What is ABA?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the process of systematically applying interventions based on the principles of learning theory to improve socially significant behaviors to a meaningful degree, and to demonstrate that the interventions employed are responsible for the improvement in behavior (Baer, Wolf & Risley, 1968; Sulzer-Azaroff & Mayer, 1991).
ABA Is Driven By Evidence and Analysis
One of the key ideas behind the science of applied behavior analysis is that it is driven by direct observation and experimentation. Actual changes in behaviors are the critical measure of any ABA therapy, and change cannot be assessed unless observations can be made of those behaviors.
Functional behavior assessments are the way behavior analysts develop a baseline and determine whether future interventions are actually resulting in measurable changes.
BCBAs aren’t psychic—they can’t just watch a patient and know what is going on with behaviors by sheer intuition. As they perform an FBA, what they are doing is forming hypotheses about what drives certain behaviors and attempting to test them to figure out which is the correct theory.
The observations fit into three categories:
Antecedents, or the environmental prompts leading to the behavior.
Behavior, or the actions themselves resulting from the antecedent.
Consequences—the outcome of the behavior that tends to reinforce it.
Together, these so-called ABCs of ABA provide the information required to intervene in behavioral problems.
How is Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosed?
As a spectrum, it can represent a wide range of different degrees of severity and types of symptoms, usually including:
Behavioral problems
Difficulties in forming bonds and engaging in social interaction
Communication and language difficulties
Sensory deficits
In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association took matters into its own hands with the release of the 5th edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The manual is a standard for psychiatrists and other medical professionals in describing and diagnosing mental disorders, and it changed the diagnosis of autism-related disorders profoundly.
Asperger’s, CDD, and PDD were removed from the manual entirely. In their place, the autism category was redefined as a spectrum disorder, encompassing all closely related symptoms and behaviors.
Acknowledging the range of behaviors that an ASD diagnosis might encompass, the DSM-5 also provided criteria for assigning patients one of three functional levels. The severity of the disorder is assessed according to the degree of support required by the patient:
Level One: Requiring Support
Level Two: Requiring Substantial Support
Level Three: Requiring Very Substantial Support
Of course, these measures are also largely subjective and can arise from either very severe deficits in one category—for example, extreme behavioral problems and anger management issues—or from a combination of deficits that make interaction in normal environments difficult.
Does my child have to have an Autism Spectrum Diagnosis to benefit from ABA therapy?
No! ABA is for any child or individual with skill deficits or problem behaviors and we provide services to individuals with a variety of diagnoses. However, it is important to note that if you are hoping to use your insurance coverage for ABA therapy services, most carriers require a formal ASD diagnosis with a full diagnostic evaluation for consideration for reimbursement. Learn more about diagnostic evaluations for ABA therapy services→
How many hours per week of ABA therapy does my child need?
This varies greatly by the individual’s age, level of deficit, and severity of maladaptive behavior. The number of recommended hours will be determined following our intake and assessment process. If you plan to utilize your insurance coverage to fund ABA services, there is often an authorization process through which the clinical team will determine the appropriate number of hours of service provision using our treatment plan and recommendations.
What does my team consist of?
Your team would consist of a supervising BCBA and registered behavior technicians/behavior technicians. The number of RBTs will depend on how many hours you have and the session schedule.
Current requirements for certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst®(BCBA®) are at least a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis or a closely related field from an accredited institution; completion of 270 classroom hours of graduate-level instruction in specified behavior analysis topics; completion of specified hours of supervised experiential training in applied behavior analysis; and passage of the BCBA examination. Learn more about our BCBA Supervision Services→
The Registered Behavior Technician™ (RBT®) is a paraprofessional who practices under the close, ongoing supervision of a BCaBA, BCBA, or BCBA-D. The RBT is primarily responsible for the direct implementation of behavior-analytic services. The RBT does not design intervention or assessment plans. It is the responsibility of the RBT Supervisor to determine which tasks an RBT may perform as a function of his or her training, experience, and competence. The BACB certificant supervising the RBT is responsible for the work performed by the RBT on the cases they are overseeing. Applicants must be 18 years of age, possess a minimum of a high school diploma or national equivalent, complete 40 hours of training, complete a background check, pass the RBT Competency Assessment, and pass the RBT examination. Learn more about our BCBA Supervision Services→
A Behavior Technician is a behavioral line therapist who practices under the close supervision of their BCBA who is in the process of obtaining their registered behavior technician credential. Learn more about our BCBA Supervision Services→
What about my current providers? My child is receiving speech and OT services twice a week from other providers. Will I have to stop this?
Not at all! We welcome any input from professionals already familiar with your child and will incorporate skills they are targeting and strategies they are using as appropriate into our program and treatment plan. We pride ourselves in our collaboration efforts and often include acquisition targets from other professionals in our program to support your child's progress. Learn more about our Collaboration and Advocacy Process →
What insurance plans do you accept?
We are credentialed and in-network providers for Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Cross Blue Shield (PPO), ComPsych, Cigna, Magellan, and United Healthcare. It is important that you contact your insurance carrier directly or speak with an insurance broker or your employer’s HR director to ensure ABA therapy is covered by your specific plan. We will assist you with this process if needed. Learn more about insurance coverage for ABA Therapy and BCBA Supervision→
Are there other costs associated with ABA therapy?
Standard outpatient costs, as outlined in your insurance plan, apply. It is important that you contact your insurance carrier directly or speak with an insurance broker or your employer’s HR director to confirm these costs. We will assist you with this process if needed.
