What is ABA?
A set of principles that help us understand why certain behaviours occur, and what is needed to change behaviours and learn new skills. The goal is to help learners develop, maintain, and generalize skills that are significant enough to improve their independence and quality of life.
What skills can be taught using ABA?
ABA can be used to increase various skills such as academic performance, eating, play, social skills, toilet training, remaining on task, fine and gross motor, attending, visual performance, self-care, and many more! Challenging behaviours, such as aggression, self-injury, tantrums, property destruction, etc. can also be reduced using ABA. Through ABA principles, more socially acceptable behaviours, such as requesting and tolerating delays and removal of preferred activities can be promoted.
How will skills be taught using ABA?
Long-term goals will be created and broken down into smaller short-term objectives. For example, the long-term goal of reading aloud can be broken down into identifying and labelling letters and letter sounds, labelling combinations of 2 sounds, and then 3 sounds, etc.
What is the ABA Process?
Various assessments will be conducted to determine the client’s current skill set, challenges, and preferences. Based on assessment results, research-based teaching strategies will be recommended and implemented during sessions with an Instructor Therapist. Progress will be carefully tracked and monitored to help guide the team’s decision on whether to continue with the current strategy, change the strategy, or proceed to the next objective/goal.
What is Autism?
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech, and nonverbal communication. As autism is a spectrum, each person has their unique set of strengths and challenges. The abilities of individuals with autism can range from highly skilled to severely challenged.
What are some Early Signs?
AGE GROUP SIGNS
6 Months Limited to no smiles, expression, and eye contact.
9 Months Limited to no vocal sounds, smiles, and other forms of nonverbal communication.
12 Months Limited to no babbling, use of gestures for communication, and responding to name.
24 Months Limited to no meaningful two-word phrases.
Where can I get a Diagnosis?
If you have concerns about your child’s development, contact your pediatrician as soon as possible. Diagnosis can also be made by professionals who have gone through specific training, such as doctors, psychologists and psychological associates, and registered nurse practitioners.
How Early can I get a Diagnosis?
Autism’s most-obvious signs tend to appear between 2 and 3 years of age. In some cases, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. Some developmental delays associated with autism can be identified and addressed even earlier.
What ages of clients do you support?
All ages, including adults
Where are services provided
We offer services in-home, virtually, and at times in the community, depending on the clients' goals.
Are your services eligible for OAP (Ontario Autism Program) funding?
Yes
Do you accept SSAH (Special Services at Home), Passport, or other government supports?
Yes
Do you provide receipts for insurance or tax purposes?
Yes