What is Behavior Analysis?
The primary goal of our science is to improve the human condition through behavior change.
Behavior Analysis is a scientific approach to understanding behavior of individuals. We use this information to develop techniques and interventions to change specific socially significant behaviors over time and validate it through evaluation of our interventions.
Behavior Analysis takes a clear stance of using data and science to make assumptions about the functions(what continues our behaviors over time). We use proven interventions that can be validated and replicated.
ABA studies observable and measurable patterns of behavior of individuals and the interaction of their environment. We understand behavior is complex and there are prior learning histories that we do not have immediate access to, however we take approaches using the environment and observable behaviors to find functional alternative skills and strategies to improve the lives of our clients.
Our systematic method is used to increase significant behaviors that are helpful to an individual and decrease behaviors that hinder a person’s success in their everyday lives and environments.
Behavior Analysis helps us to understand the contexts that precede specific behaviors and the consequences that follow.
What is Applied Behavior Analysis(ABA) Therapy?
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is proven to be effective in many sectors, however has received a lot of validation from autism work. Behavior analysis has also been used in other areas such as behavioral health, brain injury rehabilitation and training, criminal justice, environmental health, mental health, parent training, physical health, organizational and business management, occupational safety, substance abuse treatment, dementia management, and occupational safety intervention. The principles extend to all areas of human interaction, though it has not evolved into every sector yet.
About ABA Therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis is an evidence-based practice that applies the science of learning, motivation, and behavior. ABA therapy can produce meaningful change by assessing, observing, designing, implementing, and evaluating environmental events. It can be used to teach developmental skills including language and communication, daily living skills, social skills, self-management and more. ABA therapy is an effective practice in the treatment of problem behavior and uses a systematic method to identify patterns and functions of behavior. Caregivers, siblings, grandparents, and school staff are trained on techniques and intervention to promote generalization and maintenance of skills learned during one-to-one therapy.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) programs are created by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) after a thorough initial assessment that details your child's unique skills and behavioral needs.
After the initial parent interview and intake assessment, the BCBA will make a clinical determination of medical necessity to indicate the number of hours your child may benefit from.
How does ABA therapy work?
A board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) designs and directly oversees programming that is individualized for each person we serve. We recognize that each person and each environment works differently, therefore we adapt strategies to fit the needs of each unique person. ABA therapy is tailored for each person’s skills, needs, interests, cultural and individual preferences, and home environment. The goal of ABA treatment is to help each person increase skills to become more independent and successful in the short term, as well as in the future.
Upon the start of services, the BCBA will complete a detailed assessment of behavior and skills. They then use this information to write specific treatment goals.
Our Work
By teaching essential daily skills such as functional communication, coping strategies, emotional regulation, and so much more, we help our clients and their families to leave their best mark! We work with all ages, starting at 18 months into adulthood.
Here are a few examples of the skills we can work on with our Signature Families:
Accepting changes in routine or schedule
Advocacy skills(saying “no” and speaking up for one’s self)
Building self-esteem
Conversational Skills
Focusing on tasks/activities
Language Acquisition(expanding verbal repertoire)
Leisure Play Skills
Managing Frustration
Requesting to get basic needs met
Social Skills
Self-Awareness and Management
Self-care activities(daily routines)
Toileting
Our services can be offered in home, the community, school, and/or remotely(using web-based technology)
The treatment plan consists of targeted skills that are then broken into small, measurable steps. The BCBA or ABA therapist teaches each skill on a predetermined basis, in a predetermined place. Many people we serve receive “comprehensive” and “long term” care. Comprehensive care is considered as 30 to 40 hours a week, and long term can be considered 1 year or more. Though this is common, each person requires a different level of treatment. The BCBA determines the level of care based on medical necessity. During treatment the BCBA and ABA therapist(s) measure progress by collecting data in each therapy session. This data then helps the clinician decide to modify programming or to continue its use.
Does ABA work?
ABA is considered a gold standard evidence-based best practice treatment by the US Surgeon General and by the American Psychological Association.
“Evidence based” means that ABA has passed scientific tests of its usefulness, quality, and effectiveness. Empirical studies show gains in intellectual functioning, language development, daily living skills and social functioning.
Is ABA for Autism only?
No. Though ABA is the gold standard treatment for children diagnosed with autism, it can be used with anyone, with or without a diagnosis! Other areas ABA is often used include Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD/ADHD), Anxiety Disorders, Communication Disorders and Social Delays, Emotional and Behavioral Concerns, Intellectual Disability and Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD).
Who can provide ABA?
Applied Behavior Analysis can be provided by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts(BCaBAs), Registered Behavior Technicians(RBTs). If ABA services are provided by BCaBAs, RBTs, or anyone without the aforementioned certifications, they should be under supervision of a BCBA.
Age: starting at 18 months
Starting at 10 hours per week of 1:1 intervention
A selection of skill acquisition goals are developed with the family and client needs in mind
A behavior intervention plan is developed with the goal of decreasing non-desirable/nonfunctional skills and increasing functional skills
Ongoing data collection and analysis
Ongoing parent and caregiver training
Ongoing treatment planning and modification
Variety of teaching approaches, including Behavior Skills Training (BST), Natural environment teaching (NET), Discrete Trial Training (DTT), and Pivotal Response Training (PRT)