APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS THERAPY

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy highly individualized, one-on-one, therapy designed to support individuals by effectively targeting and shaping socially significant behavior. We prioritize targeting behavior that maximizes each individuals autonomy and enjoyment of world around them.

ABA and Autism

Though many of our clients are autistic, we do not treat Autism as we do not view Autism or other neurodivergent diagnoses as requiring a “cure.” We support individuals, based on their individual needs, meeting them where they are and working collaboratively to increase independence.

Our Treatment Model

At Impact we work toward independence by delivering individualized and effective treatment to our clients. Though each program is customized to meet individual needs, there are some elements that will be held in common:

• ASSENT-Focused   

  • While parents offer informed consent for therapy, we know that effective treatment requires full and enthusiastic assent from the children that we are working with. It is critical that, no matter their communication style, signs of assent-withdrawal are honored, and alternative choices are always available.

• Neurodiversity-affirming

  • We respect each individual child for who they are and we do not target behaviors for the purpose of conformity; we target only behaviors designed to enhance the life of the individual, not to inhibit it. This means that we will not intervene on behaviors like “stimming,” (which in addition to often being enjoyable, can also be self-regulatory, and/or self-expressive) or increasing eye contact (which privileges the comfort of neurotypical conversational partners over the comfort of those we are supporting).

• parent/caregiver Collaboration

  • At Impact, we believe in a team-based approach; this means equipping parents and caregivers with all the tools and support they need to effectively understand, communicate with, and support their child but also listening carefully to parent concerns, integrating parental insights, and working collaboratively with parents to support each child.

• Highly trained staff

  • In addition to attaining and maintaining the RBT credential, our staff are continually refining their skills and experience with extensive ongoing training. Staff are also encouraged to seek higher credentials in the field of ABA (BCaBA, BCBA) and receive incentives, including access to a structured and comprehensive supervision program, for doing so.

• data-driven treatment decisions

  • Taking data and frequently analyzing that data is critical to effective ABA treatment. Treatment decisions will never be made without explanations based in science, informed by ethics, and backed up by hard data.