Applied Behavioral Analysis in Nashville
If you have a child who is on the autism spectrum, you are familiar with the range of challenges with everyday living and education that can arise. For decades, research has been ongoing to determine the safest and most effective treatments and interventions to help those living with autism. The gold standard for helping children on the autism spectrum is Applied Behavior Analysis therapy (ABA). JoyBridge Kids offers ABA therapy in an effective, progressive, trauma-free way and only implements evidence-based interventions that are individualized for each child and family they serve.
What is Applied Behavior Analysis?
Applied Behavior Analysis therapy, or ABA, is a scientific approach to understanding behavior by analyzing the environment in which the behavior occurs. ABA is best known for its effectiveness with individuals with autism and other developmental disorders. Applied Behavior Analysis uses a set of principles to guide interventions to ensure they are effective with results of therapy generalizing across environments and contexts. Decades of research has shown intensive ABA treatment is the most successful intervention for children with autism, and is widely supported by reputable sources such as the National Academy of Pediatrics and the National Institute of Mental Health.
How it Works
Every ABA program begins with a comprehensive assessment with the child and their caregivers to determine the child’s strengths and areas in greatest need of support. During the assessment, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will utilize a variety of curriculum-based, standardized, and developmental assessments that will guide initial treatment and programming goals for the child. A nationally board certified and state licensed Behavior Analyst will develop a treatment and skill acquisition plan based on results of the assessment, along with recommended service dosage for ABA therapy. Typically, ABA therapy is implemented between 20-35 hours per week during a child’s early childhood years (ages 2-5 years old). ABA therapy sessions will include implementation of evidenced-based interventions to teach new skills in the areas of language, communication, social skills, and daily living skills. ABA therapy also addresses inappropriate social behaviors, such as tantrums and aggression, by implementing reinforcement-based interventions to prevent and decrease the occurrence of those behaviors. Decades of peer-reviewed research studies have shown that these kinds of interventions result in successful outcomes.
With ABA therapy, children increase their expressive language, receptive language, fine and gross motor, visual-spatial, cognitive, social-emotional, academic, and self-help skills through intensive one-on-one therapy sessions with bachelor-level and masters-level Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). Each child’s treatment and programming is monitored and supervised by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). Daily data collection on each of the child’s goals guides programming and treatment decisions to ensure children receive efficient and effective therapy, and make progress toward goals on a daily basis.
In short, ABA therapy will help your child efficiently learn communication and language skills, reduce challenging/problematic behaviors, improve play and social skills, and learn developmentally-appropriate skills to prepare them for the school environment and beyond.
After School Care for Students with Autism
If you have a child with autism and live in the Nashville area, JoyBridge Kids offers both an early-intervention program (Early Excellence Program) and an After School Excellence program for school-aged learners that might be an ideal fit for your child and your family!
