Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to understanding learning and behavior. ABA is the systematic implementation of evidence-based strategies to change behavior and teach new skills.

Behavior is defined as anything that is observable and measurable. Often times we interpret the word behavior in a negative way, but behavior is not just tantrums and non-compliance. Behavior is all of the skills your child employs to speak, learn and play!

Choosing an ABA program for your child begins with assessment. We utilize behavioral observations and criterion-referenced assessments to identify goals for your child. Criterion-referenced assessments measure a student’s performance based on learning standards and not just on their chronological age. This allows us to individualize learning objectives and build on skills in the areas where your child demonstrates proficiency while also addressing gaps in skill acquisition.  

After assessment, we know what your child can do and we know what we need to teach. Now it's time for pairing. Pairing is just a fancy scientific word for getting to know your child and providing the space for your child to get to know us. Taking the time to teach your child that learning is fun fosters the motivation needed to acquire new skills. 

At this point, the assessment has allowed us to craft individualized goals and pairing has given us insight into your child's learning style. Next it’s time to teach, and ABA is a data-driven methodology, so this means we take data. Data collection can sound like a harsh contrast to a fun and playful learning environment, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Taking data allows us to monitor on a daily basis what is working and what isn’t. If a teaching strategy isn’t proving to be effective we make the necessary changes to the support required for your child to meet their goals. These changes are informed by science but based on your child’s progress.

Programming is based on the goals identified in the assessment and treatment plan. These goals are broken down into smaller objectives. For each objective it will be determined what type of teaching meets your child’s individual needs. Sometimes your child will first require a strategy that involves increasing the number of opportunities through direct instruction. Other times objectives will be embedded into play and daily routines. Your child’s therapist will take data and this data informs any changes necessary to maximize learning. A session will involve a combination of structured adult directed tasks and naturalistic play based activities where the therapist will follow the learner’s motivation.

ABA is the application of behavior analytic strategies across all skills. This can include language, play, social interactions, academic skills and activities of daily living. Parents, therapists and related service providers will collaborate to determine which goals are most meaningful for your child and family.

Yes. Parents are an integral part of the therapeutic process. As skills are acquired with therapists the parents will be coached on ways to elicit the same skills during daily routines and activities. This facilitates generalization of skills across different settings and with different people. Parent coaching is a part of every treatment plan and there will be steps outlined for parents to achieve goals related to their child’s development.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the best-established, most evidence-based approach for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders. An intensive ABA program is medically necessary for the treatment of autism because its effectiveness has been clearly established through well-controlled scientific studies. Research has shown that ABA therapy helps to address behaviors and skill acquisition across all developmental domains.