FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is ABA Therapy?
ABA therapy is overseen by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board® (BACB®). The board certifies therapists implementing daily therapy as well as top level clinicians writing and implementing treatment plans.
At Crosby Learning Solutions, we practice applied behavior analysis, or ABA, which uses systematic, data-based methods to improve socially significant behaviors in children with autism. READ FACT SHEET
Multitudes of studies have shown that ABA is the most effective form of autism therapy. The AAP, U.S. Surgeon General and the CDC all endorse ABA therapy as the gold standard for Autism treatment. All aspects of ABA therapy are individualized to each client and their family.
What is the goal of ABA therapy?
ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis. The term applied means two things in ABA therapy.
- Programs implemented track behavior and help a child learn skills that are socially significant. In treatment, we reduce problematic behaviors while also increasing meaningful, socially important behaviors.
- Thoughtful programming by the behavior analyst helps children use their new skills in a variety of situations. One paramount goal of treatment is that the child will be able to generalize these new behaviors to all aspects of their environment; as well as with caregivers and friends, and not just with clinicians on the treatment team.
This page on the Autism Speaks website provides an excellent overview of the goal of ABA therapy:
https://www.autismspeaks.org/applied-behavior-analysis-aba-0
What are some elements of ABA therapy?
ABA Therapy typically involves the following elements:
- Initial and Ongoing Assessment: The ABA specialist conducts various assessments to get a clear baseline level of the child’s current behavior levels. Assessments tell us where the child is beginning on their learning journey. We measure many facets of behavior including language, social skills, expressive and receptive communication, as well as any challenging behaviors present. Throughout the duration of treatment, repeated assessment continues to guide our programming.
- Defining and Implementing the treatment plan: After assessment occurs, collaboration with the family as well as coordinating providers enables the specialist to develop the treatment plan. We select goals for the child that will directly impact and improve their daily life.
- Continued Support: Even after being discharged from therapy, Crosby Learning Solutions clinical team continues to support caregivers as well as patients as they transition to either a lesser intensive setting or a complete discharge from ABA therapy. Supports are put in place to ensure a smooth transition to the new learning setting.
What does ABA therapy look like?
Treatment goal areas typically come from the following categories:
- Adaptive and self-care independence
- Vocational skills
- Language and communication
- Social skills and relationships
- Attending and social referencing
- Self-management skills
- Cognitive functioning
- Play and leisure skills
- Pre-academic readiness
- Self-advocacy
- Emotional identification and development
- Community participation
- Reduction of inappropriate or barrier behaviors
- Coping and tolerance skills
- Safety awareness
With the right interventions through ABA therapy, children can improve their behaviors and reach their full potential.
Who will be implementing ABA therapy with my child?
Do you accept insurance?
Crosby Learning Solutions is in network with most major insurance carriers. In an effort to better serve all families, we continually work to become in-network with an increasing number of insurance carriers. At this time, we accept United Healthcare, Magellan, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.