Evidence bases method
At ABA Center, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality Early Intervention to children using evidence-based methods. Our highly trained and experienced staff are committed to providing individualized treatment to help each child reach their full potential. We believe in working collaboratively with parents and other professionals to ensure the best outcomes for our clients. We strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children and families we serve.
What is ABA?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to understanding behavior and learning. It focuses on the principles that explain how learning takes place and how behavior can be modified. ABA is often used as a therapeutic approach, especially with individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but it has applications in various fields beyond autism.
Here are the key components of Applied Behavior Analysis:
1. **Behavioral Principles:** ABA is based on the understanding that behavior is learned and can be influenced by environmental factors. It uses principles of reinforcement, shaping, prompting, and fading to teach new behaviors and modify existing ones.
2. **Data-Driven Approach:** ABA relies on collecting and analyzing data to understand behavior patterns. This involves systematic observation and measurement of behaviors, allowing therapists to track progress and make informed decisions about interventions.
3. **Individualized Goals:** ABA interventions are tailored to the individual's needs, strengths, and challenges. Goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART), ensuring that progress can be effectively monitored.
4. **Functional Assessment:** ABA practitioners conduct functional assessments to understand the function or purpose of a behavior. This involves identifying what triggers or maintains the behavior, which helps in designing effective interventions.
5. **Interventions and Techniques:** ABA utilizes various techniques and strategies to teach new skills and reduce challenging behaviors. These may include discrete trial training, naturalistic teaching strategies, prompting, reinforcement strategies, and social skills training, among others.
6. **Generalization and Maintenance:** ABA aims to ensure that the learned behaviors generalize across different settings and are maintained over time, not just in therapy sessions but also in daily life situations.
ABA is often used in educational settings, clinics, homes, and community settings. It's highly individualized, and the strategies used can vary based on the specific needs and goals of each person receiving therapy. Overall, ABA aims to improve a person's quality of life by fostering positive behavioral changes and functional skills.
SLP - Speak Language Pathology
What is SLP?
SLP stands for Speech-Language Pathology, a specialized field of therapy that focuses on improving communication, speech, and language skills. Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of communication and swallowing disorders. For children, this often involves improving their ability to understand and express language, as well as helping them develop the necessary skills to interact socially.
How Does SLP Help Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Language Delays?
Children with autism or language delays often face challenges with communication and social interaction. Here’s how SLP can help:
1. Enhancing Communication Skills
• Verbal Communication: Helping children develop speech sounds, use words, phrases, and sentences to communicate their needs.
• Non-Verbal Communication: For non-verbal children, teaching alternative methods like sign language, picture exchange systems (PECS), or augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices.
2. Improving Social Communication
SLPs help children learn how to engage in social interactions by:
• Teaching turn-taking during conversations.
• Helping them understand and use gestures, facial expressions, and body language.
• Encouraging eye contact and listening during interactions.
3. Building Language Skills
• Receptive Language: Improving the child’s ability to understand instructions, questions, and conversations.
• Expressive Language: Supporting the child to express their ideas, feelings, and needs clearly.
4. Managing Problem Behaviors
• Many problem behaviors arise from frustration due to communication challenges. SLP can reduce these behaviors by giving the child tools to express themselves appropriately.
5. Addressing Specific Speech Disorders
SLPs work on:
• Articulation: Helping the child pronounce sounds and words correctly.
• Fluency: Addressing stuttering or other speech flow issues.
• Voice Disorders: Improving pitch, volume, or quality of voice.
​
6. Supporting Cognitive Communication
SLPs help children develop higher-level language skills like understanding abstract concepts, following multi-step instructions, and organizing their thoughts for storytelling or sharing ideas.
​
Why is SLP Important for Children with ASD or Language Delays?
Communication is essential for social interaction, learning, and building relationships. SLP ensures that children with autism and speech delays can better navigate their world, express themselves, and connect with others, significantly improving their quality of life.
Meet The Team
