UNDERSTANDING ABA
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a type of therapy based on the science of learning and behavior. In simple terms, ABA helps individuals build skills, become more independent, and reduce behaviors that may be making everyday life more difficult.
We believe learning should be meaningful and enjoyable for each learner. Rather than simply asking a child to sit and follow instructions for an entire session, we look at what motivates them and incorporate those interests into therapy. If your child loves bubbles, we may use bubbles to teach communication, requesting, turn-taking, or other skills. If they love playing outside, we can build learning opportunities into outdoor play.
This approach is called naturalistic teaching, meaning we work on skills within everyday activities and environments so therapy can fit naturally into your child’s life.
ABA may help your child:
- Learn new skills such as communication, social skills, daily living skills, independence, and more.
- Strengthen skills by using positive reinforcement and meaningful motivation to encourage skills your child is learning.
- Reduce challenging behaviors by developing individualized plans to respond to behaviors while also teaching replacement skills that help your child communicate their needs and be more successful.
- Generalize skills by practicing them across different people, activities, and environments so your child can use what they learn in everyday life.
Every child’s therapy is individualized. We look at your child’s strengths, needs, interests, and goals and build their programs around who they are.
Who provides ABA therapy?
BCBA – Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Your BCBA is the clinical leader overseeing your child’s ABA program. They develop goals, monitor progress, analyze data, modify treatment plans when needed, and supervise the therapy team.
RBT – Registered Behavior Technician
Your RBT is typically the team member providing the hands-on therapy with your child. They work directly with your child under the supervision of the BCBA and help implement the individualized treatment plan.
Our goal is not simply to change behavior. We want to understand why a behavior is happening, teach your child skills that make everyday life easier, and help them become more independent and successful.
First Steps
The journey begins by reaching out to us. We’ll schedule a time to talk about your child or young adult’s needs, your goals, and how we can best support your family. Next, you’ll complete our intake paperwork and gather the required documents, including a referral from your child’s primary care physician and a diagnostic evaluation completed within the last three years. Once everything is ready, we’ll review the documents and submit them to your insurance provider to request authorization for an assessment.
Once approved, we’ll schedule the assessment—typically about two hours long and either in-person or over a video call. During this time, we’ll engage with and observe your child in a comfortable, supportive way. We will also review the results with you, discuss recommended services, and outline the next steps toward starting therapy.
Next Steps
Once the assessment is complete, your BCBA will develop a personalized treatment plan based on your child’s unique needs, strengths, and goals. The treatment plan will include important background information, the goals your child will initially work on, how those goals will be addressed, behavior plans for any targeted behaviors, and the recommended number of therapy hours.
Once completed, the treatment plan will be submitted to your insurance provider for review and authorization. Your insurance company will determine the number of hours they feel is appropriate based on the information provided in the assessment and treatment plan. Insurance review timelines vary, but the process often takes around 15 days. Please keep in mind that this timeframe can vary depending on your insurance provider.
While we’re waiting for authorization, our team will begin working with you on scheduling and will provide you with information about your child’s BCBA and therapy team. Before your child’s first session, we’ll also meet with you to review the plan, answer any questions you may have, and discuss any household preferences or expectations you’d like your therapy team to follow. Our goal is to make sure you feel comfortable, informed, and confident moving forward.
Once everything is approved and scheduling is finalized, we’ll be ready to begin services and support your child on their individualized treatment journey.