"Lovaas Therapy" derives its name from O. Ivar Lovaas, PhD, a psychologist who has researched methods of applied behavior analysis for over 30 years. Lovaas gained more mainstream recognition from the 1987 publication of a study he conducted with children with autism. Based upon his research, Lovaas concluded intensive behavioral intervention (including the use of discrete trials) offered much hope for improving the outcomes of children with autism. Forty-seven percent of children in the study ultimately gained normal functioning such that they were virtually indistinguishable from their peers (Lovaas, 1987). A follow-up study of these same children in 1993 concluded the results were sustained (McEachin & Lovaas, 1993).

While Lovaas is due credit for the rigor and value of his work, ABA professionals emphasize behavioral intervention in any form is not the domain of any one professional or group. Therefore, "Lovaas Therapy" is an appropriate term only when specifically referring to Lovaas' work, methods and protocols. Otherwise, the broader terms "applied behavior analysis" or "ABA" should be used.