Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the practice of using research-based methods to improve social behaviors in a significant way. ABA focuses on the measurable and observable behaviors that are meaningful to your child, your family, and to the community.
ABA + ESDM
At Blue Stars Therapy, we practice ABA using natural environment teaching using intervention strategies from the Early Start Denver Model. This means you therapist will work with you and your child during play, mealtimes, book time, and all other routines of your child’s day by creating learning opportunities.
the why
Working with an ABA therapist will help you as the parent identify the “why” behind what your child is doing or not doing – this is the function of your child’s behavior.
sequences
Your therapists will help you begin to make connections to understand what you and other important people in your child’s life can do to decrease the likelihood that undesired behaviors will occur, such as hitting, biting, screaming, falling to the floor, crying, etc. and ensure desired behaviors such as using language, returning hugs, sharing a toy, pointing to make a choice, etc., will occur again. Our therapists will help you identify the antecedent (what is happening immediately before the behavior occurs) and the consequence (what happens immediately after the behavior) occurs to shape your child’s behavior.
replacement
Behaviors don’t just disappear, your ABA therapist will teach your child more appropriate replacement behaviors instead of the current undesired behaviors. Your child will learn what he or she is supposed to do instead.
customized
ESDM/ABA is highly individualized – your child will have their own treatment plan with goals specific to their needs. Goals will be advanced based on the you child’s data. Blue Stars Therapy’s ABA therapists work with you to find activities and materials that capture your child’s attention and motivation to make learning and behavior change a positive experience.
Across-settings
ESDM/ABA sessions can occur in multiple natural environments, such as home daycare, and in the community. This ensures your child will be able to transfer behaviors taught in home to other places in the community and across a wide variety of people.