+ What is Applied Behavior Analysis?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based therapy that applies our scientific understanding of behavior by adapting a child's environment to teach vital skills. We teach communication, social skills, daily living skills, safety skills, and learning readiness skills to replace behaviors that are unsafe or impede learning.

+ What does ABA therapy look like?

ABA therapy can look different for each child depending on their goals, likes and dislikes, age, location of services, skills they’re working on building and behaviors being targeted.

+ Early Intervention (2 - 5 years old)

For our early intervention clients (approx. ages 2-5), the entirety of therapy may be spent playing with toys and/or with their peers. While it may appear as though we are just playing, there are so many skills that are built through intentional play. A child and therapist may be laying on the floor, playing with farm animals (or dinosaurs, play kitchen, trampoline, trains, cars, etc.) and working on communication skills, saying the names of items, requesting for wants and needs, answering yes/no questions, imitating movements and sounds, and following directions. At this age, we also often start working on daily living skills, such as getting dressed and potty training, as well as learning readiness skills to prepare for integration into an academic setting.

+ Elementary/Middle School (6 - 14 years old)

For our elementary and middle school clients (approx. ages 6-14), ABA therapy will look a little different. While therapy will still include play, it may also include some programs that are done at a table. It often also includes activities with same-age peers to work on social and communication skills. We utilize individualized PEAK and Precision Teaching programs that are adjusted based on the child’s needs and goals. At this age, our clients are also often involved in programming that targets daily living, such as completing chores, and safety skills, especially in community settings. All of our programming is evidenced based and proven to be effective at teaching specific skills and teaching the child how to learn.

+ High School/Adult (14 - 18 years old)

For our high school and adult learners (approx. ages 14+) therapy will generally include working on communication skills and daily living skills (hygiene, food preparation, dressing, cleanliness, household chores, etc.) that will allow our learners to be successful and as independent as possible when they reach adulthood. For other learners, therapy may be focused on building social skills with peers such as playing games, eating/conversing at mealtimes, effectively communicating their wants/needs/desires with others and navigating the various aspects of life as a teenager and adult.

+ Does ABA therapy help?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the leading research-based methodology shown to bring about positive, meaningful change in behavior in individuals with support needs, including those with autism. ABA has been endorsed by state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Surgeon General.

+ When is the best time for my child to begin ABA therapy?

Clinical research has demonstrated that children who start ABA therapy as early as possible make the most significant improvements in areas where supports are needed.

Starting ABA as early as possible allows for your child to learn vital skills, such as communication and social skills, that will ensure they can get their needs met.