The Association for Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA), in its 2017 publication, "Identifying Applied Behavior Analysis Interventions", pinpointed a number of defining features of the discipline of Applied Behavior Analysis. These key features are:

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• Behavior analysis is a natural science with concepts, research methods, and principles (natural laws of behavior) that distinguish it from the social sciences.

• The applied branch of the discipline – ABA – originated as a blend of the experimental analysis of behavior and information about human development. From the beginning, ABA incorporated naturalistic as well as structured intervention techniques implented in a variety of everyday settings.

• Abundant scientific research documents the effectiveness of a large array of ABA procedures for building useful skills and reducing problem behaviors in people with and without specific diagnoses.

• The features of ABA interventions have been defined since 1968.

• The practice of ABA is a profession. Well-established, accredited credentialing programs for practitioners of ABA are managed by the nonprofit Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Results of extensive job analysis studies conducted by the BACB over the past 15+ years, together with case law and best practices in professional credentialing, have served as the basis for the competencies, degrees, coursework, supervised experience, and professional examinations required to obtain BACB credentials. The requirements parallel those of many other professions. The BACB credentials are recognized in many laws and regulations as qualifications for practicing ABA.

• Genuine ABA interventions have all the defining features of ABA and are designed and overseen by appropriately credentialed professionals.