ABA Therapy

ABA Therapy Services

Learn About ABA Therapy

At On Target ABA, we utilize Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to help our clients gain essential life skills and reduce any barriers to their development. Our therapy uses a completely scientific approach. All of our programs are custom designed by a BCBA for each client and are completely data driven. In addition to being visible in real life, all of our clients’ successes in development are measured and graphed on paper.

Generally, ABA therapy focuses on establishing and enhancing all socially significant behavior. Here at On Target ABA we put a big emphasis on Verbal Behavior (VB), which focuses on language, communication, social, and play skills.

All of this is done in a fun, positive way that is level and age appropriate for each specific client.

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What We Work On

After a thorough evaluation, your BCBA will decide on specific goals for your child based on assessments of your child’s existing skill sets and deficits. Typically, our therapy sessions cover many developmental areas simultaneously. Our therapists are trained to naturally incorporate many target goals into different fun activities each session.  Our BCBAs are always updating and modifying their client’s goals as they progress step by step. Below is a list of some of the areas that we target:

  • Making Eye Contact
  • Tacting (labeling items)
  • Manding (expressing requests and needs)
  • Imitation
  • Listener Responding Skills (understanding and reacting to things that others say)
  • Responding to Greetings and Farewells
  • Initiating Farewells and Greetings
  • Having Communicative Exchanges With Peers
  • Joint Attention (doing activities in tandem with peers)
  • Intraverbal Skills (ability to respond verbally to the speech of others)
  • Higher Level Intraverbal Skills (carrying on conversations)
  • Creative Play (incorporating imagination into play)
  • Functional Play (Playing with items in their intended way)
  • Independent Play (ability to play with toys by themselves)
  • Social Play (playing with peers)
  • Transitioning Smoothly (between activities, situations and locations)
  • Task Completion
  • Recognizing Numbers and Letters
  • Matching
  • Counting
  • Reading
  • Vocabulary
  • Math Skills
  • Bike Riding
  • Running
  • Throwing
  • Writing
  • Cutting
  • Drawing
  • Eating with Utensils
  • Eating a Variety of Foods
  • Potty Training
  • Dressing/Undressing
  • Toothbrushing
  • Bedtime Routine
  • Sleeping In Child’s Own Bed
  • Sorting Dishes
  • Folding Laundry
  • Compliance (following instructions)
  • Tantruming
  • Whining/Crying
  • Aggression
  • Self Injurious Behavior

In-home ABA Therapy

Our team will provide your child with therapy, multiple times per week, in the comfort and safety of your own home. We get to observe your child in real life and help them develop practical skills that can be incorporated in everyday living.

In-school ABA Therapy

We’ll provide therapy in school both in and out of the classroom to help with behavior, academics, social skills and peer interactions. We’ll also work with and train teachers and school staff regarding your child’s development and performance.

Our ABA Therapy Process

Initial Assessment/Parent Meeting
A BCBA will come to your home or child’s school to meet with you and get to know your child. The BCBA will do a full assessment to determine your child’s skill sets and deficits across all developmental domains. The BCBA will also discuss with you any concerns you may have and if there is anything in particular that you would like us to work on.
Customized ABA Therapy Treatment Plans
After this initial assessment, your BCBA will write up a customized therapy treatment plan to help your child develop to their fullest. This treatment plan will be based on your child’s exact level in each area of development. The therapy will be implemented during ABA therapy sessions by our RBTs and behavior therapists, under the constant supervision and guidance of your BCBA. Your BCBA will always be monitoring your child’s progress and making appropriate adjustments to their programs. A full assessment is done again at least once every 6 months.
Pairing
The actual therapy process begins with what is referred to in ABA terms as “pairing.” Pairing is the process in which the therapist builds a positive relationship with the child. The therapist does this by spending time and playing with the child in ways that the child finds enjoyable. Once properly paired, the child associates the therapist with positivity and fun and is happy to engage and work with them. This makes the therapy much more effective for the child. In addition to this pairing period at the onset of treatment, the therapist will also pair with the child during each session, ensuring that these positive associations remain.
Natural Environment Teaching
Because children learn most easily through play, much of our therapy is implemented naturally in the course of playing with the child, and not just through table work. In ABA terms this is known as NET, or Natural Environment Teaching. Your child will have a great time as you see them flourish.
Session Data and Notes
The therapists log data on all areas being worked on in each session. They also write daily summary notes. This allows your BCBA to constantly monitor your child’s progress and adjust the therapy program as needed. These notes, along with all of your child’s data and therapy programs are always available for you to see in the parent portal. There is also a place for you to add your own notes and take data on goals being worked on at home between sessions.
BCBA Supervision
In addition to constantly monitoring the therapy notes and data, your BCBA will personally attend sessions, generally once per week, but more often when needed. The BCBA gets to observe your child’s progress firsthand and model exactly how the therapists should implement the treatment plan.
Constant Team Communication
Your BCBA will also be in constant contact with the therapists and RBTs all week long and will always be updating and tweaking your child’s therapy program and goals. Additionally, your BCBA will regularly conduct full team meetings with everyone on your child’s team. All of this ensures that your child is developing to their fullest in the shortest time across all areas.
Parental Involvement

As a parent, you play a big role in the success of your child’s ABA therapy, and we need your participation and input. Ideally, certain aspects of your child’s program should be implemented by you between therapy sessions. This helps generalize skills acquired during therapy to real life, and makes your child’s growth true and comprehensive. Your BCBA will provide you with guidance and clear instructions, making your part of the program easy to implement.

We also encourage parents to regularly be in touch with their BCBA regarding any questions or concerns they may have, or if there is anything specific they would like us to work on. The BCBA supervision visits provide a great opportunity to collaborate with you and to provide you with in-person training. You are welcome to call your BCBA directly regarding your child’s therapy or for general advice about your child.