The 5 Best ABA Therapy Providers for 2024

2. Cover Story Collabora?ve ABA Services, LLC Providing Opportuni?es for Individuals with Disabili?es to Reach Their Full Poten?al 08

3. Sensory Processing: The Secret Ingredient to Growing Up Healthy 24 CXO Breaking Barriers 20 ABA Approaches for Overcoming Behavioral Challenges Articles 28 From Theory to Prac?ce Some Prac?cal Uses of ABA Techniques in Daily Life

4. February 2024

5. The 5 Best ABA Therapy Providers for 2024 Featuring Person Company Brief Amaze ABA Therapy provides compassionate Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services, focusing on individualized care to support children with developmental challenges and enhance their skills. Amaze ABA Therapy amazeaba.com Jessica Celis BCBA Anderson Center for Au?sm is a nonprofit organiza?on dedicated to providing the highest quality programs for children and adults with au?sm and other developmental disabili?es. Anderson Center for Au?sm andersoncenterforau?sm.org Kathleen Murphy CEO Collabora?ve ABA Services, LLC believes that all children and adolescents have the poten?al to learn and reach their full poten?al with the appropriate resources and supports. Collabora?ve ABA Services, LLC collabora?veabaservices.com Alisha Simpson-Wa? Execu?ve Clinical Director & Founder Go Behavioral LLC offers ABA therapy can help your child with special needs reach their full poten?al. Go Behavioral LLC gobehavioral.com Deena Moustafa Founder & CEO Shine supports individuals across the full spectrum of Au?sm Spectrum Disorder (ASD), providing residen?al services, suppor?ve employment services, and community outreach and educa?on. ShineLight, Inc shine-light.org Nikki Giovanni Creecy CEO

6. Cover Story Collaborative ABA Services, LLC Providing Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities to Reach Their Full Potential Collaborative ABA Services, LLC strives to provide high quality and effective services to assist the patients and families we work with.

7. The 5 Best ABA Therapy Providers for 2024 I n a time where resources are limited and the need for support is growing rapidly, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy providers work hard to improve the quality of life for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other special needs. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidenced based practice that focuses on the science of behavior and learning. Although ABA is mostly linked to treatment for individuals with Autism, the treatment can also benefit individuals with and without disabilities. Currently, there is a shortage of these vital services in many communities, escalating the issue of limited access to ABA therapy services. Let’s dive into their inspiring story: Alisha’s Dedication to Transforming Lives Alisha serves as the Executive Clinical Director and Founder of Collaborative ABA Services, LLC, an accred- ited behavioral health practice located in Middletown, Connecticut. In addition to her role as the owner of Collaborative ABA Services, LLC, she also dedicates part of her time to serving as a School Social Worker and Board- Certified Behavior Analyst for an inner-city school district. “I have always been motivated to not only improve myself, but also the lives of others,” shares Alisha. Alisha Simpson-Watt, a devoted Social Worker and a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), took this pressing issue to heart. Motivated by the dire need for expanded access to ABA services, she established Collaborative ABA Services, LLC in 2019. This visionary organization is poised to confront the mounting challenges faced by individuals impacted by developmental disabili- ties, as well as the scarcity of ABA services within the community. In her capacity as a School Social Worker, she worked with a diverse student population, each with unique social, emotional, behavioral, and academic needs, including those diagnosed with Autism. Through this experience, she recognized the need for more professionals specializing in Autism and ABA. Despite the increasing number of students affected by developmental disabilities, there was a notable shortage of available programs. This resulted in extended waitlists for services and a limited number of mental health professionals with the necessary training and expertise in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism. Collaborative ABA Services, LLC is an accredited behav- ioral health practice, specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). The company provides services to children ages 2 to 18, and their families struggling with Autism and other developmental and behavioral disorders. The organization boasts an interdisciplinary team of professionals, including Board Certified Behavior Analysts, Behavior Technicians, Licensed Social Workers, Occupa- tional Therapists, and soon-to-be Speech and Language Pathologists. Their comprehensive array of services encompasses ABA Therapy, Parent/Caregiver Trainings, Community Trainings, Social Skills Groups, Diagnostic Evaluations for Autism, Case Management, Consultations, Occupational Therapy, and an upcoming addition of Speech and Language Therapy. In 2014, Alisha took a decisive step forward, choosing to further her education and specialize in Applied Behavior Analysis. This pursuit led her to become a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, equipping her with the skills and knowledge needed to make a lasting impact in the field. The Distinctive Approach of Collaborative ABA Services, LLC Collaborative ABA Services, LLC is guided by a mission centered on the significance of partnerships in collectively pursuing a shared objective. Through this collaborative effort, resources are mobilized to instigate meaningful improvements in a child’s skills and behavior. As Collaborative ABA Services, LLC illuminates the path forward, Alisha’s vision and determination breathe life into a community in need. The belief at Collaborative ABA Services, LLC is that every child and adolescent possesses the potential to learn and achieve their full capabilities given the appropriate resources and support. Highlighting the organization’s motto, Alisha states, “We go by our motto of Building Partnerships. Building Skills. Building Futures.” We at Insights Care had the privilege to interact with Alisha and found interesting details about why the organization is one of the leading ABA therapy providers. Distinguishing themselves as a leading ABA therapy provider, what sets them apart is that the business is owned and operated by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and

8. PC: Connecticut Website Company We go by our motto of Building Partnerships. Building Skills. Building Futures.

9. The Integral Role of Parents at Collaborative ABA Services, LLC Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, rather than being under the ownership of an equity firm or third party. They implement an interdisciplinary approach to treatment, tailoring their services to meet clients at their unique stage of development. They refrain from applying a one-size-fits- all approach, recognizing the distinctiveness of each member within their interdisciplinary team and the individuality of each family. Diversity and cultural competence are deeply valued. At Collaborative ABA Services, LLC, families play a crucial role in every stage of the treatment journey, from intake to discharge. Parents and caregivers can initiate services, either independently or through community referrals. During the initial intake assessment, the team takes into account parent concerns and desired treatment outcomes. Prior to commencing ABA Therapy, the team conducts a comprehensive assessment and devises a treatment plan, which is then shared with the parent or caregiver for their approval. Collaborative ABA Services, LLC has garnered recognition for the quality of services they provide and their positive impact on the communities they serve. Recent accolades and accomplishments include the achievement of accredita- tion from the Behavioral Health Center of Excellence (BHCOE), an independent evaluator that mandates organizations to demonstrate clinical excellence through a rigorous evaluation process. Additionally, they were honored with the 2023 Connecticut Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year Award by the SBA and CBIA and named the recipient of the 2023 Outstanding New Business under 5 Years Award by the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce in Middletown, Connecticut. Throughout the treatment process, parent and caregiver training is an integral component. These sessions occur on a weekly or biweekly basis, tailored to the specific needs of the parent or caregiver. Here, they receive training on implementing their child’s programming and behavior plans to enhance skills and reduce unwanted behaviors. Often, other family members may also participate in these sessions, recognizing that some clients have siblings and extended family members who are affected as well. Navigating the Landscape of Medical Funding and Insurance In addition to parent training, Collaborative ABA Services, LLC also provides monthly progress reports to keep parents and caregivers informed about treatment progress. Every six months, the child’s progress in treatment is re-evaluated to track advancements and adjust treatment goals accord- ingly. Parents and caregivers are actively engaged in this reassessment process, similar to the initial assessment, and their approval is sought for any updates. When Collaborative ABA Services, LLC engages with medical funders or insurance providers, they acknowledge the unique expectations, rules, and guidelines set forth by each insurance. Irrespective of the treatment plan’s structure, the organization adheres to a consistent process. This begins with an initial assessment, evaluating the individual’s strengths and limitations across various domains such as language, communication, socialization, coping skills, safety skills, and any concerning maladaptive behaviors. Furthermore, parents and caregivers are involved in the discharge process, which includes transition planning. Beyond their participation in treatment, Collaborative ABA Services, LLC may periodically administer surveys to parents and caregivers to gather feedback on the quality of services. This feedback is instrumental in refining and enhancing the offerings of Collaborative ABA Services, LLC. Collaborative ABA Services, LLC employs a diverse range of assessments tailored to the specific needs of each individual. Recognizing that one assessment measure may not suit another person due to factors like age, language proficiency, and other personalized characteristics. The resulting treatment plan is crafted based on the findings of this customized assessment, done in close collaboration with parents or caregivers. This ensures that the treatment is not only socially significant but also addresses the unique needs of the family and recognizes parents and caregivers as vital partners in the treatment process. Bridging Personal and Professional Worlds for Autism Advocacy Sharing her experience of working with children and adults with autism, Alisha shares, “My experience is both personal and professional. Personally, I have family members with Autism. Autism does not only impact me professionally, but it also impacts me on a personal level.”

10. Professionally, Alisha boasts an extensive background, having worked with children and adolescents, ranging from infants to 18-year-olds, in diverse settings including homes, schools, and clinics for over a decade. Her expertise encompasses a wide array of responsibilities, such as implementing ABA Therapy, overseeing staff to ensure treatment fidelity, conducting parent training sessions, offering consultations to families, schools, and community providers, organizing social skills groups, providing professional supervision to aspiring Social Workers and Student Analysts, facilitating community trainings, and performing diagnostic evaluations for Autism. providers, they understand the pivotal role that data plays in tailoring treatments to the unique needs of their clients. Advancing Inclusion and Equity Alisha is an advocate for greater inclusion, diversity, and equity within the ABA therapy industry. She emphasizes the growing need for a more diverse and culturally competent pool of behavior analysts, especially with the increasing number of culturally diverse families affected by Autism. According to data from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), approximately 52.76% of BCBA certificants identify as White, with smaller percentages representing other racial and ethnic backgrounds [Source: https://infogram.com/1pg3wpj127g7lma9pywwnm721zf2w 6vrry]. Recognizing the dynamic nature of the field, Alisha places great emphasis on collaboration with fellow healthcare professionals. This collaborative spirit is at the core of Collaborative ABA Services, LLC’s approach. The team at Collaborative encompasses a range of specialists, including Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, Board Certified Behavior Analysts, and Behavior Technicians. The organi- zation is actively seeking a Speech and Language Patholo- gist to further enrich its diverse team. Alisha firmly believes in acknowledging one’s own strengths and, when necessary, seeking the expertise of other professionals to provide the best possible support and assistance for today’s population. Recognizing the importance of cultural competency, behavior analysts must effectively collaborate with professionals from various backgrounds and integrate cultural considerations into their client programming. Alisha believes that achieving these goals can be facilitated through staff training, self-awareness of personal biases, and the promotion of diversity within the workplace. Addressing another critical issue, Alisha highlights the need for improvements in the delivery of services based on health insurance and funders. In Connecticut, low reim- bursement rates from Medicaid can lead some ABA therapy providers to limit the number of patients they accept with Medicaid, as these lower rates may impact their revenue and sustainability. While this is a valid business concern, it can result in extended waitlists for services, creating an inequitable situation for families in urgent need of these services. She advocates for a collaborative systems approach, which involves advocating for higher insurance reimbursement rates and exploring alternative revenue- generating strategies to sustain the business while also providing equitable services to families. Elevating the Standard of Care Collaborative ABA Services, LLC is dedicated to delivering high-quality and effective services for the patients and families it serves. They have a dedicated Quality Assurance Officer responsible for establishing and upholding stringent quality standards for the staff, thereby enhancing the delivery of ABA services to their patients. Moreover, Collaborative ABA Services, LLC proudly holds the distinction of being one of the 9 ABA Providers in Connect- icut that has successfully achieved accreditation. This recognition is conferred by the Behavioral Health Center of Excellence (BHCOE), a third-party evaluator that demands organizations undergo a rigorous clinical evaluation to demonstrate clinical excellence. To ensure that their organization remains at the forefront of ABA therapy, Alisha and her team actively engage in professional development opportunities, maintain member- ships in professional organizations such as CTABA and ABAI and stay updated on the latest research and develop- ments through continuous reading of relevant articles. Furthermore, they actively seek feedback from both staff and families through surveys to continually enhance the quality of care provided. The organization places a strong emphasis on monitoring client progress and success through rigorous data collection during every session, regular issuance of monthly progress reports, scheduled re- assessments, and the tracking of successful client dis- charges from treatment. As committed ABA therapy Success Outcomes In a successful ABA program, a team approach to treatment is crucial, involving both the ABA team of providers and the family.

11. Noteworthy outcomes observed include instances where non-verbal children, initially limited in their ability to communicate, have now become proficient users of pictures and/or AAC devices. PC: Sebastian Photography Additionally, children who began with severe behaviors like self-injury, aggression, and elopement have shown signifi- cant reductions in these behaviors. They have learned to substitute them with functional alternative communication methods and have developed effective coping skills. Furthermore, there have been several successful discharges from ABA Therapy, underscoring the collective effort of the team, including the family, and the crucial role played by parents/caregivers in contributing to the child’s achieve- ments. Advice for the Enthusiastic minds Sharing a few words of wisdom, she highlights, “ABA is a great field to work in. It can be fun and rewarding to see the changes you make in another individual’s life.” She suggests starting by becoming a Registered Behavior Technician. A Registered Behavior Technician works directly with the client under the supervision of a Board- Certified Behavior Analyst. “This is a great entry job into the field of Applied Behavior Analysis as it will provide hands-on experience and training and will help prepare you to become a well-rounded Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) as you continue your studies,” concludes Alisha. Alisha Simpson’s Vision for Collaborative ABA Services, LLC PC: Connecticut Website Company Talking about future goals she states, “In the next coming years, I envision that Collaborative will continue to grow and expand our team and services to continue meeting the needs of families.” She further adds, “This may include adding Speech and Language Therapy, adding additional providers to reduce our ABA waiting list, and expand our current diagnostic Autism evaluation services.”

12. A pplied behavior analysis (ABA) is a kind of treatment often to be administered to children who have behavioral challenges, more so those with developmental conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ABA techniques draw from an understanding of how behavior works, how it is influenced by the environment, and how learning happens. With the use of well-designed strategies, ABA clinicians can help individuals acquire new skills, get rid of unwanted behaviors, and develop positive social interactions. The following are some of the most common approaches to ABA that help individuals overcome behavioral issues: 1. Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement is an important ABA intervention wherein, following the desired behavior, a reward is given which motivates the individual to repeat such behavior again. Such an approach has been very helpful to teach new skills and motivate them. For instance, if a child is able to initiate a social interaction task, he may earn verbal praise and a small www.insightscare.com February 2024 20

13. Overcoming Obstacles with ABA treat so that the behavior would be repeated again. Such an intervention method builds esteem in a person by giving recognition when an individual has made a successful performance. see it and imitate it. Prompting is a prompting for the desired behavior, which could be verbal prompts, gestures or physical prompting. All these faded to promote independence. For example, a practitioner could model how to greet people by issuing a "hello" and giving out his handshake then prompts the child to do the same. Over time, once the child gets used to the greeting, the cues fade over to an eventual point where the child would initiate the greeting. ABA's structured, evidence-based approaches help empower individuals who may be bound by behavioral barriers and enhance their independence and quality of life. Stronger foundations based on communication, social skills, and self- regulation make the children and adults more resilient and confident. Initially, ABA techniques have been increasing constantly, but it continues to be a powerful tool for overcoming behavioral challenges to empower the individual and families alike to move forward into personal growth and development. 2. Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) helps identify the cause or function of problem behavior. The ABA practitioner, while performing observation and analysis, determines the reason for engaging in this behavior, such as being used to seek attention, avoid a situation, or satisfy some other need that he or she has for sensory stimulation. This would enable ABA practitioners to design a specific treatment intervention that can redirect the unwanted behavior and promote the desired one. For example, if a child acts aggressively to not do work, the ABA group will modify the environment or teaching procedure so that the work does not cause overwhelming, thus decreasing aggression. 5. Self-Monitoring and Coping Skills Self-monitoring is crucial in assisting people who either are not self- regulated or have emotional challenges. ABA experts also promote self-monitoring as one of the skills with others like goal setting, which is useful in the identification of triggers. Self-monitoring skills empower individuals to be aware of their actions and prepare themselves with effective strategies that will be useful when they encounter issues. For example, an angry child will be educated on signs of frustration and then to use deep breaths to calm the emotions. - Natalie May 3. Task Analysis and Shaping 6. Generalization and Maintenance Task analysis breaks up complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps. It is straightforward for the individual to learn each step in sequence. Shaping is a modification of task analysis by reinforcing incremental progress. For example, on teaching a child how to brush his or her teeth, a teacher can start with teaching the child to pick up the toothbrush, then applying toothpaste and brushing. This is helpful in overcoming obstacles by making steps clear and achievable and rewarding progress at every step. ABA therapists emphasize generalization, or the translation of learned behaviors into varied contexts, and maintenance, or the retention of skills over time, to maintain success in the long term. Once the behavior is established, therapists work to train the individual to use the behavior in a range of environments and situations with different people. For instance, a child may learn social skills in clinical settings; however, the same skills are encouraged and developed throughout school, home, and community settings. This encourages the behavior not to be limited within a given context and results in continued progress. 4. Modelling and Prompting Modelling is when the behavior is introduced so that the individual can www.insightscare.com February 2024 22 22 insightssuccess.com July 2024

15. Sensory Sensory Processing Processing The Secret Ingredient to Growing Up Healthy S playground. It is the complex neurological process that organizes sensation from one's own body and the environment, thus making it possible to use the body effectively in the world. This intricate invisible process is critical for development of communication, cognition, social-emotional capacity, sense of self and overall well- being. ensory processing is the hidden engine in a child's growth, steering everything from their balance while walking to their ability to make friends on the training in sensory integration are specialists in supporting differences in sensory processing. Differences in sensory processing are more than just being over or under sensitive to sensation. Posture is a prime example. We are not just talking about sitting up straight or standing without slouching. Effective posture should allow for flexibility and movement, adapting to the task at hand, whether that's sitting at a desk, turning to talk to a teacher, running on the playground, or bending over to tie a shoe. For posture, think of it as the base of a swivel chair. It allows for a full range of motion—turning, leaning forward, or reclining—yet it always returns to a balanced, upright position after the movement. Similarly, good posture in children provides a stable base from which they can move freely. It supports their ability to reach out, explore, and engage with their environment, and then re-center themselves to a balanced, neutral position, ready for the next activity. This dynamic base is fundamental to a child's active and interactive life. Functional posture also reciprocally supports sensory processing. A stable and aligned posture provides a secure base from which the sensory systems can accurately perceive the environment. Immature postural development makes school activities, tabletop work, fine motor development and engaging in sports extra challenging. Consider sensory processing as the brain's way of interpreting and conducting a symphony of sensory cues. Every stream of sensory data needs to be organized and then harmonized to create a "big picture" that makes sense. The brain, as the maestro, must constantly adjust the sensory volume and timing, integrating cues from each 'instrument' to create a seamless experience. When this process is smooth, children can 'hear' their own body's movements and 'feel' the rhythm of their environment, allowing them to move, learn, and grow in harmony with the world around them. Sensory integration is a complex process that helps kids figure out the world and their place in it. It's the magic behind how kids learn to do everything from hugging to hitting a baseball, from writing their name to making friends. How we process sensation varies a great deal from person to person. Differences in sensory processing can be mild or profound and have the potential to help or hinder a person's function and growth. For example, sensitive and precise sensory processing might lead to development of exquisite movement and equilibrium and a career as a gymnast. Alternatively, sensitive and hyperaware sensory processing (without the right support) might derail development of posture and movement, thwarting academic and interpersonal growth; this is sometimes called sensory processing disorder. Occupational therapists with advanced Motor planning, or praxis, is another huge part of child development that is critically dependent on functional sensory processing. Motor planning is the process of thinking up, organizing, and then doing a new action or task. It involves taking in information from the senses to understand where the body is and what a task needs, and then creating the movements to do it. Unsupported differences in sensory processing can mess up development of motor planning. When this happens, children may seem to prefer to sit still and intellectualize, be uncoordinated, or slow to learn new physical skills. Interestingly this aspect of www.insightscare.com February 2024 24

16. development also supports organization in time and space, which means that looking at motor planning for the chronically disorganized child can be key. Sensory processing also impacts social development. Every interaction, from sharing toys to playing team sports, has a sensory component. It's about more than just talking and listening—it's about interpreting a plethora of sights, sounds, and touches in real-time. Differences in sensory processing, might be like trying to have a conversation over a bad video connection. Data might lag or jump around, there might be echoes, or loss of certain qualities—like when a person's voice on a call sounds robotic and loses expression. Experiences like this have tremendous potential to disrupt social interactions. It can result in most social exchanges feeling confusing and make it hard for a person to respond as expected in social situations. Sensory processing differences can make someone feel out of step with the people around them, affecting how they make friends and interact with others. Emotional health is also tied to sensory processing. A child's ability to handle their emotions can be influenced by how they process the sensations around them. If sensory information is overwhelming or confusing, it can be like trying to stay calm in a room where an alarm keeps going About the Author Virginia Spielmann is the Executive Director of STAR Institute for Sensory Processing, a 501(c)3 non-profit and the leading global organization on therapy, education, and research in sensory processing. STAR Institute is based in Colorado, USA, and supports families from all over the world and all walks of life. off. By supporting sensory processing differences, we're not just improving a child's day—we're helping them build resilience and emotional well-being in the long term. For parents, educators, and professionals, understanding sensory processing is key. It's not about diagnosing or labeling children; it's about recognizing the invisible threads that tie together their physical coordination, social skills, and emotional state. By tuning into these sensory needs, we can create environments and experiences that set the stage for children to thrive. Virginia is an Occupational Therapist with a PhD in Infant and Early Childhood Development. Her extensive clinical experience includes autism, differences in sensory integration/processing, infant mental health, adoption, developmental trauma, and physical disabilities. She co- founded and authored the Critical Core therapeutic role-playing game and co- developed the Palaana sensory lounger with SLACK Lifestyle. Virginia is an author, researcher, international speaker and consultant, and in 2021 delivered the TEDx talk" Your Sensory Health Matters: Here’s Why". In essence, sensory processing is the silent conductor of a child's developmental orchestra. When we acknowledge and support this process, we are not just hitting the right notes—we are creating a harmonious melody that resonates through every aspect of their growth. This isn't simply child's play; it's a strategic investment in our future generation's potential. www.insightscare.com February 2024 25

17. This is a good way of motivating the expected behavior through reward. Positive reinforcement requires one to be rewarded by following the same behavior so that it can be encouraged. This speaks basically in everyday life, such as awarding a child extra time to play when their homework is done or complimenting for sharing toys with other children. In the case of adults, one is rewarded by getting a much- loved activity to perform after ensuring completion of a particularly tough task. 1. Positive Reinforcemen and imitated. Cueing incorporates cues for the desired behavior and prompts fade out gradually as the behavior happens automatically. This technique works well for social behaviors and routines, such as greeting or practicing table manners. can encourage them to get more help in case they need it while playing at the park or when working on homework. This will increase their acceptance of asking for help and make it much more applicable to real situations. 6. Consistency and Routine Example: For a child just learning to greet, to model a friendly greeting use the phrase "Hi!" along with a wave. Gently encourage the child to return a greeting in a similar manner. Gradually decrease your assistance so that eventually the child initiates greetings on their own. Consistency supports ABA principles and strengthens desirable behavioral outcomes. Creating routines that have structured schedules of rewards, reminders, and reinforcements makes it easier to learn new behaviors: simpler to understand, more predictable, and therefore easier to teach. For instance, if a child does not clean up his or her toys, offering praise and a small reward such as a sticker or extra Storytime might be applied to reinforce the behavior for the likelihood of recurrence in the future. 4. Techniques of Self-Monitoring Example: Establish a bedtime routine by setting a schedule that includes activities like brushing teeth and reading a story, then turning off the lights. Reinforcing consistency and frequent adherence to the routine creates healthy sleep habits. Self-monitoring involves teaching children to monitor their own behavior and progress. It enhances self- awareness and increases accountability. Some illustrations of how it would be used in real life would include time management with screens, mindfulness, and keeping one's focus when doing homework. 2. Task Analysis and Breaking Down Complex Tasks ABA in Everyday Life For instance, very complicated tasks would include dressing and the procedures for teeth brushing. It requires a process known as task analysis. This process divides a giant task into a number of mini steps which are then instructed step by step. Thus, a person gradually builds up the skill to complete the entire giant task, without support. Techniques can be used with several home activities and school specific exercises. Incorporating ABA into everyday routines can help to progress behavioral growth and development, independence, and confidence due to small consistent changes and a focus on positive reinforcement. This does have an impact on real life by transforming theoretical approaches into practice daily implementations that make a difference to all categories of age and ability. Whether it is a matter of setting achievable goals or the promotion of good habits through the teaching of self-monitoring, ABA methods provide effective, adjustable tools for ameliorating the quality of life in everyday settings. For instance, a child working on the concept of self-regulation would have a simple chart on which times are marked when he has been calm and when he got upset. As part of this, you would frequently refer to the chart with the child to pinpoint which incident led to an outburst and formulate strategies on how to manage emotions. 5. Generalization of Skills For example, you may follow this procedure when teaching a child how to set the table; you divide the activity into some steps: (1) placing the plate on the table, (2) adding the fork and then the placement of the napkin. Be sure to reinforce each step until the child becomes able to execute the process independently. Generalization refers to the fact that what a learner acquires in one setting is applied in other areas of life. Once the behavior has been established, practices in various environments, such as home, school, and community, help make an individual apply it at all times-which is critical for social skills, academic tasks, and self-care routines. - Natalie May 3. Modeling/Prompting Example: You can teach a child to seek help in a controlled setting. Then, you The modeling includes demonstrating the wanted behavior such that it is seen www.insightscare.com February 2024 30