Child and Family Development is excited to now offer Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Services! You might be wondering…what is ABA anyway? Who can benefit? What does it look like?

ABA is an evidence-based science that focuses on systematic teaching of skills, combined with environmental manipulation, to produce “meaningful changes in human behavior.” Huh? In ABA therapy, children learn new skills in a highly-individualized structured program, that involves prompting, rewards, and a focus on making sure the environment is the best for learning. Typically, ABA services are offered to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. An Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) designs programs that assist children in gaining social skills, communication skills, daily living skills, and focuses on reducing challenging or repetitive behavior.

ABA Services are different than other outpatient pediatric therapies. Instead of 30 minutes or 1 hour a week, children may receive up to 40 hours! Basically, a full-time learning job! Children who participate in intensive ABA programs typically have the greatest developmental gains.