Service Category: Advise

Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy

Behavior analysis services begin with a behavioral assessment to identify which challenging behaviors to target for reduction and to help us learn why the challenging behaviors are occurring. After the assessment is complete, an individualized behavior intervention plan (BIP) will be designed by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) specifically for the client, to address the challenging behaviors using strategies and procedures based on the principles of behavior. Replacement behaviors are identified so clients can learn how to effectively navigate their natural environment and achieve their wants and needs in an appropriate manner.

ABA therapy is an intense therapy in terms of hours per week, which are typically between 15-40 hours per week. Therapy is done in blocks of 3-5 hours per day by a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), who is supervised regularly by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) to ensure quality services are being delivered. The high volume of hours is recommended and supported by research as ABA is the most effective treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder.

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ABA therapy is an evidenced based therapeutic approach scientifically proven to be one of the most effective interventions in the treatment of autism and related disorders. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychological Association among many other health related entities  acknowledge the benefits of ABA therapy in the treatment of children with autism.
According to the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (2017), ABA is the applied branch of the science of behavior analysis, originated in the 1950s and early 1960s when the experimental analysis of behavior – pioneered by B.F. Skinner-,  was merged with research on human development. These efforts were led by Sidney Bijou, a prominent american developmental psychologist . 
 
ABA therapy allows the practitioner to assess and treat a wide range of maladaptive  (innapropriate /excessive behaviors) that may interfere with your  child’s social adjustment and learning opportunities. Individualized procedures , based on principles of behavior analysis , are developed to help decrease or eliminate maladaptive behaviors.  In addition, areas in which the child demonstrates deficits are targeted and addressed; communication, social skills, play skills, attending skills,  in-seat behavior , self-care skills, pre-academic and academic skills among others. Structured and naturalistic teaching methods are utilized. Parent training is of high importance when conducting ABA therapy. The specific behaviors to be changed and the skills to be taught are identified after the initial assessment  is completed and  the behavior intervention plan has been developed by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. 

By law, most private insurances are required to pay for ABA services when a child is diagnosed with autism or a related disorder. We accept Medicaid, CMS, Tricare and many other private insurances. Please call (954) 302-8758  and we will be glad to verify your insurance coverage within 24-48 hours of your request. Private pay is also welcomed.

This varies by insurance company and is based on assessments results. Once therapy for your child has been approved you will receive a written notification from your insurance. We will also contact you as soon as we are informed.

Once we receive the script/prescription from your child’s physician we will immediately request authorization from the child’s insurance to conduct an initial behavioral assessment. After the assessment and behavior intervention plan are submitted and reviewed by an insurance representative,we will obtain approval to initiate behavior therapy. This process can take 1-4 weeks on average.