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HOW CAN ABA THERAPY
HELP MY CHILD?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a systematic approach to bringing about meaningful, socially significant changes in a child’s behavior through the application of various principles of learning. Through the use of evidence-based practices, ABA seeks to increase a child’s positive behaviors, while decreasing any challenging behaviors that may impede a child’s ability to learn and make progress. ABA targets various skill areas, including communication skills, social skills, cognition, and adaptive skills. Throughout the course of an ABA program, the clinician will record and analyze data on an ongoing basis to track progress and modify interventions as needed.
While ABA therapy is a structured approach, each child’s goals, behavior plans, and teaching methods are highly individualized to meet their unique needs and to help them reach their fullest potential. This means that ABA sessions, treatment plans, and behavioral interventions will look different for every child.
One important tool used to assist in increasing a learner’s positive behaviors is the principle of positive reinforcement. In utilizing positive reinforcement, positive behaviors are followed by some sort of reward, which increases the likelihood that these behaviors will continue to occur in the future. It is important that these rewards are motivating for the child.
Through years of research, the field of ABA has developed many different techniques and teaching strategies to help increase socially significant skills while decreasing challenging behaviors. Some of these techniques may include one-on-one structured therapy sessions, while others may be more child-led. These techniques and strategies can also be utilized in many different settings, from the clinic, to the home, to community settings.
ABA is recognized as an evidence-based practice that is a highly effective, and safe, therapeutic method for improving challenging or harmful behavior and building a variety of necessary skills. ABA has been endorsed by agencies, including the U.S. Surgeon General, the American Psychological Association and the National Institute of Child Health & Human Development.
PARENT SUPPORT AND CHILD PLACEMENT ORGANIZATIONS
Parent-to-Parent of Miami
Parent-to-Parent of Miami is a local non-profit providing information, education, and emotional support to families of special needs children and adults. The community-based organization is made up of specially trained parents, families and special needs education professionals who have a family member with a disability.
FDLRS
The Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System provides diagnostic, instructional, and technology support services to district exceptional education programs and families of students with disabilities. Their network also includes centers who focus on in-depth evaluations and several statewide projects offering specialized services.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND INSURANCE SUPPORT
MHPAEA Federal Law
Prior to the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA) and similar legislation, insurers were not required to cover mental health care so access to treatment was limited. Get informed and learn what your protections are under this federal law.
STEP-UP
Step Up For Students is a state-approved nonprofit scholarship funding organization that helps administer four scholarships for Florida schoolchildren. By providing equitable access to information and financial resources, they empower families to pursue and engage in the most appropriate learning options for their children.
VPK
The Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program – or VPK – is a free prekindergarten program for 4 and 5-year-olds who reside in Florida. Parents can enroll their child in the state’s free, voluntary prekindergarten (VPK) education program that year or wait until the following year when their child is 5.
GET STARTED WITH
PUZZLE BUILDERS
I AM A PARENT OR FAMILY MEMBER LOOKING FOR THERAPY FOR MY CHILD
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