The science of behaviour and learning
Behaviour Analysis is a scientific discipline that studies behaviour and learning. It focuses on understanding how behaviour is influenced by environmental events and how this knowledge can be used to support meaningful skill development and behaviour change.
Explore Behaviour Analysis →Behaviour analysts apply principles of behaviour and learning to help individuals develop functional skills, increase independence, and improve quality of life across a variety of settings.
The essentials
Behaviour Analysis is a scientific discipline focused on behaviour and learning.
The field is supported by more than 70 years of research.
Behaviour Analysis uses data to guide decision-making.
Interventions are individualised.
Behaviour Analysis supports individuals across the lifespan.
Behaviour Analysis is used in disability services, education, healthcare, and community settings.
A visual overview
Core principles
Behaviour Analysis is based on scientific principles that explain how behaviour works and how learning occurs. These concepts guide behaviour analysts when assessing behaviour, designing supports, and evaluating progress.
Behaviour does not occur in isolation. It is influenced by events that occur before a behaviour and events that occur after it. Understanding these relationships helps behaviour analysts identify why behaviour occurs and how to support positive change.
Behaviour Analysis emphasises careful observation and measurement. By collecting data over time, behaviour analysts can determine whether an intervention is effective and make adjustments when needed.
Reinforcement is a key process in learning. When behaviour is followed by meaningful and motivating outcomes, that behaviour is more likely to occur again. Behaviour analysts use reinforcement to help individuals develop new skills and strengthen positive behaviour.
Complex skills can be broken down into smaller steps and taught gradually using structured teaching methods. This helps individuals build skills in areas such as communication, independence, and social interaction.
Behaviour Analysis interventions are tailored to the strengths, needs, and goals of each individual. Behaviour analysts design supports based on assessment results and collaborate with the individual, family members, and other professionals.
Research-led practice
Behaviour Analysis is recognised internationally as an evidence-based approach to supporting behaviour change and skill development.
The field is built on more than 70 years of scientific research, with thousands of peer-reviewed studies examining how behaviour works and how effective interventions can be developed.
Evidence-based practice means that behaviour analysts integrate:
The best available research evidence
Professional expertise and judgement
The values, preferences, and goals of the individual and their family
Using evidence-based approaches helps ensure that supports are effective, ethical, responsive to individual needs, and focused on improving quality of life.
Meaningful outcomes
Behaviour Analysis focuses on supporting meaningful improvements in a person's daily life. Behaviour analysts work collaboratively with individuals, families, and support teams to identify goals that are important to the individual.
communicating needs and preferences
participating in school, work, or community activities
developing friendships and social relationships
learning daily living skills and independence
increasing safety and well-being
reducing barriers that limit participation in everyday life
Person-centred practice means that supports are designed around the individual's strengths, goals, and preferences. Behaviour analysts seek to understand what matters most to the individual and to work collaboratively with their support network to achieve those outcomes.
Professional excellence
Behaviour analysis is a specialised field that requires advanced education, supervised practical training, and adherence to professional and ethical standards.
Behaviour assessment methods
Functional behaviour assessment
Skill development and teaching strategies
Data collection and analysis
Ethical and professional practice
Many behaviour analysts complete postgraduate training in behaviour analysis or related disciplines and undertake extensive supervised practical experience before practising independently.
Ongoing professional development is also an important part of behaviour analytic practice, helping practitioners remain up to date with current research and evidence-based approaches.
Formal education in behaviour analysis
Supervised practical experience
adherence to a Code of Ethical Practice
Ongoing professional development
Accountability to a professional body
Separating fact from fiction
While Behaviour Analysis is widely used in autism support, the science of behaviour analysis applies more broadly. Principles of Behaviour Analysis are used in disability services, education, mental health, healthcare, and other settings.
A major focus of Behaviour Analysis is teaching new skills. Behaviour analysts support communication, social interaction, emotional regulation, daily living skills, independence, and community participation.
Behaviour Analysis interventions are highly individualised. Behaviour analysts conduct assessments to understand each person's strengths, preferences, goals, and environment, then tailor supports accordingly.
Modern Behaviour Analysis practice emphasises positive reinforcement, supportive teaching strategies, and least-restrictive approaches that promote dignity, safety, and well-being.
The goal of Behaviour Analysis is not to change a person's identity. Behaviour analysts support the development of skills that increase independence, communication, safety, and participation in daily life while respecting preferences and values.
Behaviour analysts recognise that behaviour is influenced by many factors, including life experiences, biology, and environment. Behaviour Analysis often supports emotional regulation, coping strategies, and communication of needs.
Behaviour analysis can support individuals across the lifespan, including children, adolescents, adults, and older adults in a range of settings.
Frequently asked questions
Behaviour Analysis is the scientific study of behaviour and learning.
A behaviour analyst assesses behaviour, develops individualised supports, teaches skills, and monitors progress using data.
Yes. Behaviour Analysis is supported by decades of scientific research and is widely recognised as an evidence-based approach.
No. Behaviour Analysis is widely used in autism support, but the science of behaviour analysis is also applied in education, disability services, healthcare, mental health, and other areas.
The breadth of behaviour analysis
Information on this page has been made available from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (www.bacb.com).
The following documents are brief 1-page resources to describe various specialty areas of behaviour analysis. They were created by subject matter experts in each area.
PLAY
PLAY
PLAY
PLAY
PLAY
PLAY
PLAY
PLAY
PLAYFurther resources
