ABA Therapy

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can help children with autism spectrum disorder by improving their social, communication, academic and life skills and reducing difficult behavior. 

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an intensive, individualized program designed to maximize learning. It is one of the most preferred methods of therapeutic and educational interventions for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ABA is based on the principles of teaching developed by B.F. Skinner in his research on human language and positive reinforcement. A primary premise of ABA is that by increasing a child’s ability to effectively communicate their wants and needs, they will learn the skills to decrease undesired behaviors such as outbursts, aggression, and self-injurious behaviors.

Parents/caregivers and ABA staff work together to establish goals that are functional and meaningful for both the child and family. Children receive 1:1 instruction directed toward achieving these goals. Instructional areas include language/communication, cognitive or academic skills, social skills, play skills, and functional skills for daily living, and behavior. Many children participate in ABA programs for 40 hours per week, year-round. The amount of time your child spends in ABA will be dependent on his/her needs, parent desire, and insurance approval.

For additional information to help you determine if you want to pursue ABA as an instructional method for your child, please visit one of the following websites.

Autism Society of Indiana www.autismsocietyofindiana.org

Autism Speaks www.autismspeaks.org

Why choose Possibilities Northeast for ABA Services?

  • No one-size fits all approach, your child is unique and so is their ABA program.
  • Our unique program combines the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech, occupational, physical, and feeding therapy to develop core skills to maximize the success of each child. These activities occur during the child’s day at PNE, removing the need for parents to take them elsewhere for therapy.
  • The PNE program is specifically designed for young children, based on the principals of developmental learning. Children participate in age typical activities such as circle time, learning through play, naps if needed, and special activities.
  • We value the input and participation of families. BCBA’s and Program Managers conduct regular meetings with parents/caregivers to discuss progress, teach behavioral strategies, and listen to your concerns.
  • Every therapist working with your child has passed a national examination and is certified as a Registered Behavior Technician by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
  • At PNE, we have a specific plan to prepare both you and your child for a successful transition to school when the time comes.

Transition to School/Post ABA Programs

At Possibilities Northeast, our goal is to enable a successful future placement for the child – regardless of where or when that might be.

Transition is an ongoing process at PNE. Our program is designed to teach skills to promote successful transitions throughout the duration of the child’s ABA program.

  • Teaching for transition relies heavily on teaching the child to generalize skills to prepare him/her to adapt to future environments, teachers, methods of instruction, etc. Our program is specifically designed to allow the child to work with a team of therapists throughout a variety of locations within our building/grounds.
  • Our preschool-like activities provide an opportunity for children to learn social behaviors necessary for school success.
  • Possibilities Northeast has a one-of-a-kind transition classroom to further prepare children who are nearing the end of their ABA program. The classroom resembles a kindergarten room with pod seating and learning stations. Children in this program engage in group classroom instruction, increased independent activities and work on classroom behaviors such as raising your hand to speak, staying in your seat, lining up at the door, etc.
  • Your child’s BCBA and Program Manager will begin meeting with staff at your desired post ABA placement a few months prior to transition in order to begin preparations for success.
  • Based on the child’s needs and approval of ABA hours, PNE may provide continued assistance for a period of time after the child leaves our on-site program.

How Does My Child Qualify for ABA?

  • Possibilities Northeast is an early intervention facility and accepts newly enrolled children from 20 months to 7 years old.
  • Children must have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in order to receive insurance funding for services. Diagnosis is typically provided by a Psychologist. Please speak to your child’s primary care physician if you have concerns and do not have a diagnosis. The M-CHAT is an online autism screening tool that you may choose to utilize if you have developmental concerns. www.m-chat.org
  • All enrollment is subject to insurance/funding approval.

Getting Started in ABA

We know that for many parents, it has been a long, sometimes stressful journey to get a diagnosis and determine the path you want to pursue. No doubt you are anxious for your child to begin receiving services as soon as possible. PNE would love to provide services to your child immediately but we do have to comply with insurance and licensing requirements that can often make this seem like a slow process for families.

  1. After we obtain your child’s diagnosis paperwork and insurance verification, our office will request an authorization for ABA evaluation.
  2. When the authorization is received, we will contact you to schedule the evaluation. During the evaluation, our Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will work with your child to determine strengths and needs as well as meet with parents to discuss behavioral issues and other concerns. Following the evaluation, the BCBA will share their recommendations regarding the number of hours per week the child may benefit from ABA services. Parents will be an active part of this team discussion.
  3. After the BCBA completes the necessary documentation from evaluation, our office will submit a request to the child’s insurance for the suggested number of hours per week to participate in ABA programming.
  4. Upon approval of services, we will work with the family to determine a start date.

Funding for ABA

ABA programs are typically funded by medical insurance plans. PNE accepts most major insurances, Medicaid and Children’s Special Healthcare Services. Our staff will assist you with determining coverage and navigating the insurance maze. Please visit our “Resources” page for additional information.

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