An adult male with hearing aids engaged in conversation with a Black female.

About Us

Our goal is to assure the highest quality of life possible for the people we serve by enabling them to live regular lives in natural settings with full, positive, and valued community presence and participation.

It is the philosophy of IABA that every individual who lives with a developmental disability is entitled to live his or her life with the full dignity of a developing human being, as a self-reliant and productive member of society. In order to actualize this philosophy, we have as our primary purpose the provision of services that help people to live or work in environments and with lifestyles that are as normal as possible.

Our Approach

We strive to be the best.

Quality Services

To provide the most advanced and highest possible quality services in support of people challenged by a developmental disability. In accordance with our mission, this includes people who have challenging behavior as well as people who do not.

Contribution to Society

To successfully introduce quality products and services that contribute to society and to the lives of people. These products and services include positive behavioral support, instructional strategies and total quality assurance systems.

Values Based

To develop and pioneer the use of positive, state of the art behavioral strategies in support of our vision, mission and values.

Dissemination & Education

To be active nationally and internationally as a source for training and consultation in the areas of positive behavioral support, instructional strategies and total quality assurance systems.

Growth

To take advantage of the growth and expansion opportunities consistent with our mission in Southern California, Northern California and nationally, but only at a pace and with identified management resources that assure our reputation as the best.

A Black child sitting on a couch, holding a stuffed animal

Improving the lives of individuals with autism and other intellectual
and developmental disabilities for 40+ Years.

For nearly half a century, our progressive programs and direct support have improved the lives of individuals with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. At IABA, we are dedicated to the advancement of positive practices in the field of challenging behavior. We sincerely hope that this site will assist you in your endeavor to provide nonaversive, person-centered services to support people with challenging behavior.

Our History


1981

The Institute for Applied Behavior Analysis (IABA) was co-founded in 1981 by Dr. Gary LaVigna and Dr. Thomas Willis.

1995

Drs. Gary Lavigne & Thomas Willis Published of Challenging Behavior: A Model for Breaking the Barriers to Social and Community Integration

2022

Dr. LaVigna and Dr. Willis entered into retirement and IABA came under new ownership.

2023

IABA Research & Education Foundation became an established non-profit organization devoted to the research and education of multi-element behavior support for practitioners worldwide.

Meet Our Team

Get to know the remarkable individuals who form the backbone of our organization - the passionate and dedicated team behind IABA Behavior Support Services. With diverse expertise, unwavering commitment, and a shared vision for empowering lives, our team is here to support and guide you every step of the way.