What is ABA?
Applied Behaviour Analysis is an application of principles based on the science of learning and teaching.
Practitioners observe how their environment influences a learner’s behaviour (e.g. their learning and their responding).
By understanding the environmental influences, practitioners can increase or decrease behaviours by breaking down skills into smaller steps that are easier to learn and pairing that with reinforcers to reward their new skills.
How can ABA help my child?
We use each individual’s strengths and challenges to individualize programming that will make the most impact on their life. Many behaviours and milestones that have been missed can be targeted and incorporated into the learner’s program so that they can achieve to their full potential.
Is ABA effective?
ABA as a treatment for autism has a 40-year research history and strong foundation studies supporting its efficacy (how effective it is), making it a widely recognized and evidence-based treatment approach for individuals with autism. Research has consistently shown that intensive and long-term ABA therapy can lead to improvements in intellectual functioning, language development, daily living skills, and social functioning in individuals with autism.
As well, ABA therapy has been supported as the first line of treatment by the US Surgeon General and the American Psychological Association. Numerous studies have demonstrated the positive outcomes and benefits of ABA therapy for children with autism.
ABA therapy distinguishes itself by demonstrating proven results compared to other forms of therapy used for children with autism. Its evidence-based approach has been shown to be more effective than any other treatment for autism at this time.
Will ABA help my child communicate?
Yes, ABA has been shown to be very effective in teaching and increasing communication skills in autistic learners. Communication is a priority skill for all individuals and is included from the beginning in their individualized curriculum/programming. Our program is interdisciplinary and includes a Speech-Language Pathologist to guide all language programming developed for our learners.
What skills will my child develop from ABA services?
This depends on the goals that you and your child/youth want to achieve. The range of skills can include; attending and cooperation skills, imitation skills, communication skills, language skills, functional skills (eating/feeding, toileting, dressing, etc.), visual skills, fine and gross motor skills, pre-academic and academic skills, group skills, social skills, vocational skills, and community goals.
Does ABA address challenging behaviours?
Yes, ABA can improve functional behaviours while decreasing challenging behaviours by teaching alternatives. Individualized programming can consist of parent coaching, academic modifications, increasing communication skills to decrease challenging behaviours, and implementing the use of visual supports or coping strategies to help with lessening behavioural issues.
What are the steps involved in signing up for ABA services?
First, we meet with you, either in-person or by video, to discuss your child, the services we offer, and what may work best for your child and your family. We also discuss general goals that you have for your child and the intensity that would be recommended based on your child’s needs.
If you are interested in moving forward with our team, we will provide you with an individualized quote of services which includes the initial baseline assessment, weekly therapy hours (i.e., a 9-hour minimum is required), supervision intensity, and all associated service fees.
Next, we will meet and go over the service agreement and intake forms. Once signed we can begin the assessment and goal setting process. Parent participation to help establish goals and programming is an integral part of our process. All programs will be approved by parents before they are added to your child’s programming.
Does my child need a doctor’s referral or assessment?
There are no pre-requisites for your child to participate in our services. Your child does not require any type of formal diagnosis to begin. All learners will be assessed by a behaviour analyst before beginning therapy to ensure that you understand where your child is currently functioning, the recommended intensity, and required programs recommended to meet their individual needs.
What is the standard of education and experience for the therapists?
All of Maximum Potential’s behaviour technicians have at minimum a bachelor’s degree in a related field. We also maintain a high standard of training by ensuring that all our staff complete the 40-hour Registered Behavior Technician training. Each behaviour technician is also provided with in-house training that includes shadowing a senior behaviour technician as well as regular and ongoing individual coaching time with a behaviour analyst.
Can I, or another family member, be present during the session?
Absolutely, we love when parents and other caregivers participate in sessions. Parents are always welcome to observe and be incorporated into their child’s programming.
How do you ensure therapy remains positive and respectful of my child’s individuality?
We ensure that our services are positive, fun, and client-focused by following the learner’s lead and ensuring that their preferences are incorporated. Each behaviour technician is supervised and guided by a behaviour analyst, and we ensure that 15-20% of all sessions are supervised to maintain our high standards.
How do I find a qualified ABA therapist?
Qualified ABA professionals can be located on the Ontario Provider List and on the regulatory health college website. It is important to ask each provider about their education and experience in treating individuals such as your child (i.e., their diagnosis, their age, and their challenges).
Does insurance cover ABA therapy?
In Ontario, ABA therapy can be covered under a few different funding sources. The Ontario Autism Program (OAP) will cover your child for core clinical services (ABA, Psychology, Psychotherapy, Occupational therapy, and Speech-Language Pathology) if your child has progressed through the intake stages. There may also be some individual extended health benefit coverage through your employer. Each employer’s plan is unique so you would need to request information about service coverage, plan limits and session maximums, and the required credentials of the therapists delivering the services.
What are the costs of ABA therapy?
The cost of ABA services is similar to other regulated health professional services. The hourly rate is based on the education and training of the person delivering the service.
There are often other associated fees to cover travel time, travel Km, report writing, assessments, meetings, before/after therapy/lunch time care, etc.
How often will my child need sessions?
The determination of intensity of services should be confirmed after a detailed assessment of baseline skills. If your child is functioning at a significantly lower level than their age, generally the more intensive the services. For ABA services, young children with significant needs have been shown to have the greatest benefit when intensity is more than 21 hours per week.