What is Applied Behavior Analysis
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific, problem-solving approach designed to produce socially-significant outcomes. Behavior Analysts aim to improve quality of life for individuals, families, and communities using the science of behavior change.
Most people know that ABA is standard practice for those with an autism diagnosis. However, it has also been used to treat others with developmental and mental health diagnoses.
Here at Learning Pathways DC, we know that ABA can help everyone learn new skills, not just special needs populations. We are dedicated to providing ethical and effective services to typically developing children and adults as well.
Who can benefit from ABA?
Any person who….
- Has difficulty engaging in a conversation
- Has limited social skills (lack of interest in peers, trouble making friends)
- Has limited or no communication skills
- Has limited daily living skills (taking a shower, dressing, eating, toileting)
- Exhibits feeding problems (picky eating, fear of trying new foods, and insistence on specific food presentation)
- Exhibits moderate tantrum behaviors (whining, screaming, not following through with directions)
- Exhibits severe tantrum behaviors (aggression, self-injury, property destruction)
- Engages in self-stimulatory behavior (flapping, rocking, scripting television shows)
- Needs extra support with motor skills (holding a spoon or fork to eat independently, learning to write, holding object, running, walking)
- Needs extra help with academic skills
- Needs help with executive functioning (adaptable thinking, planning, self-monitoring, self-control, working memory, time management, and organization)
Benefits of In-Home ABA
A Familiar Learning Environment
Our in-home ABA services allow us to work on skills that occur during our client’s daily routines. These skills can include self-help skills such as eating, brushing their teeth, appropriate play, toilet training and executive functioning skills such as planning for completing tasks and time management. We can also target community safety skills such as staying with the family when walking, looking both ways when crossing the street.
Convenience
Our in-home ABA services help support our client’s typical routines. In-home ABA therapy minimizes the added challenges of planning meals, navigating traffic, planning homework time, adjusting schedules and more.
Family Involvement
Learning Pathways DC highly encourages parents and other family members to be actively involved in the client’s therapy program. Family involvement could include being present for activities during therapy or simply communicating with the client’s therapist. Having parents and other family members be actively involved in therapy sessions, allows our team to provide helpful feedback and training to help our clients generalize and maintain the skills they learn.