Applied Behavior Analysis is a framework created to support individuals affected by autism and other developmental issues. Applied behavior analysis and autism are connected by their emphasis on the individual’s unique needs and abilities. Since no two expressions of autism are exactly alike, applied behavior analysis programs are an effective way to build customized treatment plans and goals. This tool allows clients with autism to develop social skills, communication tools, and adaptive behaviors. VBA works with families in San Diego, Orange, and Southern Riverside Counties to support children impacted by autism. We work with children with a range of abilities, ages, and socio-economic backgrounds. Contact us today to see if you qualify for our programs.

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a psychological practice conceptualized by Dr. R. Douglas Greer and a team of colleagues at Columbia University. It is widely used in the United States to support clients affected by autism and other developmental delays. Applied behavior analysis takes a behavioral-based position on development, outlining a series of behavioral cusps necessary for language acquisition and social skills. An example of a behavior cusp might be learning how to walk, ask a question, or take turns. Applied behavior analysis and autism both require care providers to take a client-led approach, forming goals and treatment plans according to individualized needs. At VBA, our ABA plans are developed by a Ph.D. level psychologist and actualized by our team of BCBA’s, RBT’s, and Interventionists.

Applied behavior analysis and autism have been researched by psychologists throughout the country. Nationally-accredited organizations, including Autism Speaks and the American Psychological Association, have identified ABA as one of the best treatment options for patients impacted by autism. The US Surgeon General also recognizes ABA as an ideal option for certain developmental issues, including autism. Since there is no “one size fits all” approach to treating autism, applied behavior analysis is an excellent tool to help psychologists, BCBA’s, families, and patients collaborate on solutions and exercises that work for their clients.

One reason applied behavior analysis is ideal for clients with autism is its emphasis on the individual. ABA is client-led; instead of prescribing strict behavioral goals, psychologists and Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA’s) use a set of behavioral principles to form an individualized treatment plan. Some of the overall goals of an applied behavior analysis treatment plan may include: 

 

• Improving functional communication
• Expanding listening and speaking skills
• Reducing maladaptive behavior 
• Building social skills
• Increasing the ability to self-manage 
• Improving gross and fine motor skills 
• Building learning capabilities: Generalized Imitation, Incidental Language Learning, Observational Learning 

Our applied behavior analysis programs can be designed to support clients with autism. Since autism can impact a client’s ability to learn new skills, communicate, and adapt constructive behaviors, we may focus on a treatment plan that addresses one or all of those objectives.

• Building communication skills
• Expanding the ability to listen and ask questions
• Reducing maladaptive behavior and fostering replacement behaviors
• Promoting self-management and adaptability 
• Supporting gross and fine motor skills 
• Increasing learning capabilities like Generalized Imitation, Incidental Language Learning, and Observational Learning 

Our Orange County-based applied behavior analysis professionals deliver programs based on the Verbal Behavior Development Theory (VBDT). This widely-accepted model was developed at Columbia University and is practiced throughout the United States. VBA’s programs are designed with contemporary understandings of the practice, and we are regular participants in research and publications throughout the country. You can learn more about our work on our blog, or contact our Orange County Location for more information.

Increasing communication skills is a frequent goal of our applied behavior analysis programs for clients with autism. This may pertain to verbal or non-verbal communication, depending upon the abilities of each client. We develop exercises and interventions to help each child understand how to communicate and how it can benefit them. Our interventionists are trained to work with both verbal and non-verbal clients and offer tools and techniques for a range of developmental levels. Depending upon the abilities of the child, we’ll also include fine and gross motor skill exercises within the treatment plan. For verbal clients that are actively participating in a group environment (like a classroom), we may work on social skills, including asking questions, taking turns, and understanding boundaries.

Clients with autism may sometimes enact maladaptive or challenging behaviors in the home or classroom environment. Not only is this burdensome for the client, but it can also make everyday tasks more challenging for parents, caregivers, and teachers. In addition, maladaptive behaviors can make it difficult for clients to form and keep relationships with peers and family members. Our team uses the principles of ABA to identify these behavioral issues and suggest appropriate replacement behaviors to aid social situations. We also work with the parents and siblings to ensure maladaptive behaviors are addressed in a positive, constructive way, according to the treatment plan.

A client dealing with autism may have a hard time adjusting to a new environment or participating in a group dynamic. The classroom, movie theatre, and grocery store can all be complex environments to navigate. Our analysts work with clients to develop treatment plans to help them adapt to a variety of environments. We’ll also focus on self-management and expression techniques to support clients as they learn how to handle new environments.

Several of our ABA-based treatment plans may include a focus on increasing the client’s ability to learn. Depending upon the client’s needs and abilities, we’ll promote the acquisition of behaviors like generalized imitation, incidental language learning, and observational learning. These skills can be used both within and outside of the classroom environment.

The most successful autism treatment plans feature consistent interventions and behavioral goals within the client’s school and home life. Applied behavior analysis treatment plans and autism care must be addressed in a holistic manner; any solution must involve the family and other care providers within the child’s life. At VBA, we train parents and caregivers on techniques to take the lessons learned in therapy and apply them in other environments.

If you think that applied behavior analysis is right for someone that is affected by autism, the next step is to schedule a consultation with a specialist in your area. During the consultation, the applied behavior analyst will review things like behavior patterns, language and speech abilities, non-verbal communication skills, self-management and adaptation tendencies. Once they determine that the client is a good match for ABA, they may refer you to a specialist in your area.

VBA works with schools, organizations, and individuals all over Southern California, including San Diego County, Orange County, and Southern Riverside County. Our team primarily works with children and young people affected by autism. Autism can be diagnosed as early as 6 months of age, with many patients receiving a diagnosis around preschool or elementary school age. Autism can affect anyone, regardless of gender, income, race, or cultural backgrounds. Subsequently, we tailor our applied behavior analysis programs to each client’s unique circumstances. Our staff is trained to work with clients from a large range of backgrounds and abilities. We partner with schools, non-profit organizations, medical institutions, and other autism organizations to provide access to clients across Southern California.

Since children with autism may struggle to express their needs, parents and caregivers must constantly work to understand them and relay this information to others. The challenges of autism can also affect siblings or other family members who may be anxious to protect the child or feel frustrated about having to change plans to accommodate the child’s needs. There are a variety of different challenges that autism may provide, so it is crucial to gain support from a network of professionals who can help. At VBA, we work with both patients and their families to tools and techniques. One of the most important strategies is to take time for yourself, which can help you remain flexible and patient despite new circumstances that arise.

At VBA, we believe that every family struggling with autism deserves access to tools and resources that can help. We partner with several private and public organizations throughout Southern California and accept the following insurance providers and funding resources: 

Insurance Providers: 

• Aetna
• Blue Shield of CA
• Anthem Blue Cross of California
• United Healthcare (Optum)
• Healthnet Commercial (MHN)
• Sharp
• Humana (coming soon!)
• Medical
• Care 1st
• CalOptima
• Community Health
• Molina
• Inland Empire Health Plan
• L.A. Care Health Plan (coming soon!)

School Districts

• San Diego County
• Orange County
• Southern Riverside County

Private Pay for Clients living in:

• San Diego County
• Orange County
• Southern Riverside County

VBA’s applied behavior analysis not only identifies each client’s behavioral cusps and goals but also aims to understand the appropriate motivational conditions for each client to learn. To simplify, our approach to behavior analysis not only teaches the child how to talk, but it helps the child identify why they want to talk. Furthermore, we explore the conditions and methods by which they learn best. By understanding how they learn in combination with their motivations, we build effective treatment plans to achieve a variety of goals. Since children with autism cannot rely on direct instruction for all the skills they need to know, we actively find other instructional protocols to support their learning. Observing others or being exposed to new environments may be important methods for helping our clients reach new developmental milestones.