Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy

Applied Behavior Analysis

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy focuses on socially significant behaviors by teaching a variety of skills for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

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ABA Therapy focuses on socially significant behaviors by teaching a variety of skills including reducing challenging behaviors and increasing skills that are important in daily life, like communication and social skills.

What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy?

You most likely have encountered the term Applied Behavioral Analysis. Maybe you came across it while conducting research on your own or during a conversation with a medical professional? Either way, ABA is one of many methods used to assist those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, also known as ASD, and these therapies are very successful at improving mental health! The scientific technique known as Applied Behavior Analysis has been used for decades to change people’s lives by teaching them new behaviors. It is the evidence-based treatment for children diagnosed with Autism. Research confirms intensive treatment improves a child’s overall development.

Tell me the purpose of ABA therapy?
ABA Therapy uses behavioral techniques to identify and employ specific solutions. The use of ABA Therapy has a variety of applications. ABA therapy is the approach that targets behavior patterns in particular ways, such as removing the plate from the dining room table or asking the parent to help them. In this way, ABA Therapists can target the environment’s response to an underlying behavior to achieve the desired outcomes.
How does ABA Therapy work?

ABA Therapy is provided by a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and/or a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Applied Behavior Analysis uses scientific and systematic processes to help influence an individual’s behavior. ABA Therapy motivates children through exciting, positive, and natural opportunities, and focuses on the principles that explain how learning takes place. ABA Therapy is a systematic approach focusing on socially significant behaviors for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder by taking a skill and breaking it down, and reinforcing the completion of each step. For instance:

  • Getting dressed
  • Going to dentist
  • Potty training

ABA services are conducted 1 on 1 at our clinics in Illinois and Tennessee, at the child’s home, or at the child’s school/daycare. Services are also provided through Telehealth.

Mobile Therapy Centers clinics include several Mock Rooms where children can practice real life skills, in real life environments. Some of the rooms are a Restaurant, Dentist Office, Hair Salon, Classrooms w/Smart Board Technology, just to name a few. MTC’s therapists work with the child using these mock rooms to simulate and practice skills associated with participating, also known as desensitization.

What should I expect from ABA Therapy?
Every child is different, and every therapy program varies. Still, in general, kids who participate in ABA Therapy see improvement in their behavior and abilities. For example, they learn how to take turns during an interaction, ask for what they want, and follow instructions like “Go brush your teeth”. Some therapists might recommend switching things up so that kids learn tasks in different contexts; others might stick with the same setting to provide consistency.
Therapy is individualized because each child is different!
When should I start Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy?
It would help if you started ABA Therapy right away, ideally before a child turns three years old. The earlier you start, the better – research shows that the younger a child is when beginning ABA therapy, the more successful it can be.
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Can Applied Behavior Analysis be used with other treatments?

Yes, ABA therapy can be used alongside other behavioral therapies. Many of our clients also receive a combination of services along with Applied Behavior Analysis, including Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Feeding Therapy and Counseling services, as appropriate.

ABA has many benefits for kids with Autism. First, because it involves applying reinforcement to behaviors you want to increase, your child is more likely to repeat the socially significant behaviors. This makes it easier for parents and therapists alike to teach new skills by breaking down goals into discrete steps that are easy for children to understand.

ABA therapy breaks down tasks into minute details and helps support success with those details leading up to the full task. For example, using a mock room of a dental office to help a child be able to walk into the room, touch the dental chair, sit in the dental chair, tolerate the light being on, having a toothbrush in their mouth, etc. Another example, by praising a child at every step they take toward putting on their shoes, you can help them learn what it means to “get dressed.”

SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF AUTISM ARE:
How much does ABA Therapy Cost?
Mobile Therapy Centers is in-network with most commercial insurance companies and all TennCare providers. Contact us for more information.
WHY CHOOSE ABA AT MOBILE THERAPY CENTERS?
Our approach includes a family centered treatment plan that works collaboratively with all professionals involved in your child’s care to ensure the best outcome possible.
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Therapy services are provided at our clinic in Libertyville, IL, at your home or at your child’s school/daycare to fit all of your families needs.
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We know your time is valuable! By having all of our services in one place, Mobile Therapy Centers is convenient for families and maximizes time for those who receive multiple services.

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MOBILE THERAPY CENTERS OFFERS:
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Free Developmental Screenings & Consultations
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ABA
Therapy
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Speech & Language Therapy
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Occupational
Therapy

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Behavioral
Therapy
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Mental Health Counseling
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Early Comprehensive Autism Treatment/Continued Autism Treatment
All of our BCBA’s at Mobile Therapy Centers are trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). This therapy provides kids with practice in being in the present moment, experiencing their feelings in a new way, and letting go of thoughts that do not serve them. ACT is an empirically based psychological intervention. BCBA’s use ACT along with traditional ABA Therapy interventions to help individuals with ASD live valued lives and gain psychological flexibility. In other words, ACT can help individuals learn to persist through challenges and be in the moment, rather than worrying about the past or what is to come in the future.

SCHEDULE APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS​ SERVICES AT MOBILE THERAPY CENTERS 

If you have any questions regarding Applied Behavior Analysis, please call us at 800-977-9072 to schedule a FREE consultation/screening.

Elaina Pagliarulo AACOTA/L, AAT Handler

Elaina is a part of our MTC Occupational Therapy Department and received an education from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, McHenry County College, and Husson University. She has a strong passion for working with both animals and children. Elaina has always wanted to incorporate both of these passions into her career and is incredibly excited to bring Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) to Mobile Therapy Centers!

MTC's Therapy Dog: Rocky

Rocky is an Australian Mountain Doodle who loves to learn, play, and meet new people. Rocky joined our MTC team when he was just 8 weeks old and has been training to support the clients of MTC from day one. His kind and loving nature makes him the perfect match for Animal-Assisted Therapy, and Rocky can not wait to meet all his new friends through the MTC AAT program!