ABA Therapy
FAQ's about ABA Therapy
My doctor has prescribed Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) as a treatment for my child. Now what?
After a referral is accepted, a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will ask the family to complete an intake packet. This packet includes background information and consent forms for assessments. The BCBA will then conduct both indirect assessments (such as questionnaires) and direct assessments to determine your child's current skill levels and areas of need. For certain behaviors, a functional behavior assessment may also be performed.
Once all assessments and questionnaires are complete, the BCBA will discuss a report outlining the assessment results and potential treatment goals with the parents. After agreeing on the goals and treatment approaches, intervention will begin, along with ongoing data collection, to create meaningful and positive changes in the client’s life.
My child does not have Autism but we're having behavioral problems at home. How can ABA help?
ABA is a systematic approach to changing behavior, and its principles extend beyond any single diagnosis. To address problem behaviors, we examine the Antecedent (what happens before the behavior), the Behavior (what the client is doing), and the Consequence (what happens immediately after the behavior) to determine the function of the behavior. By identifying the function, we can design interventions tailored to the client’s specific needs.
Assessments are also used to evaluate skill levels and current functional abilities, helping us create an effective intervention plan. All interventions include parent training sessions to ensure learning is generalized and applied in various settings.
What will ABA Therapy look like?
Short answer: It depends. We consider factors like age, current skill levels, functional living skills, and family dynamics to determine the best practices and next steps. Since every child is unique, no intervention will be exactly the same, but here’s a general overview of our approach:
At Paramount Interventions, we prioritize natural environment teaching for every learner. We believe that just as we wouldn’t expect a neurotypical two-year-old to sit at a desk and complete tasks, we shouldn’t expect that from a child receiving ABA therapy. We focus on generalizing skills in real-life settings to support lifelong learning, regardless of the child’s age.
For early learners, ABA therapy should be engaging and resemble play. Initially, you’ll see our therapists getting to know your child through playful interactions and natural conversations without any demands. This process, known as "pairing," helps build rapport with your child. Once a strong relationship is established, we gradually introduce demands in a seamless and supportive manner.
I have goals that I would like the therapist to work on. Is this possible?
Absolutely! Our goal is to make socially significant changes, and it's crucial that these changes are effective within the client's environment. As a caregiver, it's important to consider any underlying skill deficits when choosing goals, as these can impact progress. For example, if a parent wants their five-year-old to write their name but the child struggles with sitting at a table or has poor motor control, we might first focus on developing these foundational skills before starting with writing their name.
How does one become a BCBA? What qualifies this person to work with my child?
Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCEAs) are certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). To become a BCBA, applicants must earn a Master’s degree and complete a BACB-approved course sequence at the master’s level. Additionally, each applicant must complete 1,500 hours of supervised ABA experience under the guidance of an experienced BCBA. After meeting these requirements, applicants must pass a board exam to become an independent practitioner. For more information about ABA and certification requirements, visit www.bacb.com.​
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Will I be trained as the parent in ABA?
Yes! At Paramount Interventions, we are dedicated to carrying over and generalizing skills as quickly and effectively as possible. We work closely with parents to enhance both their child's skills and their own. We build upon the great work you’re already doing and add an "ABA twist" to keep the progress moving forward.