Unlock Potential and Nurture Growth With Therapyland
At Therapyland, we understand that children with autism spectrum disorder and other special needs must be nurtured and supported in different ways in order to reach their potential and maximize their independence. As such, we use evidence-based practices and clinical expertise to provide the very best collaborative therapy services in a more natural environment.
One autism treatment that has been shown to be effective is applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy. Our ABA techniques focus on helping children with autism spectrum disorders, communication disorders, and other developmental disabilities learn skills for independent functioning, improve socially significant behaviors, and interact with the world around them.
What Is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a form of therapy that has been clinically proven to help children with autism and other divergent intellectual functioning to learn, grow, and live more independently. Traditional ABA therapy focuses on modifying desired behaviors through offering positive reinforcement, teaching new skills, and providing a supportive environment. It is based on the principles of applied behavior analysis, which is a science that studies the relationship between behavior and environment.
ABA is the process of systematically applying interventions based upon the principles of learning theory to improve socially significant behaviors to a meaningful degree, and to demonstrate that the interventions employed are responsible for the improvement in behavior (Baer, Wolf & Risley, 1968; Sulzer-Azaroff & Mayer, 1991).
Early Intervention and Positive Consequence
At Therapyland, we have a team of highly skilled and experienced specialists, including a board-certified behavior analyst, that collaborate to design comprehensive ABA programs tailored to each child’s individual needs. Our focus is to work on a child’s behavior by expanding communication skills, developing play skills, increasing social awareness, teaching pre-academic and academic skills, improving independent self-help skills, and following school or social routines. Each program is individualized to the child’s needs and learning style.
We use a variety of ABA principles and techniques, such as discrete trial instruction (DTI), incidental teaching, task analysis instruction, fluency-based instruction, pivotal response training (PRT), and verbal behavior intervention. Our aim is to help children understand and use language, expand communication skills, develop social skills, and replace unwanted behavior with more appropriate ones.
Our Applied Behavior Analysis Process
We use a structured and systematic approach to ABA therapy. Our process begins with an initial assessment to determine the child’s current level of functioning, identify areas of need, and set goals. We then use data-driven methods to reinforce desired behaviors, reduce challenging or unwanted behaviors, and improve functioning across all environments.
Therapyland’s ABA program includes:
- Functional Behavior Assessment
- Behavior Intervention Plan
- Implementation and Parent Training
- Ongoing Progress Monitoring
Who Can Benefit From ABA Therapy?
The following are general indicators that a child may benefit from a behavioral evaluation and ABA therapy services:
- Difficulty with communication, including verbal and nonverbal.
- Little interest in peers and prefers to play alone.
- Little interest in age-appropriate toys and play skills.
- Atypical behavior that includes, but is not limited to, hand flapping, spinning, humming, vocal stimming, tip-toe walking, looking out of corners of eyes, covering ears, mouthing objects.
- Interest in an object vs. the function of that object; for instance, spinning the wheels of a toy car vs. rolling it around the room.
- Aggressive or self-injurious behavior.
- Repetitive behavior, such as opening and closing cabinet doors, lining up toys, playing with lights, doorknobs, or faucets.
- Difficulty with age-appropriate self-help skills, such as toileting, washing hands, or brushing teeth.
- Attention and organizational problems with school tasks.
- Difficulty with social interaction, including spatial awareness
- Difficulty with feeding, food aversions and textures, and/or a very limited diet.
- Difficulty regulating activity levels and is often hyperactive.
- Frequent emotional outbursts or “meltdowns” in behavior.
How Long Do Children Typically Need ABA Therapy?
The length of time a child needs regular ABA therapy sessions depends on the type of program implemented, the goals of the child’s therapist and family members, and the child’s progress. ABA involves ongoing therapy with modifications made to satisfy the child’s ever-evolving needs as they grow older.
What Success Looks Like With ABA Programs
Success looks different for each child, but generally includes improved communication skills, social and emotional skills, learning skills, and self-help skills; increased independence in activities of daily living; decreased challenging behaviors; and improved academic performance. Ultimately, our goal is teaching behaviors to help children reach their fullest potential and lead more meaningful life.
If you think your child could benefit from applied behavior analysis therapy, contact us today to learn more about our services in Alpharetta, Lawrenceville, and Kennesaw, Georgia.
