Getting Started with Our Services
Enrollment Process
Who is Eligible
Eligibility for ABA services is determined through assessments by qualified professionals like BCBAs or licensed psychologists, often upon referral from a primary care physician, psychologist, or regional center. Typically, ABA services are for individuals diagnosed with ASD or developmental disabilities. Assessments evaluate developmental history, behavior patterns, and communication skills to gauge suitability. While ASD diagnosis is common for ABA access, criteria may vary based on funding source and service provider policies. Generally, those with deficits in social skills, communication, or challenging behaviors may qualify. Consulting with professionals is crucial to determine eligibility and tailor treatment plans.
What to Expect When Receiving Services From Active Steps
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1. Initial Assessment and Information Gathering
The process starts with an initial assessment where the behavior analyst collects information on the individual's history, developmental milestones, medical background, and current behavior. This includes interviews with caregivers, teachers, and relevant individuals, along with reviewing records and documentation.
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2. Functional Behavior Assessment Report
Once assessment concludes, behavior analysts craft a detailed report summarizing FBA findings. This report covers target behaviors, assessment results, behavior function hypotheses, and intervention recommendations.
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3. Functional Assessment Interviews
The behavior analyst interviews caregivers, teachers, and others to understand the function of behavior. They ask questions to identify why the behavior occurs, like escaping demands or seeking attention.
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4. Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) Development
Using FBA results, behavior analysts create a personalized Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) outlining strategies to address target behaviors. This plan includes antecedent modifications, skill teaching, and reinforcement strategies.
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5. Direct Observation
The behavior analyst observes the individual in different settings, like home, school, or community, to collect data on target behaviors. These observations reveal insights into triggers, the behavior itself, and its consequences.
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6. Functional Analysis
In certain cases, behavior analysts might conduct a formal functional analysis. This includes adjusting environmental factors to test hypotheses about behavior function, often in controlled settings like clinics or classrooms under strict supervision for safety.
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7. Data Collection & Analysis
During the FBA process, data on target behaviors is collected through methods like direct observation, rating scales, and structured assessments. The behavior analyst then analyzes this data to identify behavior patterns, triggers, and maintaining factors.
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8. Report Review
Once the FBA report is completed, a Behavior Analyst will review the FBA report with the caregivers to receive their approval for the upcoming treatment. Once approved by caregivers, the FBA report is submitted to the insurance company to approve the ABA services.
A Typical Service Session
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A typical ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) session is structured and individualized to meet the specific needs and goals of the client. Each session will look different depending on the individual’s goals, needs, and preferences. Here's a general outline of what you might expect during an ABA session:
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1. Introduction and Setting the Stage
The session starts with a friendly welcome, establishing rapport, and reviewing session goals.
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2. Targeted Skill or Behavior Teaching
Focused on teaching essential skills outlined in personalized treatment plans: language, social, play, and behavior.
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3. Prompting and Reinforcement
Behavior Technicians (BTs) guide skill acquisition using prompts and reinforcement tailored to individual needs.
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4. Data Collection and Monitoring
Throughout the session, the BT collects data on the client's responses and behaviors to help track progress over time, identify patterns, and make data-driven decisions about the effectiveness of interventions.
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5. Generalization and Maintenance
Clinical team ensure learned skills are applicable across various settings, ensuring sustained progress.
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6. Parent/Caregiver Involvement
Parents/caregivers may observe, participate in activities, or receive coaching and guidance to support their child's learning journey outside of therapy sessions.
The Role of Your Team
Your Behavior Technician
The Behavior Technician implements intervention plans, provides one-on-one therapy, and collects client progress data. They collaborate with the treatment team, fostering a supportive environment for skill development.
Your Behavior Analyst
The Behavior Analyst leads the clinical team, conducting assessments, creating behavior intervention plans, and supervising interventions to address behaviors and teach new skills. They also provide ongoing support and training to ensure intervention fidelity and progress monitoring.
Your Clinical Supervisor
The Clinical Supervisor supports the Behavior Analyst, ensuring program fidelity and providing ABA support to parents and Behavior Technicians. They oversee program implementation and facilitate effective collaboration for continuity of care.
Your Service Coordinator
The service coordinator plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth operations by facilitating effective communication, scheduling, coordination and delivery of services to ensure the best possible outcomes for clients.
How will I know my child is progressing?
Our services are tailored to your unique needs and goals. We work closely with you to understand your preferences, challenges, and aspirations, then craft a personalized plan to support your growth and well-being.
Objective Data Collection
Behavioral Assessments
Skill Acquisition
Reduction of Challenging Behaviors
Generalization and Maintenance
Collaborative Review Meetings
Even after your initial onboarding, our dedicated team will continue providing ongoing support and guidance throughout your journey with our services. We're committed to being a reliable partner, helping you navigate any challenges and celebrate your successes along the way.
Your clinician will regularly check in with you, ensuring your care plan remains aligned with your evolving needs and goals. We'll also offer resources, tools, and personalized recommendations to empower you and keep you motivated on the path to wellness.
Ongoing Support & Guidance
Achieving Your Goals with Our Services
Celebrate Milestones
We'll regularly review your progress and celebrate your achievements, no matter how big or small, to keep you motivated and on track.
Adapt and Evolve
As your needs and goals change, we'll work closely with you to adjust your care plan, ensuring it remains tailored and effective.
Lasting Transformation
Through our collaborative approach, you'll develop the skills and resilience to sustain the positive changes you've made long after our work together.
Frequently Asked Questions
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For insurance funded services, they may require one of the following diagnoses or conditions to be approved for ABA services: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Downs Syndrome, Intellectual Disabilities with related behavioral challenges, and Language Disorders with related behavioral challenges.
Private pay services may not require a diagnosis, but would still need to be assessed for need.
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The onboarding process typically takes up to a week. To complete the process, you will need items such as your insurance card, your child’s diagnosis, and in some cases, an Exit Report or Summary of Benefits.
Our admin team is available to guide you through each step and provide a clear list of what’s needed to ensure a smooth onboarding experience.
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Families are a necessary component of the assessment process. Throughout observations, the families will be asked to provide information about their child’s behaviors, preferences, and abilities.
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Your care plan is tailored specifically to your unique needs through a thorough assessment process. We start by gathering detailed information about your goals, strengths, and areas for improvement. Our team of professionals then collaborates with you and your family to develop a personalized plan that focuses on achieving meaningful progress. We regularly review and adjust the plan to ensure it continues to meet your evolving needs.
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The skills your child needs to learn will be identified during the FBA process. Based on the results of the interviews, assessments, and observations, the Behavior Analyst will identify goals for each child, which will then be approved by caregivers prior to implementation. Additional information about this process can be found in the FBA section.