About ABA: | ABA@SOP

About Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA):

ABA has been shown by research to be the most effective treatment for individuals diagnosed with autism. In simple terms, ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Therapy is a scientifically proven based therapy that focuses on teaching and expanding upon many different skills such as communication, play, social, self-help, and school readiness, while reducing/eliminating behaviors that interfere with learning by teaching the learner a more acceptable behavior. ABA therapy involves many techniques for understanding and teaching/changing behavior, such as positive reinforcement (rewards, verbal praise). ABA therapy is individualized to meet each learner based upon their own individualized needs.

Spectrum of Possibilities provides a few different ABA program models: 1:1 center based therapy, 1:1 school based therapy and Social Skills Group. All of our models provide each learner with an individualized treatment plan / individualized goals to meet each learners specific needs.

1:1 Center Based Therapy:

Most children who first enroll in ABA therapy begin their journey in 1:1 center therapy. 1:1 is defined as 1 learner per tech. During 1:1 therapy, we focuses on teaching and expanding upon many different skills such as communication, play, social, self-help, and school readiness, while reducing/eliminating behaviors that interfere with learning by teaching the learner a more acceptable behavior. During 1:1, each learner has multiple opportunities throughout the day to interact, play and learn with their peers while still receiving their individualized 1:1 therapy. A typical day at Spectrum of Possibilities includes a wide variety of learning opportunities ranging from play based learning, learning through social/peer play opportunities, and structured/table time learning.

1:1 School Based Therapy:

1:1 school based therapy is most beneficial for children who are school aged and have the necessary pre-requisite skills to be successful academically in school, but need a bit of help with the transition into the school setting. To learn more about our school based therapy, give our office a call!

Both 1:1 Center & School based model offer two different ABA program structures, and the structure that is the best fit for the learner will be determined after completing the assessment:

Comprehensive model: 30-40 hours of therapy per week.
- Comprehensive model is beneficial for individuals who are not able to communicate their wants and needs effectively and/or those who engage in high rates of problem behavior.
  - Although this might seem very intensive, it is important to note that based on recent research this is what is considered necessary to ensure progress. Time spent away from therapy may result in the learner falling further behind peers, which would likely result in greater dependence on more intensive services through life.
Focused model: 10 hours of therapy and up to 25 hours per therapy per week.

Social Skills Group Therapy:

Social skills group is ideal for children ages 5-9 who still developing appropriate social, play and relationship forming skills. These children attend group sessions twice per week for 2 hours and work on a wide variety of appropriate play skills and peer interactions. Our social skills group occurs both in our center and at community settings.