ABA Therapy
Our commitment to compassionate care.
We recognize the problematic history of the field of ABA, and are dedicated to a compassionate and neurodiversity affirming approach at ICAN. We prioritize assent, ensuring each child’s autonomy and comfort throughout therapy sessions. We meet each child and family where they are, and tailor our interventions to meet the unique needs, priorities, and values of every child and family under our care. We commit to continued learning and listening to neurodiverse voices as we strive to provide the best care possible for our clients.
All About ABA
What is ABA Therapy?
ABA Therapy has been developed through research in the field of behavior analysis. We use teaching techniques that are proven to make meaningful changes in behavior. We focus on behaviors that are socially significant to the individual and family. This includes teaching new behaviors to increase independence and/or well-being, and supporting the reduction of challenging behaviors that are impacting safety or quality of life.
Who provides ABA Therapy?
Each child’s treatment team may include a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), an Assistant Behavior Analyst (LABA or BCaBA), and Behavior Technicians (BT). BTs are the clinicians that provide the 1:1 services, and BCBAs develop the treatment plan and oversee the BTs and each child’s program.
Parent/Caregiver Involvement
Parents/Caregivers are an active part of the treatment team, and integral to a child’s success. Parents and caregivers will meet with the BCBA to learn behavior intervention strategies, collaborate on goals and progress, observe therapy sessions, and participate in interventions.
ABA Programs at ICAN
Depending on the age and support needs of each individual child, the BCBA may recommend either a comprehensive or early intervention program.
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Comprehensive Early Intervention Program (Ages 2-6)
15-35 hours per week
Option to collaborate with Developmental Preschool / Pre-K IEP Team
Provided in a small group preschool-like setting in which each child as 1:1 dedicated support
Focus on Kindergarten Readiness (i.e. Social Communication, Instruction Following, Friendship, Social Play, Classroom Skills, Preacademic skills, etc.)
Focus on Life Skills (i.e. Toileting/Hygiene, Mealtime Behavior, Frustration Tolerance, Independence, etc.)
Focus on Decreasing and Preventing Challenging Behavior by building essential cooperation, emotional awareness and flexibility skills (i.e. Tantrums, Hitting, Biting, etc.)
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Focused School-Age Program (Ages 6-21)
2-20 hours per week
Required Collaboration with IEP Team
Provided in center-based or home-based settings (must live within 30 min drive of center to qualify)
Daytime services may require Alternative School Placement Agreement
Evening services run from 4pm – 6pm
Focus on decreasing dangerous challenging behaviors (i.e. Aggression, Property Destruction, Elopement,etc.)
Focus on decreasing disruptive challenging behaviors (i.e. Swearing, Task Refusal, etc.)
Focus on building age-appropriate social skills
Focus on building age-appropriate advocacy and functional communication skills
Focus on building Executive Functioning skills (i.e. Task Initiation, Task Persistence, Task Completion, Planning, etc.)
Focus on building repertoires necessary for full-time school participation and meaningful community participation