Applied Behavior Analysis

Each child’s plan is individualized based on his/her needs and treatment is delivered on a 1:1 basis by a trained Behavior Tutor who implements both the academic and social programs and behavior plan written by the board certified behavior analyst (BCBA). Children work in classrooms alongside and with children of a similar age. This provides the perfect opportunity for them to learn and practice social skills and group learning skills to enhance learning and participation in school.

Some of our specialized learning activities based on age include:

• Daily ‘Circle Time’ for preschoolers and early elementary age children.
• Small ‘Group Lessons’ focused on listening, following directions, and answering questions.

For adolescents and young adults, the focus may be on transitional and daily living skills.  These individuals can learn skill sets that include the following below, all practiced and taught in a home environment:

• Basic pre-learner skills: looking, listening & attending to others
• Communication skills: receptive language, imitation, verbalization (both vocal and through PECS or signs), and grammar
• Academics: matching, reading, writing, spelling, and math
• Functional behaviors:  toilet training, community skills, and meal skills
• Daily living skills: dressing, tooth brushing, and bathing
• Transition skills” cooking, cleaning, money skills
• Decrease challenging behaviors through the use of reinforcement and environmental supports
• Pre-vocational and vocational skills.

• Your child was recently diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and you would like to work on developing pre-academic and functional behavior skills
• Your teenager or young adult needs to learn transitional skills to help them become more successful adults
• Your child or teenager has challenging behavior that impacts his or her ability to learn in traditional settings
• Your child was involved in an ABA program and you would like them to continue developing skills

This program will rely on ABA therapy to help teens with autism develop relationship skills, independent living skills and pre-vocational skills to enable the teen with autism to be successful as an adult.

Behavior Consultations are provided by a behavior analyst (BCBA) in the home, school or community with active participation from parents, caregivers, teachers, support specialists and anyone in the individual’s support network.   A behavior consult differs from applied behavior analysis (ABA) in that it is targeted toward a specific skill or behavior and the end goal is to train caregivers on the individualized intervention plan so that they may implement the plan.

Individuals who require some level of support in the home or community to aid in the generalization of skills acquired in Autism Connections, and/or assistance with home or community-specific concerns as a supplement to ABA services that are already in place.  Additionally, any child or teen who is experiencing a specific behavioral issue in the home, school or community, may also benefit from consultation services.

• In-person meetings with the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) throughout the consultation process
• In-home observations by the BCBA to assess the present issue and gather information to be used in treatment development
• Creation of consultation plan, which includes the results of the observation, and the plan for services
• Individualized design of a behavior support plan
• Individualized design of a reinforcement system
• Setting-specific training of behavior or reinforcement system
• Follow-up Support as needed

• Potty training support
•  Independent living skills coaching
•  Individualized behavior support plan to decrease challenging behavior
•  Reinforcement system to increase skill development and decrease challenging behavior.  
•  Feeding programs
•  Intensive sleep training

Our program is offered in our Royal Oak, Farmington Hills, Warren, Flint and Ann Arbor locations.  We are open Monday thru Friday from 8 am to 7 pm, with morning, afternoon and late afternoon appointment times available.  During the school year and for those who are in school, we offer Saturday mornings as an option.

ABA  in-home services are now offered in Livingston County, serving Brighton, White Lake, Hartland, Whitmore Lake and Howell as well as Genesee County serving Flint and surrounding areas.