Career Insider

World Behavior Analysis Day¹ is the hub that promotes international inclusive celebration of the science of behavior analysis and sparks growth in its awareness, acceptance, and use. The annual worldwide recognition of behavior analysis includes a week-long celebration, beginning March 14th and culminating on March 20th.

The date, March 20^th, was selected for World Behavior Analysis Day because it is the birthdate of B.F. Skinner, the founder of contemporary behavior analysis². Skinner's radical research on behaviorism laid the groundwork for applied behavior analysis. The discipline has continued to grow substantially so that behavior analysis is now a robust field with theoretical, experimental, and applied branches and distinct research methods, scientific journals, textbooks, scholarly and professional organizations, and university training programs.

The practice of applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a distinct profession with well-established, widely recognized professional and paraprofessional practitioner standards and credentials. ABA therapy applies our understanding of how behavior works to real situations - the goal is to increase behaviors that are helpful and decrease behaviors that are harmful or affect learning³. Thousands of studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals have demonstrated the efficacy of many ABA procedures for building skills and reducing problem behaviors. ABA therapy programs can help increase language and communication skills; improve attention, focus, social skills, memory, and academics; and decrease problem behaviors.

ABA therapy programs also involve therapists, or registered behavior technicians (RBTs). These therapists are trained and supervised by the BCBA and work directly with children and adults with autism to practice skills and work toward the goals written by the BCBA. UTSA RBT Training introduces a unique, university-developed verbal behavior component, particularly relevant to providing services to individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. This course covers the basic principles and concepts of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and is recommended for administrators, teachers, direct care providers, parents, and others who work directly with children or adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Although behavior analysis is not new and has grown substantially in recent years, it is young in comparison to many other disciplines and thus less well-known. Designating a World Behavior Analysis Day provides a platform for educating many people about this dynamic, burgeoning field and highlights its many contributions to improving the human condition.

Help us celebrate and observe World Behavior Analysis Day:

• 1. Research the practice of applied behavior analysis and how the treatment can be beneficial to you or your loved one.


• 2. Attend RBT Training to learn more and gain new skills


• 3. Spread awareness about World Behavior Analysis Day by posting on social media, using the hashtag: #WorldBehaviorAnalysisDay