ABA therapy at ABC

What is ABA therapy?

Applied behavior analysis uses behavioral principles to help children with autism develop new skills and make positive changes in their lives. At ABC, we use play-based teaching methods that have been proven through research to unlock growth and learning for children on the spectrum. ABA at ABC involves one-on-one sessions where therapists use positive reinforcement to teach and model behaviors. They work with each child to break down new skills into manageable steps. ABA therapy is a fun and interactive experience for children and their families!

Through ABA therapy, children can learn new skills such as communicating, socializing with peers, taking turns, demonstrating patience, and being flexible if a change in their routine occurs. To do this, we use two ABA training methods at Action Behavior: Natural Environment Testing (NET) and Discrete Trial Training (DTT).

Natural Environment Testing
NET uses a child's natural surroundings to teach desired skills and behaviors. This technique can help children apply what they’re learning to real-life situations, which makes the lessons more relevant and effective. NET is set in a large, engaging play space where children lead the way. Therapists work alongside them, one-on-one, to demonstrate appropriate play, name recognition, sharing, and motor skills.

Discrete Trial TrainingDTT is an ABA technique that breaks down new skills into small, manageable steps. Each step includes a prompt, response, and reward. This process is repeated until the child learns the new behavior or skill. DTT is set in a personalized space and involves floor play, table work, matching, and other activities.

What behaviors does ABA therapy target?

ABA therapy helps children with autism develop new skills, change their behaviors, and improve their relationships. Families work closely with their child's Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to determine specific target behaviors and therapy goals.

A target behavior is a specific behavior or habit that is "targeted" to be changed. For example, if a child has trouble sharing toys, the target behavior might be to share toys with friends. This approach focuses on encouraging positive behaviors instead of just discouraging negative ones.

ABA therapy can help children develop and improve the following behaviors:

Helping your child reach practical goals

No two children with autism are the same. Some children on the autism spectrum are nonverbal and need help developing communication skills. Others may struggle with repetitive and self-injurious behaviors. Because each child is unique, our BCBAs set individualized goals after discussing family goals and performing a comprehensive assessment of each child’s needs.

After evaluating your child, our Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) will identify their current strengths and abilities, as well as areas that need skill development. We will also provide strategies for families to apply these skills in real-life situations.

We collaborate with families to set measurable goals for their child's time with us. Our ABA therapy is tailored to meet your family’s needs, and we focus on teaching practical skills for everyday life. Examples of measurable goals for a child in ABA therapy may include:

Does ABA therapy mean my child is “stuck” at a table all day?

No way! At Action Behavior Centers, we create an exciting environment for learning. While sitting at a table may be a developmental goal for school readiness, there are so many other skills to learn and fun to have.

Our centers also feature designated “Eats and Crafts” spaces, which are used daily for creative and engaging activities. Circle Time, another daily highlight, brings therapists, BCBAs, and children together to sing, laugh, and learn. Children can also explore our sensory rooms, which are expertly designed to offer opportunities for trying new things and building essential visual processing and fine motor skills.

What does a typical day of ABA therapy look like?

Before therapists begin working on a child’s specific goals, they want to make sure the child is comfortable in their new environment. The first few ABA therapy sessions are all about establishing rapport, figuring out a child’s favorite toys and games, and what makes them laugh.

At Action Behavior Centers, each team is structured with one BCBA supervisor and nine RBTs. The RBTs will deliver therapy as directed by the BCBA for up to eight children. This caseload is much smaller than other ABA therapy centers! We believe it’s important to always have an extra set of hands on deck to ensure the highest level of care and attention for the children we serve.

This is what a typical day of ABA therapy may look like:

How expensive is ABA therapy?

ABA therapy is covered by most private health insurance plans, and Action Behavior is in-network with the largest health insurers in the country. However, health insurance can be tricky to navigate. Our insurance specialists will check your insurance eligibility and handle the paperwork on your behalf. Allow us to do the heavy lifting so that you can focus on what truly matters – supporting your child.

Learn more about the insurance plans we work with and how we can help make ABA therapy affordable for your family.