Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

ABA is the application of the science of human behavior to affect meaningful behavior change that allows those we serve to thrive. It is the recommended intervention for people with autism and other developmental disabilities. The effectiveness of ABA in teaching skills and reducing dangerous behaviors such as self-injury has been established through hundreds of scientific studies. The main principles of ABA are Function, Reinforcement, and Motivation.

• Function: All behavior serves a purpose.
• Reinforcement: Changes that follow behavior can either increase the likelihood of that behavior being repeated or decrease it depending on how effective the behavior was at accomplishing its purpose.
• Motivation: What happens before a behavior can affect how much a person needs or desires an outcome.

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Family consultation services will be provided by myself – Kate Koehler-Platten, MS, BCBA, LBA. A BCBA is a masters level clinician who has completed supervised hours and the board certification exam. BCBAs are qualified to:

• implement ABA with clients
• assess for skills and deficits
• determine goals and objectives for treatment
• design intervention programs
• provide parent education in ABA
• collaborate with other providers
• supervise others in implementing intervention programs.

Family Consultation Model

The family consultation model is for clients and families for whom intensive direct intervention is not the most effective intervention. For families who are looking to address only a few concerns or reduce concerning but infrequent challenging behavior, family consultation may be more effective. Family consultation is also available for families who are on waitlists for direct services.

During regularly scheduled weekly meetings, caregivers will learn how to collect information, analyze behavior patterns, and identify functions of behavior. They will work together with the BCBA to design and implement interventions that work for their child and family. Caregivers will learn techniques to address specific concerns and teach specific skills AND how to evaluate and analyze behavior and to design and implement both behavior reduction and skill building interventions.