ABA THERAPY
Our goal is to improve specific behaviors according to his/her level of development and skill.
What is (ABA) ?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy focuses on an individual plan for each child to improve specific behaviors according to his/her level of development and skill.
Some areas of behavior that are incorporated into a child’s ABA plan here at Building Blocks Pediatric Therapy may include:
- Functional Communication Training
- Social & Play Skills
- Behavior Management
- Parent/Caregiver Training
- Positive Reinforcement
- Group Skills and Classroom Readiness
- Evidence Based Interventions
- Self Help Skills
- Gross & Fine Motor Skills
What it does:
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy uses a child’s individual goals to establish lessons for growth in areas for improvement. This allows for growth that is personalized and adaptable to a child’s needs.
Our Board-Certified Behavioral Analysts (BCBA) evaluate, establish goals and write a program unique to each child. Our Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT) work 1:1 with each child to practice each skill to accomplish mastery of these goals.
MORE ABOUT ABA THERAPY
Definitions
Functional Communication Training
Teaching children to communicate effectively through verbal and non-verbal interactions. This is especially used with children with autism spectrum disorders to help decrease problem behaviors that occur due to a child’s frustrations and previously learned ways to gain attention or get needs met by replacing them with more functional and meaningful ways of communicating a need. This may include learning the use of simple words, phrases or sentences depending on skill level. It may also include the use of such things as sign language, pictures (PECS) or electronic devices.
Social & Play Skills
Helping children with autism spectrum disorders learn to tolerate peers and adults, engage with them and participate in group activities is an ongoing part of the ABA process. Social skills including responding to name, asking and responding to simple questions with a peer and back and forth communication with peer are part of the social skills practiced during your child’s ABA day. Parallel play, sharing materials, turn taking and game play are play skills that are incorporated into each child’s program here at Building Blocks Pediatric Therapy.
Behavior Management
Learning how to wait, use coping skills such as deep breaths and counting, self- control and making choices are all important skills that children are learning in ABA. Accepting a different choice when a preferred choice is not available, curbing unwanted behaviors and increasing desired behaviors are also part of the behavior management piece of ABA.
Parent/Caregiver Training
Parents are the primary teachers in their child’s life. Partnering with a child’s parents/caregivers is a vital part of the effectiveness of Applied Behavioral Analysis for the child. Parent/Caregiver meetings are routinely scheduled to give updates and share information on what goals are being currently worked on. Shared information on what is working at home and what is working in clinic is helpful in planning lessons as well as shaping behaviors. Consistency between home and clinic is helpful to ensure the greatest outcome from a child’s ABA services.
Positive Reinforcement
Children work best in a positive environment. Whether it is encouragement through verbal praise for a accomplished task or being rewarded with time with a preferred toy or activity, children respond well to rewards and positive encouragement. Working for something great motivates toward accomplishing tasks. It also encourages positive self-esteem and working towards independence.
Group Skills and Classroom Readiness
Group skills are learned through circle time. Circle time includes activities such as calendar, number and shape of the day, story time, gross motor games, music and movement and other skills. A group leader is in front of the group of approximately 3-5 children and the therapist sits behind each child to prompt responses to the group leader as necessary. As the skill level increases so does the level of group activity. The group is designed to work on listening and participation skills necessary for school readiness.
Evidence Based Interventions
The interventions used here at Building Blocks Pediatric Therapy are backed by scientific research. Our Board-Certified Behavioral Analysts are fully educated and trained in the practice of Applied Behavioral Analysis. They have obtained their master’s degrees and remain up to date with ABA related research information. They rely on implementing methods that have been proven to be effective in helping children with autism spectrum disorders reach their fullest potential.
Self Help Skills
Self help skills are a part of the Applied Behavioral Analysis program here at Building Blocks Pediatric Therapy. Skills such as toileting, tooth brushing, food prep, folding laundry, and other self help and life skills can be incorporated into a child’s program.
Gross & Fine Motor Skills
Gross motor skills incorporate the large muscle groups. These skills are worked on both during individual lessons and also as a part of group interactive play. Running, jumping, climbing, raising arms and stomping feet are just a few examples of gross motor skills. Fine motor skills incorporate the small muscle groups. These skills are incorporated into writing and tracing activities, using the fingers for things like pinching clothespins, putting pieces of a toy together or pointing to items. Fine motor imitation with fingers and hands are also incorporated for more practice with these muscles.
A HISTORY OF CARE
Who we are
Here at Building Blocks Pediatric Therapy, we not only work 1:1 with each child, but we also incorporate social skills and school readiness skills, peer interactions and group instruction goals to each child’s program according to their individual needs and skill level.
Our center features individual areas for 1:1 learning and have a large open play area which contains a slide, climbing structure and trampoline. Open floor areas for group gross motor play and tables for crafts and other fine motor activities are also available.
We would love to meet you!
