This form of therapy looks to identify and help change potentially self-destructive or unhealthy behaviors such as tantrums, aggression and self-injury. The child’s progress is achieved with the use of specialized teaching techniques which focuses on developing appropriate behaviors which in turn diminishes the inappropriate behaviors.

It is based on the idea that all behaviors are learned and that behaviors can be changed. The focus of treatment is often on current problems and how to change them. Some of the different Behavioral Therapies include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Relationship Development Intervention (RDI), Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA).