How ABA Works

The Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) consults with the client/family to find out which goals are important to them.

The BCBA conducts assessments to determine current skill levels and the function (purpose) of problem behaviors.

The BCBA creates a treatment plan that includes goals for increasing skills and decreasing interfering behaviors.

We submit the treatment plan to the client's insurance company for preauthorization.

Once treatment is authorized by the insurance company, we meet with the client/family in their home and begin working toward treatment goals.

We provide intensive ABA therapy (typically 10 to 40 hours per week). The number of hours depends on the client's needs.

ABA therapy is provided by a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) under the direction and supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

We use Natural Environment Training (NET), Discrete Trial Training (DTT), Verbal Behavior Training, and Fluency Training as we work toward goals.

We track progress by taking data as we work.

We graph and analyze the data so we can see how progress is going.

We revise our treatment approaches as needed to promote progress.

We meet regularly with the client/family to report progress and provide parent/caregiver training.

When appropriate, we meet with the client's extended family, teachers, and healthcare providers to coordinate care.

We work to ensure that new skills/behaviors function across all relevant settings (for example, home, school, work, community) and with all involved people (for instance, family, friends, teachers, community members).

Reaching goals in ABA therapy is often a marathon rather than a sprint. Consistent, long-term treatment is typically needed for clients who face significant behavioral challenges and/or skill deficits.

We gradually fade our support as goals are met and the new skills and behaviors are shown to be maintained, resilient, and lasting.