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 and in-home ABA
- Individual and group caregiver training and coaching
- Focused 1:1 programs designed to help with specific challenging behaviors
- Camp and group experiences to enhance social skills during after-school hours and school breaks
- In-person and virtual group social skills programs for preteens and teens
What does an ABA therapy session look like at Cortica?
Sam is 3 years old and participates in 30 hours of direct ABA therapy per week. Twenty-five hours per week are spent in PREP, Cortica’s in-center program that supports Sam in developing social, communication, cognitive, and motor skills needed to prepare him for mainstream kindergarten. Monday through Friday, Sam arrives at the center at 8:30 a.m. and joins his peers in structured activity rotations, including arts and crafts, listening to stories, circle time, snack time, and cooperative play time. His behavior technician provides him with 1:1 support throughout his time at PREP. During the five hours a week he spends in home sessions, Sam and his behavior therapist participate in activities to help him develop his communication, play, and self-care skills. Sam’s behavior therapist and other members of his care team provide training and coaching for his parents so that they can better understand how to support Sam, help him make progress with his treatment goals, and generalize his new skills at home and in the community.
Cary is 7 years old and participates in 15 hours of ABA per week at home. Because Cary’s dad and her ABA supervisor have noticed that she is more alert and engaged in the morning, all of Cary’s sessions take place during morning hours Cary and her behavior therapist begin each session by creating a schedule that includes activities Cary enjoys. Because she likes playing board games, her behavior technician uses board games to help her make progress with her communication and social skills goals. Cary is learning to take turns, participate in two-way conversations, and make requests based on her own preferences. In addition to playing board games, Cary’s behavior technician encourages her to try fun new ways to exercise (including jumping rope and dancing to her favorite songs), and helps her develop her self-care skills, including brushing her teeth, brushing her hair, getting dressed, and cleaning her room.
Bianca is 13 and participates in Cortica social groups on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for two-hour sessions with peers around her age. She also has a Saturday session from 9-12 where she is able to apply the skills she is learning in her social groups to her community activities, including a local chess club.
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.
Behavior Technician (BT) who will deliver therapy directly to your child.
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.