Applied Behavior Analysis is a scientific approach to understanding and changing behavior, focusing on increasing desired behaviors and decreasing undesired behaviors.

ABA therapy is not a one-size-fits-all treatment; it is specifically designed to address behaviors and skills in individuals, particularly those with autism, rather than being a general approach for all behavioral issues. Additionally, it is not solely focused on eliminating behaviors but aims to enhance communication and social skills while reducing harmful behaviors.

Understanding the Stigma of ABA Therapy

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy has faced criticism due to its historical focus on compliance and behavior modification, which sometimes felt punitive. Early methods, particularly those developed in the 1960s, often used aversive techniques alongside reinforcement, leading to concerns about the emotional well-being of children. Critics argued that these approaches did not adequately consider the individual needs and experiences of children, particularly those on the autism spectrum.

Key Issues Contributing to Stigma

• Rigid Methods: Early ABA practices were often seen as overly strict and focused on eliminating behaviors rather than understanding the child.
• Lack of Emotional Consideration: The emphasis on compliance sometimes ignored the emotional and sensory needs of children.
• Negative Perceptions: Misunderstandings about ABA's goals and methods contributed to a negative public perception.

The Evolution of ABA Therapy

In recent years, ABA therapy has undergone significant changes, shifting towards a more compassionate and individualized approach. This evolution has been influenced by feedback from the disability community and advancements in psychological research.

Modern Principles of ABA

• Focus on Autonomy: Current practices prioritize the child's autonomy and personal interests, allowing for a more engaging learning experience.
• Emotional Safety: Emphasis is placed on creating a supportive environment that respects the emotional well-being of the child.
• Individualized Support: Therapy is tailored to meet the unique needs of each child, considering their sensory and emotional experiences.

Integration of Compassionate Care

Modern ABA incorporates principles of compassionate care, which emphasize:

• Respect for Dignity: Services are delivered in a way that centers on the dignity and values of the individual.
• Collaborative Approaches: ABA is now often integrated with other therapies, such as speech and occupational therapy, to provide holistic support.
• Focus on Understanding: Practitioners aim to understand the reasons behind behaviors, fostering a more empathetic approach to intervention.

Conclusion

The shift in ABA therapy from rigid, compliance-focused methods to a more compassionate, individualized approach has helped to address past criticisms. By prioritizing emotional safety and understanding, modern ABA practices aim to support children in a way that respects their unique needs and promotes their overall well-being.

Behavior plans are designed to target specific behaviors and teach new skills, leading to improved behavior and quality of life for your child.

We offer workshops for families to learn behavior management techniques and consultation services for schools to implement effective behavior support strategies.

We hold individual one on one parent meetings and trainings.  We usually hold these twice a month, but there are cases where we offer these weekly and monthly, depending on need and availibility.

We also offer trainings for school, daycare and administration staff upon request.  We love doing this!

Our BCBAs are available to attend IEP and other school meetings.  We are here to help and support parents and faculty to promote a better academic atmosphere for everyone involved.  We believe that Coordination of Care goes beyond doctors and other medical therapies.  

We know that real change happens when everyone is on the same page, are actively participating, and are equipped for whatever challenges come.

5 Step Process

Step 1. Call Us

Step 2. Insurance Verification

Step 3. Assessment

Step 4. Treatment Recommendations

Step 5. Therapy Begins

 

5 Step Process Broken Down    -   "What To Expect"

 

After receiving a diagnosis from a medical professional:
Contact us for an Assessment and Request Intake Paperwork!
*We do not diagnose, you will need a CDE (Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation) diagnosis from a Medical Professional (From a Psychologist, Pscychiatrist, etc)

Client Assessment:
We will schedule a time to meet with you and do the assessment, and then send it to insurance for approval.
*This is usually a two week process.  
We will schedule an assessment with you AND your child one day for two hours, then an additional day will be needed for two hours(In the same week).  You will drop your child off for two hours and then pick them up the second day.  This gives our BCBAs some time to get to know your child, hopefully they will be more comfortable the second day, and we are able to get more accurate data for the assessment.

Treatment Plan:
Analyzing the assessment data our BCBAs will formulate a treatment plan specifically for your child.
*This is what we send to insurance, you will also receive a copy
Be prepared, on your child's first therapy appointment, we will ask you to come in for an hour (at most) to go over the treatment plan with you.  We will not be able to start services until this meeting is scheduled.

Authorization:
We will send off the appropriate documents to the insurance company asking for services.

Services Begin:
We will put your child on the schedule and begin ABA services for your child as well as weekly/monthly Parent Trainings.

This is what to expect!

1. Enter the lobby with your child and have a seat. Please locate the QR-Code with your phone and fill out the Daily Appointment Questionnaire. (This gives us the needed necessary information for the days session.  Often it gets hectic and loud, making it hard to talk to the therapist, this way we know we will get pertinent information.)

2. Therapist will come in, greet you and ask if there is anything they should know. (Please use this time to briefly get them up to date, any important information should be noted in the Questionaire, if there is something noteworthy, please tell them to look at the questionaire.)

3. The therapist will take the child back and start the therapy process.

4. You will enter the lobby at the appropriate pick up time, therapist will bring your child out.  At this time, they will tell you how the day went.

5. We do it all over again next time!

Clients receive therapy based on the need.  We offer both Comprehensive ABA Therapy and Focused ABA Therapy.

Comprehensive ABA therapy addresses multiple developmental areas such as communication, social skills, and daily living skills, typically requiring 20-40 hours of therapy per week.

Focused ABA therapy targets specific behaviors or skills with fewer hours, usually between 10-25 per week, making it ideal for children who need help in just one or two areas.

We do recommend that a client is able to attend at least two days a week, to begin therapy at Masterpiece.  We have an intense waiting list, and want to help those that are actively seeking help and need it.  Due to this we have a strict attendance policy.

We have an extensive waiting list.  How our process works - is if we have all of the needed documentation, and a spot becomes available, we call you.  If the time works for your schedule then we start the process, if it does not, we have to move to the next one on the waiting list. We will keep you on the list, and call again when the next spot becomes available, unless you ask to be removed, which is completely fine.

Please feel free to send us an email, or fill out the contact information below if you would like to be added to our waiting list!

 

Needed Documentation:

Insurance Card - Front and back copy

CDE - Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation, from a pyschiatrist or psychologist, or medically approved diagnostic indivual.  
(Pupil Appraisals will not be accepted anymore - by insurance)

IEP - Individualized Education Program, from school

Prescription from the Doctor  - it needs to state "ABA Therapy Evaluate and Treat"