What is ABA Therapy?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based treatment for individuals with Autism or other developmental disabilities. It is an approach to understanding behaviors of concern and environmental factors that affect those behaviors. ABA focuses on strategies for modifying these environmental factors in order to reduce concerning behaviors, as well as teaching replacement behaviors that allow the learner to have their needs and wants met in a manner that is more socially-acceptable. ABA therapy treatment is aimed towards behavior reduction, but also focuses on improving language and communication skills, social skills, attention, and executive functioning skills. ABA is a data-driven science, meaning that clinicians collect ongoing objective data to measure progress towards goals.

What do we start the process?

At the onset of treatment,  our Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Erin Arrington,  will conduct an initial parent interview to identify areas of concern and gain more information about your learner’s needs. This is an informal interview that may take from 30 min-1.5 hours and can be conducted in-person or in-clinic. Following the initial parent interview, the BCBA will conduct a standardized assessment that measures strengths and deficits in order to identify appropriate objectives for the learner. The BCBA will also conduct an observation in order to collect data on behaviors of concern.

Every child is unique, therefore this may require 1-2 visits that are 1.5 hours or less in duration. Assessments measure a variety of areas including focus/attention, language/communication skills, play and social skills, executive functioning skills, adaptive behavior skills, and independence with activities of daily living. Assessment results are used to create treatment plans tailored to meet the unique needs of the learner. The BCBA will recommend or prescribe the appropriate number for hours of service.

What does a typical treatment plan look like? 

ABA therapy services are typically delivered under a tiered-model. Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) are trained on treatment plans and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) by a BCBA. RBTs deliver direct 1:1 ABA therapy services under the supervision of the BCBA. BCBAs observe RBTs frequently to monitor client progress and identify strategies that may need modification if there is a lack of progress, as well as to ensure the treatment plan and BIP is implemented with fidelity.

BCBAs conduct ongoing assessments (typically every 6 months or annually) to measure progress towards treatment plan objectives. The BCBA also provides parent/caregiver training on an ongoing basis focused on giving families and educators the tools they need to promote the learner’s independence in a variety of settings.

What behavior services do you offer?

• Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA)/Functional Analysis (FA):  Identification of the function of a behavior and potential replacement/adaptive behaviors. Identifying the function of a behavior drives intervention strategies to ensure that learners acquire skills to engage in more socially appropriate behaviors to have needs/wants met
• Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP): Individualized plan of care that outlines antecedent or preventative strategies as well as consequence/response strategies for behaviors of concern. 
• Standardized behavioral assessment (VB-MAPP,, PEAK, Vineland etc.):  Behavior Analysts conduct measurable, standardized assessments to identify strengths and deficits. 
• Training and Supervision of Registered Behavior Technicians
• Professional Development for School Teams:  Training for staff and paraprofessionals on Behavior Analytic principles and strategies to promote success in the classroom.
• Classroom support and school consultation services
• Individualized Treatment Plans:  Treatment plans outline measurable objectives that are targeted during intervention. BCBAs focus on goals that are socially significant to the child, family, and educators. 
• Parent/Caregiver Training and Consultation