ABA is the application of the principles of behaviour analysis, and is a scientific method of understanding, analysing and changing behaviour. It has been subject to rigorous research and evaluation.

There is strong evidence supporting its efficacy as a model for teaching children with autism. As an educational tool, ABA provides an intense, highly structured education based initially on a 1:1 teacher/pupil ratio.

The method is based on interactive, individualised programmes whose effectiveness is continually monitored. The teaching breaks down tasks, even simple ones, into a series of steps. Success is reinforced with consistent praise and rewards that motivate each child, so that the segments of learning build up into an understood and meaningful "whole".

Economic studies have shown that without early ABA intervention, most children who have autism will go on to cost the State €4.3 million over and above their typically developing peers.