Resources

ABA therapy is characterized by an evidence-based approach to learning based on scientific principles of behavior. As such, its application is not limited to any one particular area, but rather can be applied to a wide range of skills depending on the individual needs of the client.

At ACNC, we focus on developmentally significant milestones that young children with ASD may struggle to acquire at the same rate or in the same manner as their peers. This can include several different skill categories such as language and communication, social interaction, play and leisure, independent self-care, personal safety, pre-academic skills, and reduction of inappropriate or restrictive behaviors. If you’d like to learn more about ABA therapy at ACNC and how it can help address concerns specific to your child, please contact us for a free consultation.

Because ABA is highly individualized, the therapy schedule will vary depending on the needs of each client. However, ABA is generally more intensive than other forms of therapy, with even a more focused treatment model often requiring several hours per week to be effective. A more comprehensive program addressing a wide range of goals can involve 25-30 hours per week or more. It all depends on your child’s individual needs. Throughout the consultation and assessment process, we will work together to arrive at a schedule that works best for your family.

ABA therapy at ACNC is provided in a one-on-one format so that each child always has the full support of a dedicated therapist, while still allowing opportunities for social interaction with peers. Every client has access to an individual therapy room that provides a focused environment free from distraction, in addition to customized play areas that offer a space for individual exploration and group activities.

Therapy may be more structured, as when the child and therapist are seated at a table engaged in a therapist-led activity, or more flexible and naturalistic, with learning opportunities embedded in the context of child-directed play. Often, a combination of these methods is used, in a proportion that can vary depending on the age of the client and the types of skills being addressed. Features common to both approaches include rigorous data collection (to chart progress and inform future treatment decisions) and the systematic application of positive reinforcement.

Most of all, we believe that learning should be fun and engaging, and we strive to provide every client with an experience that reflects this central commitment.

The behavior technician (BT) is responsible for directly implementing a client’s therapy program in a one-on-one format and collecting data to assess progress. Among ABA providers, other terms such as behavior therapist or line therapist are sometimes used interchangeably to describe this position.

The Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is responsible for directing and overseeing all aspects of a client’s treatment. This involves conducting formal assessments, creating individualized treatment plans, providing ongoing supervision of BTs, analyzing data, and modifying treatment protocols as needed.

A client’s therapy team typically consists of one BCBA and one or more BTs. At the onset of services we will assemble a therapy team whose particular expertise is matched to your child’s individual needs.

The involvement of parents and caregivers is an integral component of ABA therapy. Our aim is for your child’s success not to be limited to our clinic, but to extend to the home and broader community. With this goal in mind, we welcome the participation of parents and caregivers through collaborative training sessions in which we share effective strategies and techniques that you can apply to your child’s everyday environment. Together we will work to coordinate care and ensure your child is supported across all settings as they continue to grow and develop.

The effectiveness of ABA in treating deficits associated with autism has led to mandates in most states requiring insurance providers to cover ABA as a medically necessary treatment. While ABA has potentially diverse applications, autism is currently the only condition for which these mandates apply. For this reason, an ASD diagnosis is effectively a prerequisite to treatment. If your child does not yet have a diagnosis, but you have concerns regarding their development and are interested in an evaluation, please contact us to explore further options. We can provide guidance and resources for you to seek out an independent diagnostic evaluation and help ensure your child has access to the support they need.

In line with our specialization in early intervention, ACNC is currently accepting clients between the ages of 2 and 6.

Currently, we do not offer in-home therapy. The focus of ACNC is to provide our clients the highest quality therapy in an environment that is optimized for client progress and sensitive to the needs of the population we serve. We take pride in this mission, but also recognize the importance of seeing the gains of therapy at home. This is why we emphasize the collaborative nature of therapy and encourage frequent caregiver training sessions, so that your child’s success in treatment is not limited to our clinic, but extends to the home as well.