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We work with children of all ages. Science shows us the sooner a child starts receiving ABA therapy, the better the child’s prognosis in living a normal life. Some children can receive ABA therapy as soon as 18 months of age. We utilize a variety of assessments to target a variety of skills to truly create an individualized skill acquisition and behavior reduction plan. 

 

At JMK Behavior Services, we work with children of all ages. Science has shown that the sooner a child starts receiving ABA therapy, the better the child’s prognosis in living a normal life. Some children can receive ABA therapy as early as 18 months of age. Research has shown that early intervention is key to improving behavior.

Our ABA therapy services can be provided at home, in the community, at the clinic, or in the school setting. The location of the services depends on the needs of the child.

Individualized ABA therapy programs are composed of a few basic components that include programming, supervision, data collections, family training, and team meetings.

Reinforcement is a major component of ABA. Our therapist use positive reinforcement techniques to motivate the child to engage in appropriate replacement behaviors. Our team will work together with your child to identify any problem behaviors. An individualized behavior plan will be developed to target the problem behaviors and techniques of ABA will be used to help modify them. By working together as a team, we can teach the skills needed to bring about positive changes in your child.

Assessment Types

We utilize a variety of assessments to target your child’s of skills to create an individualized skill acquisition and behavior reduction plan. We understand that every child is unique and in an effort to provide the best services possible we make sure our staff is kept up-to-date on the variety of assessments currently available.

ABLLS- R – The Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (James Partington)

VB-MAPP – Verbal Behavior – Milestone Assessment and Placement Program (Mark Sundberg)

PEAK: Relational Training System (Mark Dixon)

Early Start Denver Model

AFLS – Assessment of Functional Living Skills (James Partington)

Essential for Living (Patrick McGreevy)

 

ABA Therapy Types We Use

There are several different types of techniques used by ABA to aid in the application of therapy:

  • Pivotal Response Training (PRT) – PRT is a loosely structured therapy that relies on naturally occurring opportunities and consequences. There are four fundamental areas with PRT: 1) motivation, 2) self-initiations, 3) self-management, and 4) responsiveness to multiple cues.
  • Discrete Trail Training (DTT) – DTT is structured around the practicing of a particular skill in order to help the child master the skill. It is a structured therapy that uses a one-on-one teaching method and involves a quick paced intensive training. This technique is used to help the child learn specific behaviors.
  • Natural Environment Training – Natural environment training focus’ on teaching skills in settings where they would naturally be used. It is based on the concept that it is important for the child to experience particular skills in a natural environment. The use of natural environment training aids in children being able to generalize skills in other aspects of their life.
  • Verbal Behavior – Verbal behavior is a one-on-one therapy that is designed to motivate a child to learn language. This approach creates a connection between words and their meanings.
  • Social Skills Training – We identify specific areas in which your child struggles when interacting with peers and adults. We use modeling and reinforcement to shape these skills.
  • Errorless Teaching – A method used to promote immediate success for the child. This prevents and reduces frustration in learning. This is achieved through most to least prompting.
  • Positive Reinforcement – Positive reinforcement is the use of preferred items, activities, and interactions to increase positive and adaptive behaviors.

What is Applied Behavior Analysis?

As practitioners of ABA, our goal is to improve socially important behavior by using evidence based-interventions based in the principles of learning theory. We aim to bring about meaningful and positive changes in your child’s behavior.

As mentioned, behavior analysts began working with young children with autism and related disorders in the 1960s. Early techniques often involved adults directing most of the instruction. Some allowed the child to take the lead. Since that time, a wide variety of ABA techniques have been developed for building useful skills in learners with autism – from toddlers through adulthood. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the use of these techniques and principles to bring about meaningful and positive change in behavior.

These techniques can be used in structured situations such as a classroom lesson as well as in “everyday” situations such as family dinnertime or the neighborhood playground. Some ABA therapy sessions involve one-on-one interaction between the behavior analyst and the participant. Group instruction can likewise prove useful.

*excerpt provided by Autism Speaks