Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

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.

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:

1. Ample BCBA Supervision:

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.

2. Clinic Setting:

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.