FAQ

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the application of the principles of behavior. ABA focuses on improving positive behaviors and eliminating negative behaviors in order to teach a variety of skills (communication, adaptive skills, feeding, toilet training). Interventions using applied behavior analytic principles have long been established as effective approaches to increase appropriate behaviors and decrease problem behaviors for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; National Autism Center, 2009; Wong et al.,2014)

Over 30 years of research has demonstrated the effectiveness of ABA for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children who receive early, intensive behavioral intervention have demonstrated positive improvements in their development. Areas of improvement typically include communication, socialization, following instructions, daily living skills, etc.

A – Antecedent (what happens before the behavior)

B – Behavior (observable and measurable action)

C – Consequence (events that follow a behavior)

Communication Skills: language, social skills, conversation, reading and writing.

Daily Living Skills: toileting, dressing, fine motor skills, personal self-care, domestic skills.

Problem Behaviors: self-injury, noncompliance, aggressive behaviors, self-stimulatory behavior, property destruction.

ABA therapy at H.O.P.E. is completely individualized. There is no one size fit all program because each child is different in their own unique way. Each program is written to meet the needs of child. A BCBA will design and oversee the program that involves the child’s skills needs, deficits, interests, as well as family preferences. These are all used to determine treatment goals for the individual in different skill areas. We use multiple assessment tools to ensure that programing is progressing. Goals are adjusted as the child progresses and the BCBA will meet regularly with the family for parent training that will help them apply what is being done successfully in the center into the home environment.

Autism does not affect just one area of your child’s life, so ABA should not be confined to only one location. By utilizing multiple ABA therapy locations, the treatment team can help you and your child address concerns in different areas.

Home-based therapy allows our therapists to provide treatment in everyday situations in your home, whereas center-based therapy allows them to access medically necessary ABA in a structured environment in our center. Each location offers unique benefits.

• Home-based ABA provides a great way to teach skills that your child uses at home. For example, it is beneficial for teaching bedtime routines and family meal skills.
• Center-based ABA provides your child with a structured environment in which he or she learns a variety of important skills. If your child will soon enter school, this approach can help him or her adjust to the routine of going to a set location to learn.

Although the locations are different, you can count on two constants. Your child will receive highly effective, evidence-based ABA therapy from our experienced team. You will also be involved in the process, as the H.O.P.E. team believes that ABA is most effective when the child’s family plays an active role in the treatment process.

During the assessment process, a trained clinician from H.O.P.E. will determine a plan for how many hours of therapy they would recommend for your child to make progress.

In 2001, the National Research Council Report recommends a minimum of 25 hours per week.

In 2007, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 20 hours or more of active engagement in evidence-based intervention. We offer flexible scheduling and do our best to accommodate what works best for each family.

At H.O.P.E. we provide 1:1 customized ABA Therapy in the home, community, school and daycare environments to children who are medically diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our main goal is to increase positive behaviors and skills (eye contact, language, etc.) and decrease behaviors that are interfering with a child’s ability to thrive (non-compliance, aggression, self-injury, etc.) We look to replace maladaptive behaviors with those that benefit a child’s needs (asking for a break, etc.).

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We specialize in early intervention between the ages of 18 months to 21 years of age.  Some insurance companies will cover ABA therapy past the age of 21.  Please contact our office for more information about your specific insurance plan.

Yes! But we do not offer diagnostic assessments or testing. Our focus is your child’s needs rather than their label, however, we need to discuss funding in more detail because many insurance companies only cover our services for specific formal diagnoses. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

We currently are in network with:

• Anthem/BCBS
• Tricare

We are out of network with:

• United Behavioral Health
• Harvard Pilgrim

In order to expedite the insurance intake process, we suggest reaching out to the Member Services department of your insurance plan and let them know you are interested in ABA services. They can give you a more detailed outline of their intake process and the steps you need to take to start services with us.

While we do not offer speech therapy, physical therapy or occupational therapy, our services do focus on collaborating with other disciplines and incorporating what is appropriate into the therapy sessions.  We have a list of local providers that we recommend to parents. 

Parent training and involvement is a mandatory part of our therapy models. We can train you in techniques and programs for your use at home, and we can help troubleshoot issues occurring outside of therapy. As a parent or caregiver you are a very important part of your child’s programing. We appreciate your expertise on your child, you know them the best, you are their expert. We approach all challenges as a team.

Please complete the contact form found here.

It’s hard to make that determination until we meet. The best way to find out if our program is right for your family is to have our initial intake video/in-office conference without your child.  

Please bring all diagnostic reports, most recent evaluations from school or any other outside service providers (OT, PT, Speech).  Please bring your insurance cards.

Typically, the conference averages 1.5 hours but please plan for at least two hours.