Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy helps children on the autism spectrum or with other developmental disabilities learn social skills and positive behavior patterns. At Positive Pathways, we provide individual ABA therapy for your child’s unique needs. In our approach, we combine Pivotal Response Training, Verbal Behavior, and the Early Start Denver Model to create play-based programs. We also utilize Natural Environment Training (NET) to help children use their new skills in a variety of settings. This is often referred to as generalization. Positive Pathways also focuses on social skill development. Engaging with family and peers is an important goal for children, and learning new social skills can help. To help promote generalization and access to social opportunities, some of our sessions can take place at parks within the child’s community.
What is Individual ABA Therapy?
For children on the autism spectrum, ABA therapy teaches new skills using positive reinforcement. Behaviors like tantrums and outbursts can be replaced with positive behaviors. Individual ABA therapy can make a difference in young children. You’ll work with our therapists and board-certified behavior analysts to help your child learn new skills and behaviors. Early intervention leads to lasting positive changes. After home-based, one-on-one therapy, programs like our in-school ABA therapy and ABA center services are effective for children who are ready. We’ll work to find the right next step for your child.
Parents and Individual ABA Therapy
Positive Pathways knows having parents involved is key to the progress and success of a child’s individual ABA therapy. Before beginning services, Positive Pathways will work with the family to create a unique and specific family involvement agreement. Through this, the whole family will know how they will participate in their child’s ABA program. This might include:
- Being present during ABA sessions
- Using behavior analytic techniques and programs even when therapists are not present
- Trainings by the board-certified behavior analyst
- Keeping track of targeted behaviors throughout the week
We also involve siblings and peers when possible to promote social skills and encourage your child to use their new skills in different situations.
Positive Pathways can also use goals from other service providers, preschool, and parental concerns. During team meetings with the therapists and behaviorists, you can discuss your child’s progress, goals, and any concerns.
Individual ABA Therapy at Positive Pathways
Our curriculum for individual ABA therapy is unique to each child. However, we often use the Verbal Behavior and Milestones Assessment Placement Program (VB-MAPP) to assess and guide our programs for the following skills:
- Self-help and Adaptive Behavioral skills (e.g., dressing, feeding,
- toilet training, increased independence, etc.)
- Play/Leisure
- Social skills
- Cooperation
- Pre-academic skills (e.g., counting, matching/sorting, letters)
- Imitation
- Communication and Language Development
- Fine and Gross Motor skills
We take data during every session and graph it to monitor your child’s progress. Programs are unique to each child, taught in fun and exciting ways, and changed often to keep the child’s attention. The therapists work with the child’s motivation to teach skills so the child stays engaged.
Positive Pathways has passionate and dedicated behavioral therapists who are thoroughly trained in ABA and receive frequent seminars on special topics in the field. Additionally, our therapists participate in team meetings and attend professional development conferences. Our therapists and board-certified behavior analysts also often consult with each other to ensure the most efficacious program for your child. They can assess the child, create the home program, and implement services. Positive Pathways also works with the family’s schedule. Our goal is to provide flexible service hours, make sure that enough family time is available, and create time for children to be children.
Positive Pathways utilizes best practices for our ABA in-home services, as determined by current research. Moreover, following the highest standards, we offer two types of programs: Comprehensive ABA and Focused ABA delivery models.
Comprehensive ABA Program
Our comprehensive ABA program typically consists of at least 25 hours per week of therapy. Comprehensive ABA is often recommended for what we call our “early intervention owls.” This is especially recommended for children under seven. Intensive services are often required for a minimum of one to two years before transitioning to fewer hours in a Focused ABA program. Research shows that children who receive intensive early intervention services have significantly improved outcomes. These include communication, social skills, and adaptive behaviors. When children are young, the brain is still very flexible, allowing the possibility of neuro re-modeling. Therefore, early intervention ABA encourages positive changes in the brain.
Focused ABA Programs
Children in this program tend to receive 10-20 hours per week of therapy. While in therapy, they work on social goals, adaptive skills, and specific behavior patterns. Our “afternoon owls” typically participate in a focused program. We also set up “playdates” with clients and therapists to work on social skills in natural environments. Sessions are often at parks, community centers, and after school programs. Also, specific hours are always determined after the initial assessment and are a clinical decision made by multiple team members.
If you’re looking for individual ABA therapy in California, reach out to Positive Pathways. We provide services to San Francisco, Contra Costa, and Alameda counties. Contact Positive Pathways today at 650.260.4670 for the services your child needs.
