When should I bring my child in for Behavior Therapy?
If your child exhibits behaviors that interfere with learning, socializing and/or communicating in the community, you may want to consider an evaluation. While inappropriate behavior can be age appropriate for young children, consistent and/or severe behaviors such as the following may need to be treated through Behavior Therapy.
- Physical or verbal aggression
- Challenge with transitions
- Tantrums that are unusually long in duration
- Isolation from others
What is Behavior Therapy?
Behavior Therapy, also known as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is simply a three-step process. First, define the behavior. Second, analyze why it's happening. Third, apply an intervention. Using the principles of reinforcement, our Behavior Analysts design a program to suit the needs of the child. Once the child is successful in the clinic setting, families are taught to use the same techniques for the home and community.
ABA sessions are fun and engaging for the parent and child. At Little Steps, we believe that behavior change is most effective when we find out what the child is communicating through the use of inappropriate behavior. Once we have that established, we teach the child alternative ways to appropriately get their needs met.
Little Steps Behavior Analysts are fortunate to have the expansive resources of the pediatric team (OT, ST and PT) to collaboratively design programs that directly target skill deficits in communication, sensory and/or motor planning. Combining the expertise of this team with behavior strategies, children learn techniques that can be used to directly replace inappropriate behavior.
What can we expect from treatment sessions?
During the first session, the BCBA will conduct a Functional Assessment to determine why the behavior is happening. Subsequent sessions with the BCBA will work on skill acquisition programs and goals to address the skill deficits that may be contributing to the inappropriate behavior. Parents are always welcome but are not required to be involved in the initial sessions. Once the behavior has decreased in session and a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) is developed, parents are taught the techniques to generalize to the home and community.
How long will my child need Behavior Therapy?
The BCBA will evaluate your child every six months. Treatment length is based on the amount of goals and the child’s skill acquisition rate. Consistency from clinic session to home is imperative for rate of progress.
Where are the Behavior Therapy sessions located?
Behavior Therapy is offered at Little Steps clinics.
