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By: Brittani Argott M.A., BCBA, Invo Healthcare, Regional Clinical Manager-ABA Services Florida
Interventions based on the science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) have been utilized as a technique to address skill deficits and behavioral excesses displayed by individuals with autism since the 1960’s. These procedures produce functional and significant effects on behavior, learning, and life skills.
s a program, ABA provides a comprehensive curriculum of skills that encompasses a multifocal approach to address various behavioral difficulties including attending to others, direction following, imitation, and daily living skills among others. According to Autism Speaks, “Effective ABA intervention for autism is not a “one size fits all” approach and should never be viewed as a “canned” set of programs or drills. On the contrary, a skilled therapist customizes the intervention to each learner’s skills, needs, interests, preferences, and family situation. For these reasons, an ABA program for one learner will look different than a program for another learner.”
Like most disorders, it’s imperative to seek out qualified professionals that are well-trained and can demonstrate a history of successful outcomes through years of competent experience in ABA therapy.
Some of the key features to look for in an ABA provider are:
• Board certification in Behavior Analysis
• BCBA-D
• BCBA
• BCaBA – with supervision by a BCBA or BCBA-D
• RBT – provides direct care and is supervised by a BCBA, BCaBA, or BCBA-D
• Develops individualize programming based on a comprehensive assessment of a child’s skills
• Reliable oversight of RBTs including at least one in-person meeting per month (more meetings may be required depending on the number of hours the RBT is with your child)
• Consistent collaboration with families and caregivers.
How does ABA work?
• A qualified and trained behavior analyst designs and directly oversees the intervention.
• The analyst’s development of treatment goals stems from a detailed assessment of each learner’s skills and preferences and includes family goals.
• Treatment goals and instruction are developmentally appropriate and target a broad range of skill areas such as communication, sociability, self-care, play and leisure, motor development and academic skills.
• Goals emphasize skills that will enable learners to become independent and successful in both the short and long terms.
• The instruction plan breaks down desired skills into manageable steps to be taught from the simplest (e.g. imitating single sounds) to the more complex (e.g. carrying on a conversation).
• The intervention involves ongoing objective measurement of the learner’s progress.
• The behavior analyst frequently reviews learner data uses this to adjust procedures and goals as needed.
• The analyst meets regularly with family members and program staff to plan ahead, review progress and make adjustments as needed.
ABA therapy is effective for individuals with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, ADHD, brain injuries, cognitive decline (dementia), behavior disorders and other individual diagnoses on a case-by-case basis.
If you or someone you know could benefit from ABA therapy, contact Invo Healthcare for their list of qualified practitioners.
Invo Healthcare Utilizes A Holistic Approach to Services
Together, Invo HealthCare and Progressus Therapy is the leading behavioral health and special education organization, specializing in center, home, school-based and early intervention services in the United States. The therapists and clinicians we place, provide an array of educationally-relevant services to infants, toddlers and school-aged children with various developmental delays.
Invo-Progressus has a rich 25+ year history of meeting the needs and addressing the challenges of families, partnering schools, districts, and community agencies around the country. Our organization is comprised of some of the best educators; operators and clinicians in the nation exclusively focused on helping children of all ages learn and grow. Building strong connections between educators, clinicians, and families creates a capacity to help learners adapt, thrive and succeed at home, school and in their community.
References:
1. “Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).” Autism Speaks, Inc., 2018, autismspeaks.org
INVO Behavior and Therapy Service
invotherapies.com
2701 N. Rocky Point Drive, Suite 650
Tampa, FL 33607
Toll Free: 800-892-0640
References:
1. “Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).” Autism Speaks, Inc., 2018, autismspeaks.org