Methodologies and Treatments

Functional Behavior Analysis - Observing and evaluating the variables in one's environment that are contributing to behaviors of interest to understand why a behavior occurs or persists. Consists of: interviews with parents and teachers, parent or teacher completed surveys or checklists, direct observation and data collection of behaviors of interest, identification of variables or patterns of behavior ultimately resulting in an individualized treatment plan that addresses the behaviors, usually by teaching more appropriate alternative behaviors through skill development programs. All ABA clients are required to have an FBA be conducted by a masters level clinician (Behavior Consultant or Board Certified Behavior Analyst) at the time of intake and during the initial assessment period. 

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Functional Analysis - A type of experimental analysis that may or may not be included as part of standard FBA procedures. A functional analysis is a highly controlled assessment wherein the goal is to directly test the hypotheses yielded from the FBA to determine the causes of and variables contributing to the persistence of behaviors of interest. Several of our BCBAs are trained in the Practical Functional Assessment model to provide safe functional analyses in the event that they are recommended by your clinician. 

Verbal behavior" (or simply 'VB') is a method of teaching communication skills to learners that incorporates the concepts of applied behavior analysis. The term "verbal behavior" was coined by B.F. Skinner, the "Father of Behaviorism", and refers to teaching the function of a word as a method to learning the meaning of a word. This method of teaching is often utilized with learners who have not yet acquired verbal language skills. Verbal behavior programming can be used to teach a range of skills from vocal imitation to back-and-forth conversation. A verbal behavior assessment tool and program will be chosen and designed based specifically on your child's needs, as applicable.

Social skills are one of the most-requested skills to teach and develop in ABA. Social skills can range from engaging in turn taking and sharing, engaging in conversation, to functioning as part of a group. When applicable, your clinician may conduct an assessment of social skills and develop one or more goals for your child's treatment plan to address these meaningful skills. 

These skills are intended to increase independence and quality of life. Skills within this category are targeted based on the individual, but can include hygiene, cooking, cleaning, medication administration tolerance, money skills, community safety skills, and other routines of daily living.