Autism Care — Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
In-home Autism Care Available!
For someone with autism, it can be challenging to work with a new therapist. Our autism-care therapists can bring their expertise to the environment where the client is most comfortable—home. ABA therapy uses proven learning techniques to improve behaviors and skills of children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and decrease the need for special services. IHC’s Autism Care service works toward the following goals:
- Learn crucial life skills
- Reduce problem behaviors
- Build up inherent strengths
- Develop social and communication skills
Autism Care —
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
In-home Autism Care Available!
For someone with autism, it can be challenging to work with a new therapist. Our autism-care therapists can bring their expertise to the environment where the client is most comfortable—home. ABA therapy uses proven learning techniques to improve behaviors and skills of children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and decrease the need for special services. IHC’s Autism Care service works toward the following goals:
- Learn crucial life skills
- Reduce problem behaviors
- Build up inherent strengths
- Develop social and communication skills
About ABA Centers of America
We help families create their future by guiding children to learn, grow and become members of their communities.
ABA Therapy at ABA Centers of America involves the following basic steps:
- Assessment—skills and abilities are measured
- Goal Setting—specific, reachable objectives are set to address desired skills
- Custom Planning—a program is developed to teach target skills
- Evaluation—measuring targeted skills and making changes to the program if necessary
Our treatment begins with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) getting to know your family. They will conduct an assessment to determine recommended program goals. The assessment is a collaboration with the parents.
Then a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) will meet your child. They build a connection needed to encourage your child’s growth. They will observe and record behavioral data that will help the BCBA create targeted programs. Each session is customized specifically for the client child or teenager.
Employee Spotlight
Program Director: Emily Gillich
Board Certified Behavior Analyst Emily Gillich leads our efforts in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy. Having earned her Master’s in Education—Applied Behavior Analysis from Endicott College in Massachusetts, Emily has dedicated her entire career to helping individuals with developmental disabilities achieve their goals. As a client-centered behavior analyst, Emily is passionate about working with families. “I believe in compassionate, client-centered care,” says Emily. “I am simply a teacher helping clients navigate any challenges they face. I believe in working alongside a client and supporting them as they advocate for themselves.”
Lead Registered Behavior Technician: Sarah Glidden
Sarah Glidden is Lead Registered Behavior Technician with our facility and works directly with clients and families on their therapy programs. With five years of experience working with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, she is committed to making a difference in the lives of others. Sarah first became involved in special education as a high school student, volunteering her time in an adaptive gym class. Her early experience made her realize she had a passion for promoting inclusion of people with disabilities. Sarah spent several years coaching for Special Olympics and enjoyed teaching athletes new skills as she supported them in achieving their goals. As a behavior technician, she believes in evidence-based teaching methods tailored to each client’s needs. Sarah always looks for specific, creative ways to engage and teach her clients.
Who Provides ABA Therapy
ABA Therapy programs are designed by our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and conducted by our Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). Both are governed and licensed by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
What Does a BCBA Do?
A BCBA oversees the treatment program. BCBAs conduct assessments and use the results to create a custom therapy plan. They also assess results from sessions and modify treatment plans to meet client goals.
BCBAs study behavioral psychology and have a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. They also have spent 1500 hours as a therapist under qualified supervision. The certification exam is no cakewalk and has only a 50% pass rate. Be assured that our BCBAs are professionals you can trust with your child’s treatment.
What Does an RBT Do
The RBT works directly with the client on therapy. These ABA therapists put in place the behavior plans developed by the BCBA. They collect critical data and develop a quality relationship with the client and the family.
Organizations That Endorse ABA Therapy as an Effective Treatment
Is ABA Right for Our Family?
ABA Therapy is effective If your child is having difficulty learning, acquiring critical skills, having trouble communicating and exhibiting problem behavior that gets in the way of functioning.
Research comparing ABA with other therapy and education programs shows that children who receive ABA treatment make greater improvements in more skill areas than children who participate in other programs. In one long-lasting research study of ABA Therapy, results showed that 90% of the test children substantially improved their learning and communication skills.
ABA is considered an evidence-based, best-practice treatment by the U.S. Surgeon General and by the American Psychological Association. This means that ABA has passed scientific tests of its usefulness, quality and effectiveness.
Autism Care Q&A
Is ABA Effective in Autism Care?
One study showed that after ABA therapy, 90% of children substantially improved and 47% of them were able to function as well as other students in traditional classroom settings. There are more than 550 studies published in scientific journals on the success of ABA therapy.
Is ABA New?
Research on ABA therapy as a form of autism care began in the 1960s, and since 1981 ABA has been identified as the most effective treatment for autism.
Is ABA a Valid Autism Care Treatment?
ABA is endorsed by the U.S. Surgeon General, Autism Society of America, National Institute of Mental Health, American Psychological Association and many other organizations and agencies.
Is ABA Only for Autistic Children?
ABA can help manage lifestyle challenges for children and adults with autism or other mental and physical health conditions. Other conditions it can treat include anxiety, anger issues, dementia and substance abuse.
What Does IHC’s Autism Care Service Involve?
- Assessment—skills and abilities are measured
- Goal Setting—specific, reachable objectives are set to address desired skills
- Custom Planning—a program is developed to teach target skills
- Evaluation—measuring targeted skills and making changes to the program if necessary
General Information Links
Autism Care Through ABA Therapy Can Change Behavior
ABA Therapy is effective in teaching basic life and social skills that lead to a high quality of life. ABA Therapy can also develop skills like reading and understanding other people’s perspectives. Many parents of children in ABA Therapy report a significant reduction in daily stress thanks to further education on autism spectrum disorder and support in communicating with their child.
ABA Therapy can improve:
- Communication
- Self-care
- Social skills
- Pursuing new interests.
- Attention, focus and memory
- Cognitive skills
- Academic behavior
- Skills to replace problem behaviors
- Openness toward learning
Better Health Begins Here
Flexible appointments and care
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Evidence-Based Care for the Mind and Body
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(855) 599-9987