ABA Therapy ~ Behavior Consultation ~ Professional Development
801-674-5352
WHAT IS ABA?
We’re so glad you asked! ABA is an evidence-based scientific discipline that focuses on the analysis, design, implementation, and evaluation of social and environmental modifications to produce meaningful changes in human behavior. ABA is based on the idea that an individual’s behavior is determined by past and current environmental events in addition to any genetics and physiological variables. Through the use of assessments, interviews, and observations, the ABA supervisor will identify these environmental events. (BACB
WHO WILL BE WORKING WITH ME? ARE THEY LICENSED OR CREDENTIALED?
All staff who work directly with our clients are required to complete 40 hours of supervised training and pass an exam in order to become certified as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). This credential is also required under our governing body, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). In addition, the supervisor of your program is certified as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and is licensed through the state of Utah under the Department of Professional Licensing.
HOW SOON WILL I SEE BEHAVIOR CHANGE?
There’s a lot of variables involved here. ABA is not a one-size-fits-all approach and it is driven by data collection, which allows us to analyze improvement and determine whether any changes need to be made to the program to help the child be more successful.
It is important to keep in mind that ups and downs commonly occur, and this is ok! Progress is largely dependent on number of hours of therapy per week, parent involvement, involvement in other therapies and services (Speech, Occupational Therapy, School etc.), and consistency with holding to sessions each week. Taking days off, illness, and frequent schedule changes can halt or slow down progress if it happens often enough. Consistency, consistency, consistency!!
HOW INVOLVED DO PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS NEED TO BE?
We highly recommend parents, siblings, and other family members or caregivers have involvement in all aspects of the ABA therapy. Caregivers frequently have great insight and perspective about the client’s functioning, history, and preferences which can be of huge help when designing behavior change programs and creating goals. Parents who work to incorporate ABA strategies and principles outside of ABA sessions can have a huge impact on how quickly the child learns and maintains skills.
HOW IS ABA THERAPY DIFFERENT FROM COUNSELING OR MENTAL HEALTH THERAPY
ABA is not mental health therapy, cognitive therapy, counseling, psychotherapy. ABA Therapy focuses on changing observable behavior in the environments the behavior occurs. Mental Health Therapy is more subjective and relies heavily on verbal reporting and conversation about internal events such as emotions, memories, and thoughts. Many people find that they can benefit from ABA Therapy in addition to mental health therapy.
CAN ABA THERAPY BE PROVIDED AT SCHOOL?
If it is appropriate, we will provide services in schools if that is where the behaviors that you want to change occur. There are limitations on what the school and insurance companies allow so it is important to contact them and ask if an outside ABA Therapy provider can provide services in the school.