Why Center-Based ABA Benefits Our Children
At Apollo Behavior, a highly effective center-based treatment program is the core of our one-on-one applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy. A PhD or master’s level Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will design your child’s autism treatment program, which might include center-based therapy and/or telehealth and in-home services.
Center-based ABA therapy at Apollo Behavior focuses on helping your child develop social skills, group-based routines, living skills, communication methods, and more, with the goal of independence in mind. Our BCBAs are supported by a team of rigorously trained RBTs (Registered Behavior Technicians).
Together with your family, our passionate team will teach you how to play a role in your child’s ABA therapy. Together with our team, you’ll embark on the journey of helping your child overcome challenges, develop skills, and accomplish the goals you develop with your child’s team.
ABA Techniques
Apollo Behavior incorporates a number of ABA techniques into your child’s treatment plan. This comprehensive approach is tailored to your child’s individual needs, skills, age, and lifestyle. Your child might participate one, some, or all of the following ABA therapies:
Verbal Behavior Intervention: Commonly shortened to VBI, works by teaching children with autism to communicate through the use of requests referred to as “mands.” Through “errorless learning,” VBI works by using immediate, repetitive prompts to help your child respond appropriately. VBI is useful for children with autism because it helps them develop communication and language skills by connecting words with their meanings. VBI is not limited to learning to speak. In addition, VBI is an effective means of learning broader communication skills, including self awareness, appropriate expression of emotions, advocating for oneself, and obtaining wants and needs.
Pivotal Response Training: PRT, uses play-based therapy to guide your child. PRT works toward improvement in many areas, including social, behavioral, learning, and communication skills. Through natural motivation, PRT places the focus on responses to cues, self-management, initiating social interaction, and motivation to develop communication and language skills, improve upon positive social behaviors, and curb disruptive “stimming” behaviors.
Natural Environment Teaching: Also called NET, is a loosely structured session that is designed with your child’s individual needs and personality in mind. Following your child’s lead in a realistic environment, NET is centered around your child’s own motivation.
Discrete Trial Training: Often abbreviated to DTT, gives your child precise steps to redirect or change behaviors. DTT begins with instruction from the behavioral technician, which is met with a response from the child. The behavioral technician responds with redirection or a positive response. DTT is a straightforward, structured, understandable approach, and it is proven beneficial and effective for children with autism.
What are the advantages of Center-Based ABA therapy at Apollo Behavior?
There are a broad range of benefits associated with center-based ABA therapy. These advantages include:
How Services are started
Starting The Process
We understand that your child’s autism diagnosis is uncharted territory. We’re here to walk hand in hand with you and your family as you navigate life as a parent of a child with autism. Through center-based ABA therapy with Apollo Behavior, your child will learn the skills they need to develop, grow, learn to communicate, and become more independent. As a parent or caregiver, we’ll help you develop the tools you need to meet your child’s specific needs.
When you decide to begin center-based ABA therapy for your child, you can expect the following process to occur:
Insurance Benefit Verification
We’ll work with you and your insurance company to verify coverage, and we’ll advocate for your child to ensure that they receive all the necessary services that they need to succeed in life.
Tour of the Apollo Behavior Facility
We’ll take you and your family on a tour of the facility where your child will receive treatment. This is a chance for your child to see where they’ll be spending their time, and it’s also an opportunity for any member of the family to ask questions about anything related to our center and services.
Completion of Client Intake Packet
You’ll fill out your child’s intake packet, which will ensure that we have all the information we need to start your child on the path to success.
Assessment by BCBA with Client and Caregivers
One of our Board-Certified Behavior Analysts will complete an assessment. This lays the groundwork for services tailored to your child’s exact needs and your goals and concerns for your child.
BCBA Completes Individualized Treatment Plan (ITP)
After assessment comes development of your child’s ITP. This plan will be carefully thought out, and your child’s BCBA will take into account every concern you have as a parent. The ITP might evolve over time as your child’s needs and skills change.
Treatment Begins
Your child will start treatment in our center. Working with their BCBA and behavior technician, your child will officially begin receiving the exact services they need.