ABA
Bridge Builders
Applied Behavior Analysis
What is it?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy applies our understanding of how behavior works to real situations. ABA therapy aims to help children with autism be successful through individualized treatment plans (Autism Speaks, 2019).
The goals are:
- increasing helpful behaviors
- decreasing those that are harmful or affect learning, as well as improving independence skills.
We use a tiered-service delivery model in which a Masters-level Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) supervises treatment teams of Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT). This strategy has proven most effective for rural or underserved areas like where we serve.
How does it work?
ABA with an emphasis on Verbal Behavior (ABA/VB) is based on research to address functional skills:
- language/communication
- self-help skills
- play skills
- social skills
- complying with instruction
Each child is seen 1:1 with a therapist for many hours a week. Depending on each child’s need, therapy can range between 7-30 hours a week. Skills are taught both at the table (DTT) and in the playroom (NET).
If your child struggles with communication, Verbal Behavior therapy may be beneficial because it addresses skill deficits based on the basic principles of ABA.
in their own words
“My child has been able to successfully move from resource, to inclusion, to consult at school due to the ABA support he received. He is gifted in math but with the issues that come with Autism, he would not have been able to make this transition without the support from CFNB. He attends church and swimming lessons each week. He loves the playgroup at the CFNB.” – Parent
