What is Applied Behavior Analysis?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a type of therapy that focuses on improving specific behaviors, such as: social skills, communication, reading, academics as well as adaptive learning skills, such as fine motor dexterity, hygiene, grooming, domestic capabilities, punctuality, and job completion (bullet points) 

ABA is effective for children and adults with psychological disorders in a variety of settings, including schools, workplaces, homes, and clinics. It has also been shown that consistent ABA can significantly improve behaviors and skills and decrease the need for special services. (Psychology Today)

ABA therapy is adaptable to meet each client's individual needs. ABA therapy involves an evaluation, treatment, and monitoring. To change behavior in a positive and meaningful way, trained providers use positive reinforcement strategies and Antecedent-Behavior-Consequences.

Understanding antecedents (what happens before a behavior occurs), the targeted or resulting behaviors, and consequences (what happens after the behavior) is another important part of any ABA program.

Applied Behavior Analysis involves many techniques for understanding and changing behavior. ABA is a flexible treatment:  

• Can be adapted to meet the needs of each unique person
• Provided in many different locations – at home, at school, and in the community
• Teaches skills that are useful in everyday life
• Can involve one-to-one teaching or group instruction

ABA providers takes a research approach to therapy based on proven theories of learning and behavior. Therapists use ABA understand how human behaviors are learned and how they can be changed over time. Bridging Difference's therapeutic team evaluates a client’s behavior and develops treatment plans to help improve the communication and behavior skills necessary for success in their personal and/or professional lives. ABA therapists can also provide training to parents and teachers. 

For the greatest results, ABA requires heavy monitoring and continuous evaluation. (Psychology Today)

The goal of an ABA therapy program is to increase the skills needed to become more independent and successful as well as decrease maladaptive behaviors that interfere with daily living.  ABA program are not "one size fits all".

Initially, one of our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) will conduct a detailed assessment of skills, preferences, needs, and family preferences.

Treatment goals are then written based on assessment results and can include goals for many different skills, such as:

• Communication and language
• Social skills
• Self-care (such as personal hygiene)
• Play and leisure
• Motor skills
• Academic and learning skills

All treatment goals are then broken down into their component steps, which will be taught one by one, from simple to more complex. Clinicians collect data  each session  to assess progress or to identify where changes need to be made in the program. The BCBA regularly meets with family members, specialists and technicians,  to review progress and adjust teaching plans or goals as needed.

A typical client team consists of a BCBA, Behavior Specialist and 1-3 Behavior Technicians. A therapy session lasts between 3-4 hours with 1 RBT implementing program directly with the client. A Supervisor (BCBA or Behavior Specialist) may be present concurrently conducting Parent Training and/or Supervision. 

Client Focus

Our goal is for your child to grow, learn, and thrive not only in our program, but in their everyday life. Bridging Differences creates each treatment plan according to the individual needs of the client.

Family Matters

Bridging Differences ABA focuses not only on the needs of the client but their family as a whole. Our aim is to create a therapeutic program approach that is unique and beneficial to the child and family. The intervention team assesses an individual and evaluates their current levels of functioning to create an individualized treatment package with specific measurable goals. Our programs aim to bridge the gaps between the child’s current functioning and developmental age while increasing skill development and reducing behavioral challenges. Therapy hours and appointments are based on the clinical recommendations of the BCBA Clinical Supervisor in conjunction with the schedule of the client and their family.

State of the Art Technology

Bridging Differences uses state of the art technology to gather, record, and graph ABA data during client sessions, interface and communicate in a HIPAA-compliant manner with families, and generate progress reports and analyses to track acquisition and progression of skills. Our Central Reach platform allows families to securely sign service notes, email or message clinical or administrative staff, view their scheduling calendar, all within a secure cloud-based system. 

Motivated, Happy Employees

ABA services rely on the relationship between educated and highly trained staff members who deliver the instructional goals to clients. Bridging Differences ABA offers a supportive, enjoyable working environment, above average industry pay and benefits, and an amazing company culture for our employees. Clients can rely on staff to be professional, courteous, reliable, respectful, and punctual.