Applied Behaviour Analysis employs methods based on scientific principles of learning and behaviour to build useful repertoires and reduce problematic ones. Using this approach, there is a clear definition of the behaviour(s) to be changed, careful recording of the behaviour, and analysis of the antecedents and reinforcers that can be used to help develop new adaptive behaviours and reduce undesirable behaviours.

Interventions based on behavioural principles are data-driven and designed to change the behaviour, and the program is monitored closely. Progress is accessed, empirically, and the program is modified as necessary. ABA can be applied to anyone including people of every age, it can be applied in a variety of situations, and it can be employed for very limited and specific purposes, such as for the development or reduction of single behaviours of classes of behaviour (to improve relaxation skills, reduce smoking behaviour, teach more effective social skills).

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a term to describe a subset of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). These disorders share three common areas of concern:

• Qualitative impairments in social skills
• Qualitative impairments in verbal and nonverbal communication
• Restricted and repetitive interests or behaviours.

When using the term ASD, most professionals are referring to the subset of PDDs , that includes Autistic Disorder (referred to as Autism), PDD-NOS (not other wise specified), and Asperger's Disorder.

Increasing knowledge, expertise, and ability for a community, organization or individual to contribute to addressing the needs of children and families.

Two or more disorders being experienced by one individual.

Based on research and data driven, with measurable outcomes; needs are revealed through data and action plans are delivered from the data; data is used to establish baseline upon which impact can be measured.

A range of approaches educators use to engage students in the learning process and enable them to achieve their learning potential.

Intensive Behavioural Intervention is an intensive and comprehensive form of intervention that was designed for young children with autism spectrum disorders. It is based on the principles and techniques of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).

This intervention may be thought of as an intensive form of teaching children that typically involves between 20 to 40 hours of intervention per week, and that addresses skills deficits, (across a curriculum of developmental skills) together with approaches to improve behaviour.

IBI makes use of a wide variety of specific techniques including a one-to-one discrete trial approach with opportunities for very frequent learning trials, as well as more naturalistic approaches which may take place in home-based programs, specialized small group settings, or integrated settings. As the case with any form of ABA, antecedents and reinforcers are analyzed, the program is carefully monitored, progress is assessed, empirically, and the program modified if necessary.

A general term to describe a class of disorders that shared the following characteristics: impairments in social interaction, imaginative activity, verbal and non-verbal communication skills, and a limited number of interests and activities that tend to be repetitive.