Frequently Asked Questions

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific, evidence-based approach to understanding and improving behavior. ABA therapy focuses on teaching essential skills, reducing challenging behaviors, and creating meaningful, lasting change in individuals' lives. This therapy is effective for people of all ages and can be implemented in various settings, including schools, homes, and communities, to support independence and growth.

• ABA therapy is tailored to each individual’s unique needs.
• Assessments identify strengths and areas for growth to create personalized programs.
• Strategies like reinforcement, structured schedules, and ongoing assessments promote learning.
• Focus areas include communication, social skills, self-help, life skills, and behavior reduction.
• Data collection ensures progress is tracked and treatment decisions are evidence-based.

ABA therapy focuses on developing essential skills tailored to your child’s needs. These may include:

• Communication & Social Skills – Improving interactions and expressive language
• Self-Care & Daily Living – Toileting, dressing, feeding, and sleep routines
• Academic & Play Skills – Learning, problem-solving, and structured activities
• Job & Independence Skills – Preparing for work and daily responsibilities
• Behavior Management – Reducing challenging behaviors and increasing tolerance

ABA therapy takes place in various settings to best support your child’s needs. Therapy is most commonly provided in the home, school, and community, ensuring skills are learned and applied in real-life situations. Depending on the goals, sessions may involve structured table work, play-based learning, or outings to practice skills in different environments. Some skills may start in one setting before being generalized to others.

ABA therapy is effective because it is scientifically proven and individually tailored to each person's needs. It is based on the principles of behavior analysis, which focus on how behaviors are learned and changed over time.

ABA therapy at Graham Behavior Services is a team effort. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) designs your child’s program, trains therapists, and collaborates with other professionals like teachers and therapists. ABA therapists work directly with your child multiple times per week.

Family involvement is key—the BCBA provides coaching to help you support your child’s progress at home. This teamwork ensures a well-rounded approach and maximizes results. Your BCBA is always available to address any concerns.

ABA therapy can benefit a diverse range of people, including autistic individuals, people with disabilities, and those experiencing behavioral challenges. It's also valuable for anyone seeking to adapt specific behaviors. Graham Behavior Services provides ABA therapy across the lifespan, from infancy through adulthood.

Our services include:

• Purposeful Parenting program

• Sleep consultation and sleeping skills instruction

• In-person and online options

These programs support both neurotypical individuals and those with disabilities or different support needs. Whether you're a caregiver seeking guidance or someone looking to develop specific skills, ABA therapy can be customized to address your individual goals and preferences.

We provide ABA therapy for individuals of all ages, starting as early as 12 months through adulthood. Early intervention is especially impactful, as research shows that children who receive intensive therapy before age 5 often make significant developmental gains. ABA therapy can even influence brain development and improve social, communication, and behavioral skills.

While early intervention is critical, ABA remains highly effective for individuals over age 5, including teens and adults. Consistency in therapy is essential for success—just like physical therapy after an injury, regular sessions are needed to achieve lasting progress.

ABA therapy can help with a variety of skills and diagnoses. While improvements should generally be seen during ABA therapy, the rate of skill development can vary for each individual. Challenges or lack of progress may occur when ABA therapy is not implemented correctly, consistently, or if there are other factors affecting behavior.

If you feel ABA therapy hasn't been helpful for you or your child:

• Reach out to the supervising BCBA to discuss the programs and protocols.

• Ensure your and your child's needs are clearly communicated.

• Consider talking to a supervisor if you feel your concerns aren't being adequately addressed.

• Visit your pediatrician to rule out any underlying medical issues that might be impacting progress.

Remember, effective ABA therapy requires personalization, family involvement, and consistent application across different settings. If challenges persist, it may be beneficial to reassess the therapy plan and consider adjustments to better suit your child's unique needs.

In the field of Behavior Analysis, we prioritize treating challenging behaviors without medication whenever possible. Unlike medication, which may dull emotions and behaviors without addressing the root cause, ABA therapy focuses on understanding why a behavior occurs and using evidence-based strategies to reduce it effectively.

Through functional assessments, we identify triggers and teach appropriate replacement behaviors, helping individuals develop lasting skills to manage challenges. By addressing behaviors directly, ABA therapy provides a sustainable, long-term solution without the need for medication.

ABA therapy can be effectively delivered online through virtual platforms using video conference software. This approach allows individuals to receive treatment regardless of their geographical location or physical mobility, making it particularly beneficial for those in remote areas or with mobility challenges. Virtual ABA therapy incorporates materials available at home or shared on-screen by therapists and often involves parents in sessions to assist with prompting.

Some key benefits and features of virtual ABA therapy include:

• Increased Accessibility: Eliminates geographical barriers and enhances convenience, allowing individuals to access therapy from anywhere.

• Personalized Treatment Plans: Tailored to meet individual needs, using prompts, positive reinforcement, and behavior management techniques to encourage positive behaviors and discourage negative ones.

• Effective Skill Development: Studies show virtual ABA can be as effective as in-person therapy in improving social skills, communication, and adaptive behaviors.

• Parent Involvement: Focuses on parent training and support to address challenging behaviors and enhance functional skills within the home environment.

• Cost-Effectiveness: Often offered at a lower price point compared to in-person therapy sessions, making it more accessible to those with financial constraints.