THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ABA METHOD IN SPECIAL EDUCATION

Abstract

The objective of this research was to investigate the use of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in Special Education, assessing its contribution to inclusive educational practice. The methodology consisted of a theoretical review, contrasting the historical trajectory of both fields. The analysis revealed a progressive alignment: Special Education transitioned from a segregated to an inclusive model, while ABA established itself as a scientific approach for behavior modification and individualized teaching. Its systematic procedures – such as the definition of measurable goals and functional analysis – proved to be effective resources for translating the premise of attending to individual specificities into concrete pedagogical actions, promoting fundamental competencies. It is concluded that ABA constitutes a robust pedagogical tool for implementing inclusion. Its implementation, however, encounters practical obstacles, such as the need for teacher training and collaborative work. It is imperative that its application escapes a technicist view, adopting an ethical and contextual perspective centered on the integral development of the student. In this way, ABA can serve as a catalyst for genuine inclusion, ensuring that the right to education materializes into effective experiences of development and participation for all.