ABA Therapy
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy is an individualized treatment program based on proven theories of learning and behavior. It’s considered an evidence-based best practice treatment by the US Surgeon General and the American Psychological Association.
ABA aims to increase positive, helpful behaviors and decrease harmful behaviors that affect learning and social interactions. Sessions focus on breaking down tasks into manageable steps, practicing positive reinforcement, and documenting progress closely.
At BrightBloom, we deliver ABA therapy with a gentle, compassionate approach. Our therapists are both patient and knowledgeable, paying close attention to your child’s strengths and challenges so they can adapt as needed. We want each child to learn through play and look forward to their time at the Center.
While every child’s goals are different, in general, ABA therapy often results in:
- Improved communication and language skills
- Strengthened social skills
- Better focus, attention, and memory
- Reduced problem behaviors like self-harm
- Fewer tantrums or angry outbursts
Our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) develop each ABA plan. Depending on each child’s needs, treatment will vary in terms of intensity and duration, the complexity and number of goals, and the extent of one-on-one treatment.
For example, we may recommend:
Comprehensive ABA Treatment
Comprehensive ABA treatment builds multiple developmental domains, such as cognitive, communicative, social, emotional, and adaptive functioning. At the same time, we work on reducing maladaptive behaviors, such as noncompliance, tantrums, and repetitive actions. This type of ABA treatment is typically 30-40 hour per week, one-on-one. We gradually include small-group formats as appropriate.
Focused ABA Treatment
Focused ABA treatment has a primary target. For example, increasing socially appropriate behavior or reducing aggression. This type of ABA is usually 15-20 hours a week. It’s most suitable for children who need treatment for a limited number of key functional skills or have an acute problem behavior.
Early Intervention
Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) is a comprehensive treatment based on ABA principles, usually delivered for 20 to 40 hours per week before the child turns five. EIBI aims to close the gap between the child’s functional level and typically developing peers.
Our therapists employ a variety of ABA techniques, including:
Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
A structured ABA technique that breaks down skills into small, “discrete” components. The trainer teaches these skills systematically one by one. Along the way, trainers use tangible positive reinforcements for desired behavior.
Natural Environment Teaching (NET)
A method of providing ABA therapy in “real life,” instead of a more formal, clinical setting. This helps the child generalize their skill across all settings they may encounter (school, home, community, etc.)
Errorless learning
A practice where the child receives a prompt or cue before, during, or following an instruction. These immediate prompts guarantee success. Once the student is familiar with the target behavior, the trainer systematically fades out prompting until the child can respond correctly on his/her own.