Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Program

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) programs are designed for children and adolescents exhibiting problem behaviors and skill deficits. These programs teach social, motor, and verbal behaviors through the use of behavioral observation, positive reinforcement, strategic prompting, and the use of data collection systems. Programs include: Early Intervention, Social Skills Training, 1:1 discrete trial training treatment, community outings, in home behavior training, individual parent training, and parent workshops. Hours and times are customized depending on the needs of the individual and the individual’s family. ABA is widely recognized as a safe and effective behavioral treatment for individuals with behavioral challenges from ages 18 months – 21 years.

Early Intervention

Our ABA Early Intervention day program offers 1:1 intensive behavioral services starting at 18 months of age. Children who display intellectual and developmental disabilities are assessed using the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS). The ABLLS is a commonly used skills-tracking system that facilitates the use of language and critical learner skills for children with Autism and other developmental disabilities.

Based on a child’s performance during the assessment, measurable goals and objectives are created as well as individualized programs to promote skill acquisition and decrease problematic behaviors. Through discrete trial training, data is continuously taken to monitor progress made and to determine if changes in programming need to be adjusted. Once age-appropriate skills are acquired, children are paired with other peers in preparation for our social skills group.

Discrete Trial Teaching

Discrete trial teaching (DTT) is an instructional approach used to teach skills in a hierarchical manner. Each trial has a definitive beginning and end and targeted skills are based upon the child’s individual needs. Skills taught include a range of creating developmentally appropriate behaviors as well as decreasing challenging behaviors such as tantrums and noncompliance.

The use of antecedents and consequences is carefully planned and implemented and the mastery of skills is based on a numerical criterion such as a percentage. During DTT, skills are broken down into smaller attainable tasks. Positive reinforcement is used systematically to encourage desired skills and behaviors while ignoring or redirecting is used to discourage inappropriate behaviors.

Data is taken as the child’s performance is analyzed for each program implemented and progress is closely monitored. Learned skills are practiced in progressively less structured settings and more natural situations to help generalize skills taught.

In Home Behavior Therapy

Home behavior therapy is an ABA program designed in order to maximize the potential of the individual within the home environment. Trained professionals assist the family in fostering appropriate skills in the home, such as social interactions between siblings and compliance with home-based routines. Depending on the needs of the individual, our behaviorists may also utilize more structured ABA principles, such as discrete trial training, in order to facilitate the learning of desired skills and behaviors. In-home behavior therapy is provided on an as needed basis.