Starting Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a significant step towards positive behavioral development and improved quality of life for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). At Circle City ABA, we recognize that starting this journey can be both thrilling and daunting for families. This blog post intends to provide a comprehensive overview of what to expect when starting ABA therapy services with us, ensuring you feel informed and prepared for this important process.
Understanding ABA Therapy
ABA therapy is a scientifically validated approach that uses principles of learning and behavior to bring about meaningful and positive changes in behavior. Many experts widely recognize it as the most effective treatment for individuals with ASD. ABA therapy targets the enhancement of particular behaviors, such as social skills, communication, reading, and academics, alongside adaptive learning abilities, such as hygiene, grooming, fine motor dexterity, domestic skills, punctuality, and job proficiency.
Initial Assessment and Consultation
The journey with Circle City ABA begins with an initial assessment and consultation. During this phase, our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) will gather comprehensive information about your child’s current abilities, challenges, and behavioral history. This assessment is crucial as it helps our team develop an individualized therapy plan that addresses your child’s unique needs and goals.
Expect to spend time discussing your child’s strengths and areas for improvement, family dynamics, and any specific concerns you may have. Our team is dedicated to creating a collaborative and supportive environment, ensuring you feel comfortable and heard throughout the process.
Developing a Personalized Treatment Plan
Based on the initial assessment, our BCBAs will create an individualized treatment plan for your child. This plan will outline specific, measurable goals and the strategies that will be used to achieve them. At Circle City ABA, we emphasize the importance of setting realistic and achievable goals, ensuring steady progress and long-term success.
Our team will regularly review and adjust the treatment plan as needed to reflect your child’s progress and any new challenges that may arise. Our goal is to provide a flexible and adaptive approach to ABA therapy, ensuring it remains effective and relevant to your child’s development.
Starting ABA Therapy Sessions
Once the treatment plan is in place, ABA therapy sessions will commence. These sessions are typically conducted one-on-one with a trained behavior technician under the supervision of a BCBA. The frequency and duration of the sessions will vary based on your child’s individual needs and goals.
During therapy sessions, our therapists will use a variety of techniques to teach new skills and reduce challenging behaviors. These techniques may include discrete trial training (DTT), natural environment training (NET), and task analysis. We design each session to be engaging and enjoyable for your child, promoting a positive learning experience.
Parent and Family Involvement
At Circle City ABA, family involvement is crucial to the success of ABA therapy. We encourage parents and caregivers to participate in our parent training. Parent training equips parents with the skills and knowledge needed to support their child’s development at home and in the community.
Our team will provide ongoing training and support to help you understand the principles of ABA therapy and how to implement strategies effectively. This collaborative approach ensures consistency in your child’s learning and behavior management across different environments.
Monitoring Progress and Ongoing Support
Continuous monitoring and evaluation are integral components of ABA therapy at Circle City ABA. Our therapists regularly track your child’s progress, making data-driven decisions to adjust the treatment plan as needed. We use evidence-based methods to ensure that the interventions remain effective and aligned with your child’s evolving needs.
We will schedule regular progress meetings to discuss your child’s development. During these meetings, we will review goals and address any concerns or questions you may have. Our commitment to providing ongoing support ensures that you and your child receive the necessary guidance and resources throughout your ABA therapy journey.
Services Offered by Circle City ABA
Circle City ABA offers a range of services designed to support individuals with ASD and their families. These include:
- Direct ABA Therapy: Delivered 1:1 by a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), direct ABA therapy provides numerous opportunities to practice skills using a fun, child-centered approach with the support of an RBT. The child’s treatment plan, written by their BCBA, guides the skills practiced during a direct therapy session.
- Group ABA Therapy: Group ABA therapy provides exciting opportunities for children to practice learning in small groups with direction from a skilled therapist. Learning in small groups is an important foundation that helps us navigate different settings, such as classrooms, airports, grocery stores, and restaurants.
- Social Skills: Social skills therapy seeks to prioritize interactions between groups of peers. We offer children the chance to practice skills for developing and maintaining friendships in small groups. We have a variety of activities that help children learn important skills such as turn-taking, negotiation, problem-solving, and keeping others interested in the group. These activities include LEGOs, board games, skits, team challenges, and more.
- Parent Training: Parents and caregivers collaborate with the BCBA throughout the treatment, discussing immediate and long-term goals important to the family. The BCBA shares assessment and progress data while providing individualized, hands-on training to the family.
- Behavior Consultation: A BCBA provides behavior consultations to assess the effectiveness of an individual’s treatment plan. The plan comprises short- and long-term goals created by the person’s family and treatment team. The BCBA provides feedback to the child’s treatment team during consultations, directing all aspects of therapy to ensure maximal progress.
- Assessment: After a thorough review of medical history and developmental testing, the BCBA will select assessments that best meet your child’s needs. These assessments show us the current skill levels and highlight the skills we need to focus on to achieve larger goals.
Conclusion
Starting ABA therapy at Circle City ABA is a collaborative and individualized process designed to promote positive behavioral changes and enhance the quality of life for individuals with ASD. By understanding what to expect and actively participating in the therapy process, families can ensure the best possible outcomes for their loved ones. Our team provides compassionate, evidence-based care and guides you every step of the way on this transformative journey.
If you would like more information about our services or to schedule an initial consultation, don’t hesitate to contact our admissions team.
