Collect and interpret basic behavior data. Identify components of a FBA. Summarize how data guides intervention.

Describe commonly used ABA teaching strategies. Apply teaching techniques to real-life scenarios. Explain how generalization and maintenance are achieved.

Describe how ABA improves workplace performance. Identify reinforcement strategies used in supervision and management. Explain OBM's role in employee behavior change.

Analyze consumer behavior using ABA concepts. Identify marketing strategies rooted in behavioral science. Describe how environmental cues influence purchasing decisions.

Apply ABA principles to self-improvement goals. Develop plans to increase positive habits. Explain how reinforcement shapes daily behavior patterns.

Identify ethical issues in implementing ABA. Explain how cultural context affects behavior analysis. Discuss respectful and inclusive practice.

Outline of Instruction

What is Applied Behavior Analysis?
Historical foundations (Skinner, behaviorism, experimental analysis of behavior)
Myths and misconceptions about ABA
Ethics and dignity in ABA practice (BACB ethical code overview)

The ABCs of Behavior (Antecedent–Behavior–Consequence)
Reinforcement (positive and negative)
Punishment vs. extinction
Motivating operations and setting events
Functions of behavior (attention, escape, access to tangibles, automatic)

How ABA is used with children and adults with autism
Skill acquisition (communication, social, adaptive, functional skills)
Behavior reduction strategies (replacement behavior, shaping, prompting, fading)
Natural environment teaching (NET)
Controversies and modern improvements in compassionate, person-centered ABA

Types of data (frequency, duration, interval, momentary time sampling)
Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)
Creating simple behavior intervention plans (BIPs)
Graphing and interpreting behavior data

Reinforcement schedules
Modeling and imitation training
Task analysis and chaining (forward/backward)
Shaping new behaviors
Prompting and prompt fading
Generalization of skills across people, settings and tasks

Organizational Behavior Management (OBM)
Performance feedback and coaching
Productivity improvement
Employee motivation using reinforcement principles
Behavior-based safety programs

How companies use reinforcement to influence buying behavior
Habit formation in customers (loyalty programs, subscription models)
Advertising triggers and antecedents
Behavioral economics and nudging

Behavior change for health and wellness (exercise, diet, habits)
Parenting strategies rooted in ABA
Classroom management for teachers
Digital behaviors (social media reinforcement cycles)
Self-management strategies

Respectful, humane behavior supports
Cultural responsiveness in behavior analysis
Autism voices: Evolving perspectives on ABA
Boundaries in nonclinical ABA applications

Contact Hours

24

CEUs

1

Industry Standard, State or National Certification

Certification

Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)

Website

https://www.bacb.com/about/

Certification Learning Outcomes/Requirements

40 hours of training are required for the RBT test. The Autism Tech is the entry-level role and does not require certification; however, not all insurance companies will pay for non-certified staff. It generally is a starting point.

CE or CU Articulation

No

Prerequisites

High school diploma or GED

Learning Supplies Needed

Laptop, reliable internet access, stopwatch (or stopwatch app), webcam, speakers

Clinical Site/Special Facilities

N/A

Requirements for Successful Completion

90% attendance
Participation includes keeping your camera on and answering ASR. Group discussions as well as speaking to answer questions, provide input or using your mic are required.

Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements

N/A

Intended Audience

Students interested in learning about ABA and how to be effective when working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The course is designed for a both family members and paraprofessionals who will be working with children and adults in a variety of settings.

Specific Industry or Business Support Needs

Registered Behavior Technician, autism technician

Wake County Need for Industry Positions

Butterfly Effects, Mosaic and several others are currently hiring for Wake County and surrounding areas.

Industry or Job Titles Related to Training Outcomes for Employment

Autism technician

Registered Behavioral Technician

Related Courses

EDU-3200NE

CSP-4000E2

CSP-4000FE2

MHA-3100A2

Course Contact Information

Community & Career Education Staff
919-532-5700
[email protected]