Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the science of applying specific strategies and techniques to understand the functional relationship between behavior and environmental conditions. One of the primary goals in analyzing behavior is to understand the function of maladaptive responses, and consequently, teach individuals to employ more pro-social, adaptive behaviors that have a similar effect on the environment. Much of the time, this is taught to children using an extensive reward and reinforcement system. Such intervention is comprehensive and initial programs seek to remediate such areas as following directions, imitation (both verbal and motor), matching skills, and adaptive functioning. ABA often utilizes picture schedules as a visual prompt to make transitions from activities or tasks easier for the student to navigate throughout the day.
One important aspect of applied behavior analysis is an emphasis on the generalization of learned skills to alternate environments. To facilitate this, OBH supports frequent home visits by trained professionals to educate and assist parents in implementing strategies used in the classroom at home or in the natural setting. Such visits allow for consistency and regularity in the autistic child’s life, a factor crucial in facilitating functional behavior. For the program to be effective, the ABA approach requires steadfast dedication from both family members and the people who see the child on a daily basis. In order to maximize the effectiveness of all these different intervention services, OBH supports parents in becoming educated, involved, and motivated participants.
Perhaps the most important concept in ABA is that of generalization of learned skills to alternate (non-therapeutic) environments. To facilitate this, OBH supports two critical Services:
Frequent home visits by Board-Certified professionals to educate and assist parents in implementing strategies used in the classroom at home or in the natural setting. Such visits allow for consistency and regularity in programming which is crucial in facilitating functional behavior. In order to maximize the effectiveness of all these different intervention services, OBH supports parents in becoming educated, involved, and motivated participants.
Our onsite therapeutic clinic setting allows for socialization opportunities and peer interactions. Each child is afforded a one-on-one therapist that will help facilitate skills in interpersonal communication, age-appropriate play skills, reciprocal exchanges and other social behaviors that are a prerequisite to optimal growth and development. Home or clinic-based sessions (or a combination of these) are available and our staff will work to identify the most appropriate group for your individual child to join based on the particular needs and functional level of your child.
OBH provides on-site, comprehensive psychological and developmental evaluation services for children, adolescents and adults age birth – adulthood. Whether you are looking to establish a formal diagnosis, clarify an existing diagnosis, obtain present levels of functioning or are in need of professional recommendations, a licensed clinical psychologist at OBH can assist you. Through a comprehensive, standardized process that uses state of the art technology in the field, a professional will evaluate a variety of functional domains including
It is imperative that a formal diagnosis is established early in the life of a child as this informs treatment recommendation and, in many cases, dictates eligibility and the allocation of associated services. Each evaluation concludes with a summary session with parents (and/or examinee when appropriate) to review and discuss the results and diagnostic impressions as well as providing a comprehensive written report for you to distribute to professionals (e.g. school districts, physicians, psychiatrists, insurance providers) or anyone else involved with the care and development of the examinee. Our goal is for you to understand the fundamental issues involved in each evaluation and have a clear and concise set of recommendations that will guide effective treatment.
Research indicates that the earlier intervention/treatment is applied to individuals with developmental disabilities, the better the associated long-term prognosis will be. OBH provides in-home early intervention programming for children and toddlers that are either “at-risk” or already have an established diagnostic label of Autism or Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD). This service provides the child with highly trained, home-based therapists who work with the child in a one-on-one setting on a variety of functional, educational, and behavioral goals.
Therapeutic services are offered in a variety of contexts depending on the particular need of the client. Often times a client may find it helpful to associate with other individuals whom are experiencing similar life challenges in a group therapy setting. Other times, the client may feel more comfortable being seen in a personal, one-on-one situation with the therapist. Family sessions can also help members connect on new levels and strengthen relationships in a safe and nurturing environment. Psychotherapy assists the client in emotional growth and fosters effective personal problem solving skills.
OBH is a contracted provider of school-based intervention services. Our organization has received certification as a Non-Public Agency (NPA) approved by the California Department of Education. Unified school districts often identify children whom experience emotional and behavioral challenges that interfere with the child’s ability to be educated through traditional means. In general, the child’s individualized education plan (IEP) objectives are failing to be met with the application of district resources. Such students may present with repeated academic failure, consistently off-task and/or disruptive behavior, interpersonal and relational issues as well as difficulty controlling/managing their mood, emotions and impulses. In these circumstances, the school district will employ OBH to provide supplemental support services within the child’s classroom.
OBH provides one on one therapeutic assistance to the student/classroom with the intent of facilitating the identified child’s learning process. Our team provides a highly trained, extremely responsive individual whom is assigned to the identified student to assist in overall progress in classroom management, functional behavior and prognostic outcomes. This staff member does not work in isolation; rather, he/she is a dynamic part of the classroom community and is present to assist the teacher in creating a positive teaching-learning environment for students and professionals alike. Communication and sharing of information as it relates to behavioral strategies, data collection and classroom routines is an essential component of the staff member’s responsibility. A Master’s level supervisor is responsible for creating intervention plans, assessing student needs, formulating systems for data collection and data review as well as coordinating with teachers and school administrators to ensure their needs are being addressed adequately. The supervisor is available to attend IEP meetings, review and analyze data in coordination with the teacher, establish behavioral expectations/outcomes, provide direction, guidance and feedback to the RBT/direct care staff and work with administrative personnel to maintain a positive learning environment.
Parent training services teach an alternative way of perceiving and responding to a child through the appropriate choice of effective interventions. Through instruction, education, and modeling, parents work in conjunction with the professional to more clearly understand the origins of behavior and address it in more effective ways. There are significant benefits to ensuring that immediate family members are trained in these management techniques so that behaviors are responded to consistently and deliberately.
