What is ABA Therapy?

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is an overarching term that refers to the science of changing socially significant behaviour. It is an evidence based practice applied to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other related disorders. Due to the intensity, repetition and delivery of reinforcement, precision teaching, direct instruction, programming, prompting and fading prompting levels, individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families can observe measurable changes in behaviour.

A behavioural assessment, using the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning, Verbal Behaviour Milestones Placement Program, Brigance Assessment Tool and/or the Assessment of Functional Living skills, the assessments are used to determine your child’s needs, learning profile and goals. A fulsome Individual Academic and Behavioural Plan is developed. Shining Stars’ programs are overseen by our Clinical Supervisor, BCBA.

Using the Verbal Behaviour Approach

Started in 1957 by B.F. Skinner, the Verbal Behaviour Approach is an analysis of language and how language happens whether it is for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or typically developing individuals. The outcome of the Verbal Behaviour Approach is language can be assessed and taught like behavioural skills.

Comprehensive ABA Therapy

Shining Stars provides comprehensive in-home, daycare and/or centre-based ABA Therapy. Comprehensive ABA Therapy is recommended, 20 or more hours each week, when individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Level 3, demonstrate significant lags in social communication, play and learning skills.

Focused ABA Therapy

Shining Stars provides focused, 10-12 hours each week, in-home, daycare and/or centre-based ABA Therapy. Focused ABA Therapy is recommended when individuals have received a diagnosis from a medical practitioner and demonstrate mild, Level 1 or 2 Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Consultative ABA Therapy

Consultative ABA Therapy is provided when families are awaiting access to financial resources and supports. Therapy is facilitated in the home, center and/or daycare environment. The hours each week are dependent on family’s financial circumstances, access to funding and other variables.

Programs taught in ABA Therapy

  • Language skills, including augmentative and alternative communication.
  • Pre-academic and academic learning, including reading, writing, math and spelling.
  • Functional academics and vocational skills, including household mechanics, chores, shopping, phone and community awareness.
  • Cognitive Functions including intellect abilities including problem solving, reasoning, organizing information that has been processed by the senses. Cognition refers to the ability for the person to make sense of their environment and/or events in their environment and ability to adapt to the changes.
  • School Readiness: this domain refers to the child’s skills that are pre-requisites for success in school, including activities of daily living, independent work, and following routines. In addition, this area of development refers to the child’s ability to be independent at daily living skills including but not limited to feeding, toileting, dressing all independently.
  • Social skills: this area of development entails the child’s ability to recognize and adjust to emotions and feelings and relationships with people in the environment.
  • Play and Leisure Play is a crucial component in all children’s development as social, emotional skills develop through playing with others.
  • Motor: the motor/physical domain involves gross, fine motor skills as well as physical growth.
  • Toileting. Dressing, Eating and other self-care skills.

We are delighted to meet you and your child. Contact us for a free consultation!

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