Applied Behavior Analysis… what is it?
ABA is a science that focuses on studying behavior and applying various principles of learning and motivation to improve socially significant behaviors and reduce problematic and maladaptive behaviors.
ABA has proven to be successful across ages, disabilities, practitioners, settings, and behaviors. It takes an individualized approach that involves testing to determine the function of each behavior and then utilizing a method that has been proven to address the behavior’s function.
Interview
A phone interview will be scheduled between the family and the intake facilitator to determine whether your child will be a good fit for ABA therapy services. Through this interview, an intake packet will be sent to the family to be completed and submitted for review. Documents required for consideration of ABA services include a copy of your insurance, a psychological evaluation that includes a diagnosis of autism, and a script from the individual’s doctor to receive ABA services.
Assessments
Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) conducts initial and follow-up assessments in order to determine a child’s strengths and weaknesses. Through the results of these assessments, the BCBA will create a program to continue to foster their strengths, while assisting the individual in improving their weaknesses.
The assessment is conducted in-person and typically involves a parent interview and testing the child in a variety of areas. It is recommended that assessments are conducted at a time of stability and normative conditions, such as having a full night of sleep and a meal prior, in order to have proper demonstration of the individual’s ability without exterior factors impacting the results. Average assessment duration is about 2 hours.
Behavior Plan Formation
The BCBA puts together a treatment plan to address the individual and family needs based on the results for the assessment. The plan includes how to address problematic behaviors, which skills to work on, and incorporating families and teacher participation in implementing ABA strategies to address problematic behaviors as they occur across settings and scenarios.
Treatment
Therapy sessions will be conducted in accordance to the behavior treatment plan. Therapy will involve roughly 20% of BCBA involvement which includes progress review, supervision, creating learning materials, parent training, and program updates. Communication between the behavior analyst, therapists, and families will be held on a weekly basis.
Monitoring Progress
Registered Behavior Technicians are required to collect data on all behaviors and goals addressed within each session in order for the BCBA and families to monitor progress. RBTs will utilize the last 15 minutes of each session inputting the data they have collected and summarizing how the session went so that progress can be tracked in real time through our confidential, easy-to-use online tracking software.
Goals are updated as needed and are always open for discussion between the parents and BCBA. We encourage you to be open about any questions, comments, or concerns you may have in regards to your child’s therapy.