ABA therapy
ABA therapy applies what we know about how behavior works to real situations. Its goal is to increase behaviors that help and reduce behaviors that cause harm or get in the way of learning.
What is Applied Behavior Analysis?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a therapy based on the science of learning and behavior. It helps us understand:
- How behavior works
- How the environment affects behavior
- How learning happens
What can it help with?
- Building language and communication
- Improving attention, focus, social skills, memory and schoolwork
- Reducing problem behaviors
The methods of behavior analysis have been used and studied for decades, and they have been used with children with autism and other developmental conditions since the 1960s.
How it works
ABA is a flexible treatment: it adapts to each person’s needs, can take place at home, at school or in the community, and teaches skills that are useful in everyday life. The goal of every program is to help each person become more independent and successful, now and in the future.
Assessment and an individual plan
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) designs and oversees the program, tailoring it to each child’s skills, needs, interests, preferences and family situation. It starts with a detailed assessment, which is used to write specific goals. The family’s goals can be part of the plan too.
Depending on each child’s age and level, goals can include:
- Communication and language
- Social skills
- Self-care, such as bathing or toileting
- Play and leisure
- Motor skills
- Learning and academic skills
Each skill is broken into small, concrete steps that are taught one at a time, from simple ones such as imitating a sound to complex ones such as holding a conversation.
Tracking progress
Data is collected in every session to measure progress toward each goal. The behavior analyst meets regularly with the family and the team to review progress and adjust the plan when needed, working with parents, teachers and supervisors.
Who you’ll work with
Frequently asked questions
Who is ABA therapy for?
It is mostly used with children with autism and other developmental conditions, although its methods help many kinds of learners build new skills.
Where do sessions take place?
ABA can take place at home, at school or in the community, depending on each child’s plan.
Who designs the program?
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) assesses the child, writes the goals and oversees the program, which trained therapists carry out.
Does my insurance cover ABA therapy?
It depends on your plan. Call us at (305) 594-5658 and we’ll help you check your coverage.
Other services
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Call or write to us and we’ll point you to the right service and professional for you or your family.