Aspire's ABA Services

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based intervention that is individualized for each client and based on the science of learning and behavior. ABA helps us to understand why a behavior occurs and how the client’s environment affects their behavior. It refers to a set of principles that focus on increasing adaptive skills and decreasing maladaptive behavior.

Applied Behavior Analysis involves many techniques for understanding and changing behaviors through direct observation, data collection, and assessment.

• Interventions are adapted to meet the unique needs of each individual
• Interventions teaches skills that are useful in everyday life and settings: Communication with others, dressing, play skills, building independence, self-management
• Interventions work to decrease problem behaviors: Self-injury, aggression, property destruction

Interventions address a wide variety of skill-acquisition needs, in conjunction with addressing problem behaviors or any barriers to learning. These may include challenging behaviors such as aggression, attending issues or noncompliance. Focused interventions address a specific need, such as toileting or social skills.

The student will have opportunities to learn and practice skills each day. Learning opportunities may be both planned by the clinical team or naturally occurring, such as someone learning to greet others by saying, “hello.” The student may get the chance to practice this skill in the classroom with their teacher (planned scenario) or on the playground at recess (naturally occurring scenario).

ABA is effective for people of all ages. It can be used from early childhood through adulthood.

A Licensed Professional will perform a comprehensive assessment, including direct observation, reviewing background information of the individual client and interviews with the client’s caregivers. If services are deemed medically necessary, recommendations will be made. The team usually consists of a Behavioral Consultant (BC), who will perform a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)/Skills Assessment to pinpoint the function of a behavior and any skill deficits that should be addressed, while also developing a comprehensive treatment plan for the client.

A Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) will work individually with the client and their family in one or more settings (home, school and/or community), and they will implement the Treatment Plan created by the BC. The BC will oversee the work of the BHT to ensure compliance with the treatment plan.

Services are generally offered several times a week, with the amount of hours each week determined by medical necessity.