What is ABA?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach used to improve socially significant behaviors to a meaningful degree. By understanding the basic principles of behavior, we can teach new skills and increase behaviors that include communication, social skills, and functional living skills while decreasing maladaptive behaviors such as noncompliance, physical aggression, self-injury, and tantrum behaviors. Reinforcement strategies are used to motivate the child, and data is continuously collected to measure the child’s progress and to modify their individualized treatment plan.
Direct 1:1 ABA services are provided by both Registered Behavior Technican (RBT’s) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst’s (BCBAs). Direct services take place in homes, in-clinic, school or community settings. Typically, the majority of direct hours are provided to clients by a RBT, unless a “BCBA only model” is recommended for your family. The BCBA may also provide periodic direct 1:1 services to your child in the format of a probe session to check for progress, potential new programming and generalization of skills.
BCBAs provide ongoing training to RBTs on principles of applied behavior analysis, including discrete trial training, naturalistic teaching, data collection and monitoring and positive behavioral support strategies. In addition to supervising a minimum of one hour per every 10 hours provided by a RBTs to a client, the lead consultants also meet directly with the RBTs, without the client present for continued support in individualized programming to ensure ongoing quality services. BCBAs provide monthly team meetings to review data, make program adjustments as needed, and address other team questions/concerns.
Ours BCBAs will observe your child at the daycare or school setting and collaborate with IEP team members to create and maintain an effective learning environment. If determined to be appropriate by the school and Behavior 180, LLC, our behavior technicians do provide weekly direct support in the classroom setting. In addition to school collaboration, your BCBA will maintain consistent communication with other service providers including Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Physical Therapists to ensure collaboration and consistency across goals.
We believe that therapy does not always have to occur in the home or clinic. Behavior 180, LLC is dedicated to providing services where your child most needs support to ensure generalization of skills. This might take place during extra-curricular activities, a local park, the zoo, grocery store . . . truly anywhere where we can effectively implement and support your child’s ABA goals!
