Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for Autism
The Cortica Care Model
Cortica’s applied behavior analysis (ABA) program uses a naturalistic, neurodiversity-affirming approach that integrates key insights from neuroscientific research. Through this approach to behavior therapy, we reshape the neural networks that influence a child's behavior and help children to generalize skills to their home, school, and community environments. Our ABA services are individualized to fit each child’s unique neurodevelopmental profile.
What is applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy?
ABA comes from a field of psychology called behaviorism, which examines how a person’s surroundings influence their behavior. All behavior originates from brain networks, and ABA therapy can build brain networks for sensory processing, motor function, cognitive abilities, communication, self-care, and social-emotional skills. ABA services also help ensure that when a child learns new skills in one setting or context, they can generalize those skills to new settings and contexts.
What are the goals of ABA therapy?
We begin with a comprehensive assessment and then create a personalized ABA treatment plan. Sample ABA therapy goals may include:
- Greater independence in daily living skills (such as getting dressed and brushing teeth)
- Improved expressive communication (such as using more complex language and improving conversational skills)
- Improved receptive communication skills (such as following requests and answering questions)
- Enhanced social skills (including having conversations, sharing, taking turns, and understanding social cues)
- Improved safety skills and awareness
Our skilled ABA therapists can conduct sessions in your home, in our center, in school, and in the community, when clinically appropriate.
What does ABA therapy look like in Cortica's Whole-Child Approach?
Cortica’s experienced behavioral therapists take a naturalistic approach to ABA that’s built around positive, caring relationships. Children learn new skills in everyday settings, and we tailor goals and strategies to each child’s unique neurodevelopmental profile and the family’s priorities. At Cortica, ABA therapy draws on the most effective, assent-based techniques from:
- Transdisciplinary research on child development and behavior, including neuroscience research
- Developmental and relationship-based models of intervention
- Inclusive and neurodiversity-affirming interventions
What does a strengths-based and neurodiversity-affirming approach to ABA look like?
At Cortica, we believe that your child has a greater chance of achieving their goals if the voice in their head is asking, “What’s strong with me?” rather than, “What’s wrong with me?” We believe that every child has strengths, and we’ve designed our ABA program to enhance your child’s existing strengths and develop new ones. By leading with strengths instead of problems, we empower your child to succeed in their own unique way. Our neurodiversity-affirming model of care
- recognizes that every child brings unique gifts to the world
- acknowledges each child’s strengths and preferences
- uses language that shows respect for neurological differences
- provides a personalized level of support for each child, based on their strengths, needs, and goals
- improves each child’s opportunities for enjoyment, learning, and advancement in everyday environments
What are my options for ABA services at Cortica?
We offer:
- In-center or in-home ABA with parent training
- Group parent training classes
- Focused 1:1 programs designed to help with specific challenging behaviors
- Small group programs to enhance specific social skills
- In-person and telehealth social group opportunities
- PREP Program: Our daily, in-center program for group learning and pre-kindergarten readiness for children ages 2-6. This program is typically 2-3 hours in duration.
- Seasonal PREP camps and sibling groups
- PEERS camps for teens at select locations
What does an ABA therapy session look like at Cortica?
Sam is 3 years old and currently receives 20 hours of direct ABA therapy per week. Fifteen hours are spent in Cortica’s in-center, early-intervention program. Monday-Friday, Sam arrives at the center at 9 am. He is joined by his peers as they follow an activity schedule that includes activity rotations (arts & crafts, turn taking with blocks, attending to stories, etc.), circle time, snack time, and cooperative play activities with peers. During home sessions, Sam and his behavior therapistset up an activity schedule and work on communication, play skills, and self-care skills. Sam’s parents take part in his home sessions so he can practice his new skills with them. Sam’s ABA Supervisor is a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) who joins his sessions both in the center and at home to provide supervision. The ABA Supervisor also works directly with Sam’s parents, focusing on self-care goals and generalizing Sam’s skills to other family members
Cary is 7 years old and receives 8 hours of ABA per week at home. Cary and her behavior therapist begin each session by collaborating to develop a schedule that includes activities Cary enjoys. She particularly likes playing board games, so her behavior therapist uses board games to target goals for communication and social skills. Cary has learned to comment on the actions she sees others taking, to make requests based on her own preferences, and to offer congratulations to others. Cary’s home sessions also include activities when she can practice self-care skills, like brushing her teeth, brushing her hair, getting dressed, and cleaning her room. She also engages in exercise activities like taking walks and riding a bike.
Bianca is 11 years and receives 10 hours each week of ABA services. Bianca has sessions in her home for 8 hours each week and has two hours each week in the community to work on generalizing safety skills. During sessions, Biance and her behavior therapist engage in activities, such as self-care skills (e.g., getting dressed, using the bathroom, preparing snacks), arts and crafts, and making music.
Cortica's ABA therapy program also offers parent training in groups online to help caregivers learn strategies for supporting their child's ongoing development outside of therapy. Learn more about Cortica's support programs and services here.
FAQs
What is the process for starting ABA?
Children enrolled in our program will first receive a comprehensive individualized ABA assessment which will lead to a proposed Therapy plan and specific recommendations for future ABA services. Our ABA assessment will determine if services are best provided in a 1:1 in-home or in-center format, and if group services are clinically appropriate. Each ABA assessment includes a standardized assessment (required for insurance benefits) and direct observation.
Is ABA right for your child?
Interested in learning more about Cortica’s approach to behavior therapy programs? Contact our office to speak with a member of our ABA team, or call your local location to be scheduled. You can also watch this video to learn more about getting started with ABA therapy services at Cortica.
If your child is recommended for ABA, you will be added to the waitlist and will be contacted when we are ready to move forward with your ABA assessment.
Will my insurance cover Autism therapy?
At Cortica, we work with a wide range of health insurance plans. We can provide you with a benefits check and cost estimate before beginning services with Cortica. Please reach out to us for information about your specific insurance coverage.