Our Services
Our Services Includes:
Individual Behavioral Therapy
At Autism and Behavior Services, we only implement the most scientifically-validated programs for improving language and communication skills. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the science to understanding and improvement of human behavior, which focuses on objectively defining observable behaviors of social significance (Cooper, Heron & Heward, 1987). The extensive use of applying behavioral techniques in teaching children with Autism (and related disabilities) to communicate has shown significant results. Teaching children to communicate is based upon Skinner’s Analysis of Verbal Behavior and over 20 years of empirical research in the journal, The Analysis of Verbal Behavior. Skills are broken down into its components, and then taught through a specific system of prompting and reinforcement, therefore setting the child up for success. As the child begins to master a skill, prompts are faded until the child can do the skill independently. We collect empirical data to direct us in analyzing treatment decisions. All programs are developed and monitored by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Social Skills Group
Our Social Skills Group consists of small groups with peers. Treatment programs are developed using the latest in assessment tools and research to determine each client needs. . The principles of ABA are implemented across all skills to increase play, imagination, advanced language concepts (conversation), engagement, interaction and socialization. Please note that each child needs to have pre-requisites skill before participating in a social skills group.
Workshops
ABS conducts workshops on a range of intervention topics. These can be tailored to a specific audience (e.g., parents, school personnel, administrators). Popular topics include: Behavior Interventions, Pivotal Response Training, Teaching Language, Play and Social Skills, Self-Management and Reducing Problem Behaviors.
Assessments
Before we start behavioral therapy, an assessment is completed. ABS currently offers two different assessments. The first assessment is The Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills-Revised (The ABLLS-R), developed by Partington (2006). It is utilized to assess the current language skills of the child, and determine all skill deficits across each verbal domain. The second assessment is Autism Screening Instrument for Educational Planning (ASIEP-2) The ASIEP-2 uses five components to provide data on five unique aspects of behavior with individuals from 18 months of age through adulthood. The components of the ASIEP-2 (a) examine behavior in five areas-sensory, relating, body concept, language, and social self-help; (b) sample vocal behavior; (c) assess interaction; (d) assess communication; and (e) determine learning rate. When combined, these sub tests provide a profile of abilities in spontaneous verbal behavior, social interaction, education level, and learning characteristics. A major feature of this instrument is the empirical evidence of the strong inter-correlation among the ASIEP-2 sub-tests and the utility of the battery to distinguish among groups of persons with a variety of disabilities. Percentiles and standard scores are provided for the five sub tests. The Third Assessment is The Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program: The VB-MAPP is a criterion-referenced assessment tool, curriculum guide, and skill tracking system that is designed for children with autism, and other individuals who demonstrate language delays. The VB-MAPP is based on B.F. Skinner's (1957) analysis of verbal behavior, established developmental milestones, and research from the field of behavior analysis. (www.marksundberg.com/vb-mapp.htm)
Functional Behavior Assessment
The first step in developing a valid behavioral treatment plan is to determine why the problem behavior occurs. This assessment is vital in determining what treatment to implement in order to effectively decrease the problem behavior. This assessment has two components: a functional assessment interview, in which the Behavior Analyst will ask you specific questions about the problem behavior, and direct observations will be conducted. Then Behavior Analyst will actually try to arrange situations in order to provoke the problem behavior to occur. Although this may seem unusual, it is necessary in order to accurately determine what the maintaining function of the behavior is.
Behavior Intervention Plan
Once a formal assessment has been conducted, and a treatment plan has been developed, the child’s caregivers are trained on how to collect data and implement the behavior protocols. Precise training is done so that the caregiver’s are able to effectively manipulate the environment in order to decrease inappropriate behaviors, and teach appropriate replacement behaviors.
Parent and Caregiver Training
In order for behavioral therapy to be effective, it is essential that all people who interact with the client are trained on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. We provide training to support parents to become “better experts” on their children. Some of the areas of the training includes: arranging the environment to support independence, being a responsive communication partner for the child, supporting the client's engagement and language development, teaching the child new skills, responding to problem behaviors, and collecting data.