What is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (F84.0) consists of persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts.
Some of these areas include difficulties in language development, restrictive patterns of behavior, social interactions with others and acclimating to new environments. Since these characteristics all fall within a “spectrum”, treatments should be individualized to fit the child’s needs.
What is ABA?
The Applied Behavior Analysis field focuses on improving the lives of others by identifying socially significant behaviors and applying evidence-based treatments.
Common areas of application include daily living skills, academic skills, social skills, communication and to reduce maladaptive behaviors. The populations we serve include children with disabilities as well as typically developing children. We encourage family members to contact us to find out what ABA is all about.
Our initial consultation is free.
What is the Focus of ABA?
The focus of Applied Behavior Analysis is to teach socially valid behaviors and increase independence. How? By using empirically-based procedures such as natural environment training, functional communication training, precision teaching, forward and backward chaining, reinforcement and more.
Through these individualized teaching procedures, the learner will have the necessary tools needed to work on achieving short and long-term goals, participate in societal activities and engage in independent living skills.
What is the Role of the Parents in an ABA Program?
We understand being a parent is demanding and leaves very little time to add more activities to busy schedules. However, it is important to stress how valuable parent involvement is for a successful treatment outcome. Parent training can be done in person, over the phone, Skype and related methods.
The training provided consists of a collaborative model that can include reinforcement procedures, behavior management strategies, potty training, behavior contracts and more. The procedures are utilized to promote generalization across settings and people that interact frequently with the learner. This is done in an effort to maximize the child’s success in all environments and provide parents the tools to promote personal growth through scientific procedures.