What does an ABA program entail?
ABA therapy programs are not designed as a “one size fits all”. Each learners program is overseen by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The BCBA will begin by conducting a detailed assessment to identify specific treatment goals based on the age and ability level of the learner. The behavior plan will then break down each desired skill into short term goals (e.g., imitating a single sound) in order to move towards the overall long-term goal (e.g. asking for water by saying the complete word “water”).
A registered behavior technician (RBT) will implement skill acquisition programs one-on-one with the learner while also implementing behavior analytic interventions to increase preferred behaviors and decrease maladaptive behaviors. The RBT and the BCBA will measure progress by collecting data during each therapy session. The data will be used to monitor the learner progress toward goals on an ongoing basis. It is also the job of the behavior analyst to meet regularly with family members and review information regarding the learner’s progress.