What is ABA Therapy?
ABA therapy stands for Applied Behavior Analysis therapy. It is a therapeutic approach widely used to treat individuals with behavioral and developmental disorders, most notably Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ABA is based on the principles of behaviorism, and its main goal is to improve socially significant behaviors and reduce problematic ones through systematic and data-driven interventions.
We are a trilingual healthcare service provider. We speak English, French and Creole. Services are provided in-home, in-school, and in the community. Settings are determined based upon the individual needs of our families.
Growing Towards a Brighter Future
ABA Assessment
The first step in the ABA treatment process is the Assessment, which is a formal evaluation of an individual’s strengths and areas for improvement. It is conducted by one of our highly qualified Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs).
ABA Therapy
ABA is an intensive, structured teaching program in which social and communication behaviors are broken down and rehearsed in their simplest elements. The goal of this treatment is to improve communication, social interaction, self-help skills, and play skills.
Parent Training/Involvement
We pride ourselves in having an excellent system of communication between our staff and the families we work with. Regular meetings are conducted with parents to communicate each child’s progress and milestones. In addition to an expectation of parent involvement in these meetings, ABA training and education is also a part of the process.
Social Skills Group
Social skills programs break down specific complex social skills (such as: taking turns, conversation, sharing, joining a group, working with others towards a common goal, understanding facial expressions, tone of voice, etc.) into smaller components and then teach those components systematically. We do this by first completing an individualized assessment to determine what social skills the child currently has, followed by analyzing what skills would meet typical benchmarks for their age and these skills are then taught systematically.
Professional Development/RBT Training
We believe in a culture of professional development and collaboration through training and mentorship while providing a variety of resources. At Beehive, we offer Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Training to ensure clinical competencies for all our staff. Additionally, we provide regular and ongoing professional development opportunities for all clinicians, so our team continues to learn.
Locations of Services
ABA services are offered in-home, in-school, and in the community. The location of services is determined based off the need of the individual, family, and at the recommendation of the clinical supervisor.
Our Method
Key features of our ABA therapy include:
Individualized Approach: ABA programs are tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual. The therapist conducts assessments to identify target behaviors and creates personalized treatment plans.
Behavioral Goals: The focus is on observable and measurable behaviors. These can include communication skills, social interactions, academic abilities, self-care, and more.
Data Collection and Analysis: ABA therapists use data collection methods to track progress and measure the effectiveness of interventions. This data-driven approach allows for adjustments in the treatment plan as necessary.
Positive Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement is a fundamental aspect of ABA therapy. Desired behaviors are reinforced with rewards or praise, increasing the likelihood of those behaviors occurring again.
Prompting and Prompt Fading: Prompting involves assisting the individual in performing a desired behavior. Over time, the prompts are gradually faded, encouraging more independent behavior.
Task Analysis: Complex skills are broken down into smaller, manageable steps to facilitate learning.
Generalization: ABA therapists work on teaching skills in multiple settings to ensure that the individual can apply those skills in various environments.
Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA): In cases where challenging behaviors are present, an FBA is conducted to understand the purpose or function of those behaviors. This assessment guides the development of behavior intervention plans.
ABA therapy has been widely researched and is considered an evidence-based practice for treating individuals with ASD and other behavioral challenges. It has shown success in improving communication, social skills, adaptive behaviors, and reducing problem behaviors in many cases. However, it’s essential to note that individual responses to ABA therapy may vary, and no single approach works for everyone. Therefore, early intervention and ongoing assessment are crucial for its effectiveness.