FAQs

Frequently-Asked Questions About ABA Therapy.

ABA Therapy proves highly effective when a child faces challenges in learning, acquiring essential skills, experiencing difficulties in communication, or displaying disruptive behaviors that hinder their daily functioning.

Extensive research comparing ABA with alternative therapy and education approaches demonstrates that children undergoing ABA treatment exhibit more significant improvements across a broader range of skill areas compared to those participating in alternative programs. In a comprehensive and enduring research study on ABA Therapy, results underscored that 90% of the children in the study made substantial enhancements in their learning and communication abilities.

Notably, ABA is endorsed as an evidence-based, best-practice treatment both by the U.S. Surgeon General and the American Psychological Association. This recognition signifies that ABA has successfully withstood rigorous scientific evaluations attesting to its efficacy, quality, and effectiveness.

During therapy sessions, the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) collaborates with the individual on the autism spectrum and their support team to establish a specific goal and then deconstruct it into smaller, manageable steps. To illustrate, the process of learning how to wash hands might be divided into the following sequential components:

  • Turning on the faucet
  • Wetting hands
  • Picking up the soap
  • Lathering hands
  • Rinsing hands
  • Turning off the faucet
  • Drying hands with a towel

For each successfully completed step, a positive response is applied, which could take the form of a reward or a naturally occurring reinforcer within the environment. Undesired behaviors are typically disregarded, and the individual is gently guided back toward practicing the target skill. The types of rewards employed vary according to the individual's preferences and interests, which might include expressions of praise, access to a favorite toy or book, or the opportunity to watch TV.

The core tools utilized by ABA practitioners consist of positive reinforcement and repetition. Importantly, the use of punishment as a means to elicit desired behaviors is discouraged and should not be employed in ABA therapy.

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ABA therapy is frequently employed to assist individuals, both children and adults, on the autism spectrum in managing harmful or risky behaviors. Typically, the therapy commences by identifying the unsafe behavior, delving into the triggers, and then teaching a safer alternative response.

For instance, if an individual frequently engages in head-banging, resulting in self-injury, the therapist's initial step is to comprehend the underlying causes of this behavior. They might pose questions such as:

  • Who was present?
  • What occurred before, during, and after the behavior?
  • When did it take place?
  • Where did it occur?
  • What might the individual be attempting to convey through this behavior?

The responses to these inquiries aid therapists in grasping the root causes of the behavior and how to facilitate safer means of communication for the individual. It's crucial to recognize that a single behavior can have multiple causes and serve more than one purpose.

In this particular example, the therapist might discover that the head-banging tends to happen in noisy environments and serves two primary functions:

  1. It serves as a way for the individual to communicate their overwhelm and need for a quiet place to relax.
  2. It results in their family members removing them from the overwhelming situation.

Subsequently, the therapist collaborates with the individual to instruct them in safer methods of requesting or obtaining quiet time. For instance, they may teach the individual to use noise-canceling headphones or retreat to a quiet room when feeling overstimulated. Additionally, the individual can learn to use or point to the word "loud" as a means of communicating their need for a less stimulating environment to those around them.

In this manner, ABA therapy helps prevent self-harm by imparting healthy communication skills and strategies that enable individuals to express their needs safely. It's essential to underscore that ABA therapy should focus on understanding and meeting the autistic person's needs while teaching safe and effective ways to achieve them.

Interventions based on ABA therapy have demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing language proficiency, cognitive capabilities, adaptive behavior, social skills, and in mitigating anxiety and aggression.

The National Institute of Mental Health underscores the significance of ABA therapy, stating, "Out of the numerous approaches employed for the treatment and education of individuals with autism, applied behavior analysis (ABA) has gained widespread acceptance as a highly effective treatment."

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is widely regarded as the foremost standard in autism treatment. It boasts a substantial foundation of research and carries the endorsement of prominent healthcare authorities, including the United States Surgeon General, as a highly effective approach for addressing autism in children. Nevertheless, akin to many aspects of life, ABA therapy possesses both advantages and disadvantages.

The Advantages of ABA Therapy

  1. Proven Effectiveness: One of the foremost advantages of ABA therapy is its proven effectiveness. It stands as a treatment approach supported by both the American Psychological Association and the United States Surgeon General, designated as an evidence-based, best-practice treatment. This designation underscores the wealth of studies demonstrating the efficacy of ABA therapy in the context of autism treatment.
  2. Customized Treatment Plans: ABA therapy is highly adaptable and personalized to suit the individual needs of each child. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. The active ABA therapy process commences only after a thorough assessment by a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) who meticulously evaluates the child's age, abilities, and specific requirements. Subsequently, a comprehensive treatment plan is devised based on these observations.Furthermore, ABA therapy can be employed to teach a wide array of skills, ranging from precise and concrete abilities to abstract and intricate ones. For instance, one child with autism might focus on learning the alphabet, while another may work on sharing toys during classroom interactions—two vastly different but equally vital skills.
  3. Empowering Parents: ABA therapy extends empowerment to parents of children with autism. Most ABA therapy treatment plans incorporate "parent training," enabling parents or caregivers to apply ABA principles at home. During these sessions, a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) or BCBA instructs the child's parent or caretaker on how to support skill development within the home environment. This proves particularly valuable for daily living activities such as dressing, toileting, and household chores. ABA therapy empowers parents to actively contribute to their child's progress toward greater independence and equips them to address maladaptive behaviors while promoting the cultivation of positive behavior patterns. LEARN MORE ABOUT PARENT & FAMILY COACHING

The Drawbacks of ABA Therapy

  1. Time-Consuming Nature: A notable drawback of ABA therapy is its substantial time commitment. Research has demonstrated that both intensity and duration are crucial for effective ABA treatment. While the minimum recommendation is 10 hours of ABA therapy weekly, many children with autism require more extensive therapy, ranging from 20 to 40 hours per week. Moreover, ABA therapy often spans months or even years, making it a long-term endeavor.
  2. Delayed Results: ABA therapy does not yield immediate results, as it is not designed for quick fixes. This is due to the fact that ABA therapy encompasses not only the teaching of discrete and tangible skills but also the development of fluid social skills, such as play. Children with autism require time to grasp the concept of play, identify enjoyable forms of play, learn how to engage with peers during play, and more.It is worth noting that progress in ABA therapy is not always linear. Learning new skills can be challenging and occasionally overwhelming. A child undergoing ABA therapy may encounter challenging days, often attributed to sensory overload and the intricacies of skill acquisition.
  3. Potential Expense: While ABA therapy is recognized as an effective autism treatment by major medical authorities, the cost can be a concern, particularly without insurance coverage. While most insurance plans cover ABA therapy, some may resist providing coverage. Navigating the insurance landscape can be a frustrating process without expert guidance.At Kidz Companion, we are committed to transparency throughout the ABA treatment journey. Our administrative team possesses a comprehensive understanding of insurance plans and documentation, and we can offer valuable assistance in managing the insurance process for your child's ABA therapy. To explore further details about ABA therapy, please feel free to reach out to our team at 1-561-922-9178.

Children diagnosed with autism experience substantial improvements when they receive ABA therapy administered by Kidz Companion. Furthermore, the positive effects of this therapy extend beyond the child to encompass various individuals in their life, including family members, friends, educators, caregivers, medical professionals, and others.

Individuals of all age groups, including both children and adults, can derive substantial benefits from ABA-based treatment. Nonetheless, the optimal time to commence ABA therapy is typically within the age range of 18-months to 6 years old, with an emphasis on the earlier the better. Research consistently demonstrates the effectiveness of early intervention in ABA therapy.

Nevertheless, it's important to recognize that older children and teenagers can also experience significant advantages from ABA therapy, demonstrating its applicability and benefits across a wide spectrum of age groups.

Early intervention plays a key role in addressing challenging behavior, enhancing IQ, and facilitating the acquisition of age- and developmentally-appropriate language and learning skills, effectively preparing children for kindergarten and beyond.

The sooner a child receives ABA therapy, the better equipped he or she will be to grow into a productive learner in the classroom. In turn, this can reduce problem behaviors and boost an ability to learn.

When a child with ASD starts ABA therapy after beginning school, they may already lag behind their peers in terms of meeting developmental and academic milestones.

LEARN MORE ABOUT EARLY INTERVENTION

Play therapy is a therapeutic approach in which a trained therapist employs play, toys, and interactive games to assist children in delving into, expressing, and navigating their emotional challenges in a safe and supportive environment.

On the other hand, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) focuses on instructing children in functional and specific skills with the ultimate goal of fostering their personal independence within the community. These skills encompass essential abilities such as forming friendships, effective communication, self-regulation, sharing, following basic instructions, and seeking assistance when needed.

ABA is an effective approach that benefits individuals of all ages. While the application of therapy may vary between young children, adolescents, and adults, the fundamental principles remain consistent. ABA can be instrumental in helping adults achieve their desired goals, which may encompass skills such as:

  • Developing strategies for coping with waiting
  • Utilizing public transportation effectively
  • Acquiring other skills that enhance their independence in various settings, including home, the community, or the workplace

It's worth noting that autistic individuals past the age of 14 often encounter challenges in obtaining formal ABA therapy funding through private insurance. As a result, adults typically incorporate ABA principles more informally into their daily lives. For instance, someone striving to greet others by saying "hello" may practice this skill at the grocery store or during a neighborhood walk rather than within a clinical setting. Likewise, a parent employing positive reinforcement to teach their child how to use public transportation is applying ABA principles.

With less in-clinic support, parents, family members, and caregivers often assume a more active role in facilitating ABA-based learning for this age group. The key to success lies in providing positive reinforcement for their efforts, whether it comes from a therapist, family member, or the environment.

To support autistic adults in achieving their goals using ABA principles, families can:

  • Collaborate to identify the specific goals or skills they wish to work on.
  • Encourage independence by prompting them to complete tasks autonomously, using verbal, visual, and physical cues as necessary.
  • Break down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps, incorporating visual aids or communication supports when needed to illustrate each step.
  • Dedicate time to work on these goals together daily, repeating activities until they are mastered.
  • Recognize and reward positive behaviors, while redirecting and ignoring negative behaviors.

If any self-harming behaviors emerge, promptly engage with the individual's care team to closely examine these behaviors, identify underlying causes, and establish goals aimed at ensuring their safety.

The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) approach, along with its techniques, can be instrumental in supporting children with autism in enhancing various aspects of their development. This includes improvements in social skills, self-care skills, communication skills, play skills, and their capacity to self-regulate behavior. Furthermore, ABA can contribute to a reduction in challenging behaviors such as inattention, aggression, and screaming.

ABA therapy plays a pivotal role in facilitating your child's acquisition of essential skills encompassing social, communication, reading, adaptive learning, fine motor, grooming, hygiene, and domestic capabilities. Additionally, it aids in addressing and mitigating unwanted or hazardous behaviors.

Our team of professionals, including Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) and Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), collaborates with individuals on the autism spectrum. They employ effective learning tools and employ positive reinforcement strategies to support your child's growth.

Through consistent therapy sessions conducted either at your home, your child can develop the skills required for building successful relationships, excelling in education, and pursuing meaningful employment opportunities.

Upon receiving a diagnosis of autism and completing the necessary insurance and referral procedures, the next step involves initiating the initial ABA assessment. At Kidz Companion, all ABA assessments are conducted in the child's home environment, where they tend to feel most at ease. This approach not only allows for a comprehensive evaluation but also enables us to assess the child within the familiar family setting.

When our highly trained and board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) with a master's degree arrives for the assessment, their first interaction is with the child's parents and any other caregivers. This initial meeting serves to understand the family's needs and priorities better.

Subsequently, the BCBA engages with the child, often through play, while evaluating their responses to various instructions, demands, and changes in the environment. Parents are not only welcomed but actively encouraged to be present during this assessment, which typically spans around four hours.

Following the completion of the assessment, the BCBA meticulously reviews their findings with the family. They then provide a comprehensive recommendation for ABA therapy, including the suggested number of service hours per week to address the child's specific needs effectively.

The level of service intensity is determined by considering various factors, including the child's age, developmental stage, the severity of behaviors, and the family's objectives. Following the initial assessment conducted by the board-certified behavior analyst, a personalized treatment plan is crafted for the child, and from this assessment, the appropriate treatment plan and intensity recommendation are established.

A Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) assumes the role of supervising the treatment program. They begin by conducting comprehensive assessments and utilizing the findings to craft a tailored therapy plan. Moreover, they continually evaluate session outcomes and adapt treatment plans to align with the client's objectives.

BCBAs have undergone extensive training in behavioral psychology and hold a master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. They have also dedicated 1500 hours to working as therapists under the guidance of qualified supervisors. It's important to note that the BCBA certification exam is challenging, boasting a pass rate of only 50%. You can have confidence in the expertise and professionalism of our BCBAs when it comes to your child's treatment.

Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) play a hands-on role in delivering therapy directly to the client. These ABA therapists are responsible for implementing the behavior plans meticulously crafted by the BCBA. In addition, they diligently gather crucial data and cultivate strong and supportive relationships with both the client and their family.

Among the specific duties of an RBT are:

  1. Executing measurement procedures
  2. Aiding in assessments
  3. Enacting therapy plans
  4. Maintaining open and effective communication with both the client's family and the overseeing BCBA

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a broad array of conditions characterized by difficulties in social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication.

ASD is categorized as a "spectrum condition," indicating that its effects can vary significantly from one person to another. It is not unusual for individuals with autism to also contend with intellectual disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), learning challenges, or mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The impact of ASD can vary, with some individuals experiencing more pronounced effects than others.

ASD can manifest uniquely in each individual. Broadly, individuals on the autism spectrum exhibit distinctive approaches to learning, responses to stimuli, behavioral patterns, and modes of communication.

Some of the most prevalent symptoms associated with autism encompass:

  • Challenges in forming social connections.
  • Avoidance of eye contact.
  • Difficulty articulating needs using conventional language.
  • Repetitive actions or behaviors.
  • Resistance to adapting to new routines, people, or environments.
  • Unusual responses to sensory stimuli related to taste, smell, appearance, touch, or sound.
  • Interest in social interactions but uncertainty in engaging with others.
  • Struggles in comprehending others' emotions or expressing their own.
  • Limited engagement in imaginative or pretend play.
  • A tendency to not follow others' pointing gestures.
  • A lack of initiative in pointing to objects to express interest.
  • Heightened sensitivity to sensory experiences, such as sound, crowds, or textures.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) stands as a therapy method rooted in evidence-based practices, employed to address and manage behavioral disabilities and disorders effectively. Its primary objective is to modify a child's behavior when it becomes disruptive or poses harm to the child or those around them.

ABA therapy strategies demonstrate their utility across a diverse spectrum of conditions, including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, intellectual disabilities, and Asperger's syndrome. Moreover, they can be of great assistance for children facing anxiety and various other mental health challenges.

Children with the following conditions stand to gain substantial benefits from ABA therapy:

  1. Autism spectrum disorder.
  2. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
  3. Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
  4. Oppositional defiant disorder.
  5. Post-traumatic stress disorder.
  6. Panic disorder.
  7. Traumatic brain injury sufferers.

To get started with ABA therapy with Kidz Companion, family members can complete this form or call 1-561-922-9178.  From there, our client services team will guide you through the three steps to begin your ABA journey.

To expedite this journey, it’s helpful to have the following documents required by most insurance companies.

  • A copy of the front AND back of your child’s insurance card.
  • The comprehensive diagnostic evaluation for your child signed by a Clinical Psychologist or a MD that includes standardized testing and scores.

A referral for ABA therapy signed by a physician that notes the diagnosis code for autism (F84.0). This is sometimes written on a prescription pad.

ABA therapy is a valuable tool for addressing lifestyle challenges in individuals, both children and adults, who are dealing with autism or other mental and physical health conditions. Additionally, it can be employed to address conditions such as anxiety, anger management issues, dementia, and substance abuse.

Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) doesn't rely on medical tests, making it a somewhat challenging process. The most effective approach to identifying whether your child has ASD involves closely observing their behavior and monitoring their developmental milestones.

It's worth noting that early diagnosis significantly enhances the potential benefits of ABA therapy. Autism can be diagnosed in children as young as 18 months old. To initiate the assessment process, consider consulting your pediatrician or reaching out to us at Kidz Companion for a comprehensive evaluation.

ADHD and ASD are distinct conditions; they are not identical. Nevertheless, there is a significant overlap in symptoms between ADHD and ASD, which can sometimes make it challenging to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. While both are categorized as neurodevelopmental disorders, they differ in various aspects.

If you suspect that your child may have received an incorrect diagnosis of either condition, there's no need for hesitation in advocating for them. Our team of specialists at Kidz Companion is readily available to provide assistance and support in your pursuit of the right diagnosis and appropriate care.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DEVELOPMENT DISORDERS

The availability of coverage for ABA therapy depends on various factors. Some insurance providers do offer coverage for ABA therapy. We invite you to reach out to us, and we would be delighted to assist you in determining the specifics of your insurance coverage.

Kidz Companion has two offices in Florida; one in Hollywood in Broward County and the other in Boca Raton in Palm Beach County. However, Kidz Companion provides ABA therapy services throughout the state of Florida. These services are provided in our client's homes. 

Over the past five decades, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy has undergone substantial transformations since its inception. In the 1970s, its primary application was centered around children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), rooted in a rigid behaviorist model that concentrated solely on observable behaviors. The therapy was notably intensive, often extending to sessions lasting up to 40 hours per week.

However, as our comprehension of ASD advanced, ABA therapy underwent a corresponding evolution. Today's ABA therapy is characterized by increased flexibility and individualization. Therapists now consider each child's distinctive needs and unique experiences, collaborating closely with families to devise treatment plans tailored to their specific requirements.

Furthermore, modern ABA therapy places greater emphasis on positive reinforcement as opposed to punitive measures. This approach has proven to be more effective in facilitating the acquisition of new skills and enhancing behavior, simultaneously fostering self-esteem and confidence in children with ASD.

Moreover, there is a growing recognition within the field of ABA therapy regarding the significance of adopting a holistic approach to address ASD. This comprehensive approach encompasses not only observable behaviors but also delves into the underlying emotional, cognitive, and sensory facets that might contribute to these behaviors.

Collectively, these shifts in ABA therapy over the past half-century signify an enhanced understanding of ASD and the demand for more compassionate and personalized treatment approaches. While there remains work to be done in this arena, these advancements offer hope for a brighter future for individuals with ASD and their families.

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