Behavior Basics for Parents

The foundations course: how behavior works and how to change it kindly

A free six-module foundations course in Applied Behavior Analysis for parents. Learn why behavior happens, how to read its function, and how to respond so the worst moments get shorter and rarer.

Start module 1 →

Who it's for

Parents and caregivers new to ABA, or anyone who wants the "why" behind the strategies their child's team uses.

Time commitment

~4 hours, self-paced

Cost

Free forever, funded by our data-licensing model

Syllabus

1. I

   Behavior is communication

   You will learn to:

   • Define behavior in observable, measurable terms
   • Explain why "he just does it for no reason" is never the whole story
   • Identify the four common functions of behavior: escape, attention, tangible, sensory

   Start module 1 →

2. II

   The ABC model in your living room

   You will learn to:

   • Break any incident into Antecedent, Behavior, and Consequence
   • Keep a simple ABC log without a clipboard or a degree
   • Spot the patterns that predict when things fall apart

   Start module 2 →

3. III

   Reinforcement, the engine of change

   You will learn to:

   • Distinguish reinforcement from bribery and from reward charts that fizzle
   • Find what genuinely motivates your child with an at-home preference assessment
   • Deliver behavior-specific praise with good timing

   Start module 3 →

4. IV

   Setting the stage: antecedent strategies

   You will learn to:

   • Rearrange routines and environments so problem behavior is less likely to start
   • Use visual schedules, timers, and first–then language
   • Offer choices that prevent power struggles

   Start module 4 →

5. V

   When behavior escalates

   You will learn to:

   • Tell a tantrum from a meltdown and respond differently to each
   • Understand extinction bursts: why it gets worse before it gets better
   • Build a family de-escalation and recovery plan

   Start module 5 →

6. VI

   Making it stick

   You will learn to:

   • Teach replacement behaviors instead of only reducing problem ones
   • Keep every adult in the house consistent
   • Know when and how to bring in a BCBA or clinician

   Start module 6 →