autism services
We offer focused and comprehensive programs, including early intensive behavioral intervention, for children ages 18 month-old and up who are diagnosed with Autism and other special needs.
Why ABA?
ABA is a well-founded science that has been proven to be effective for teaching children with autism. In fact, it is considered an evidence-based best practice treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders, by the US Surgeon General and by the American Psychological Association. Here are some of the reasons why ABA is so effective in treating the impairments related to autism as well as other conditions:
The goal of ABA treatment is to make substantial gains in socially significant behavior. That means we teach skills that are useful and important, focused on helping children lead fulfilling and independent lives, develop meaningful relationships and participate in their community.
We use direct observation, measurement and functional analysis of behaviors. We are always collecting and analyzing data, in order to carefully select goals and adapt our teaching to each unique learner.
We use evidence-based strategies to systematically teach skills to each learner, sometimes breaking down skills into smaller, teachable steps to make sure the child is successful.
Which Program is Right for You?
Treatment for each child varies in terms of intensity and duration, setting, format (individual or small group), and complexity of goals, based on the individual child and their response to treatment.
The BACB has put forth specific guidelines for ABA treatment, which categorize treatment as Focused or Comprehensive depending on the intensity and complexity of treatment needed. You can read more about the two categories, here.
In order to know which program is right for your family, an extensive assessment needs to be completed by our team. This assessment process helps us carefully assess the best ways to produce practical and significant changes in behavior, whether it is skills to teach, problems behaviors to reduce, or most commonly, both.
Following the initial assessment, a treatment plan is developed to teach skills and reduce problem behavior. This plan is monitored consistently and data is collected and graphed to make sure that the child is always making progress. Depending upon the child’s progress and response to treatment, intensity and duration may be decreased or the program setting changed to allow for generalization and maintenance of what is learned in the more restrictive setting. For example, we might move from 1:1 therapy sessions to small group sessions, or transition to the home or community after mastering goals in the clinic setting.
More Information
BACB: Applied Behavior Analysis Guidelines for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Speaks: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
ATN/AIR-P: Parent’s Guide to Applied Behavior Analysis
ATN/AIR-P: Introduction to Behavioral Health Treatment