What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based treatment for children with autism and other developmental delays that uses a systemic approach to help your child learn and grow. “Evidence-based” means that there is enough research showing that it is an effective treatment for children with autism spectrum disorders. This means we know it works, and we know how! ABA principles can be applied to help children increase communication, improve social skills, and increase adaptive skills such as dressing, feeding, and reducing unwanted behaviors like aggression or tantrums.

Many children are between 2 and 6 years old when they begin ABA treatment, though we work with children up to age 21 years old. ABA helps each child with their unique needs. Often, ABA is used to help develop better communication skills, the ability to follow commands, prepare for school, teach social skills, develop daily living skills, and reduce problem behaviors - though your child’s treatment goals will be tailored for them! At Child Guidance, children ages 2-21 can receive ABA services. ABA and PLAY is only for children ages 3-5

ABA and Play:

• Uses pictures, signs, and sounds to communicate more effectively.
• Teaches how to do something (e.g., prepare for school, behave better, play with others, or do things for himself or herself) -Is child friendly and reward-centered, motivating a child with things or activities they like so as to encourage change.
• Collects and analyzes data regularly in order to adjust and drive treatment for your specific child
• Works with parents as well so skills can be taught and mastered at home, too! Parents participate in each session and help maintain progress as they can practice with their child outside of therapy sessions. ABA works best when used every day!

What should I expect when starting ABA & Play?

Assessment & Intake: One of our Behavior Analysts/Consultants will meet with you and your child, gather information and conduct formal and informal assessments in order to collaborate and develop an individualized treatment plan. We will then develop a specific plan (known as your treatment plan) to guide our time together.

The work: Once an individualized treatment plan is created and agreed upon, your clinical team will use proven strategies in order to help your child build target skills and decrease challenging behavior. During each session, your clinician will collect data on your child’s progress. Your Behavior Analyst/Consultant will regularly review this data in order to determine how things are going, where/when we need to adjust our plan, and what interventions need to be put into place to propel progress.

How can I get started?

The quickest way to see if your child is a candidate for ABA services is to contact Child Guidance at 267-713-4132. We look forward to speaking with you.