History: As early as 1913, John Watson studied that all behavior is controlled by environmental events. He mapped out the stimulus-response psychology that started the movement called behaviorism. BF Skinner and others outlined basic principles of behavior, which include reinforcement, prompting, fading, shaping, schedules of reinforcement, etc. supported the structure of behavior analysis. These principles can be included into teaching methods and be measured by data. Ivar Lovaas teaching application of behavior analysis was the first used with people diagnosed with Autism and became the first evidence based method.
Other ABA Applications:
In addition to explaining operant
conditioning further, Skinner also analyzed
the functions of language and presented
his analysis in the 1957 book Verbal
Behavior which had more focus on
communication. More recently, other
behaviorists like Mark Sundberg, Vince
Carbone, Dr. Mary Barbera and others
took it a step further to apply verbal
behavior principles.
There's a lot of confusion involving ABA
because the applications get confused
especially when used interchangeably.
So when someone asks if you are doing
ABA or recommends ABA for your child,
you can now better express which
applications you are using for your child
or which applications would best help your
child based on their needs.
Another area of confusion is a lot of ABA
Programs are missing a key component that
the Lovaas Institute uses in their programming
which addresses the rigidity and repetitive
behavior that is seen in many people with
Autism. As the child masters a task, it is
moved to the Generalization binder. That's
where the mastered task is varied on a specifc
schedule. If the child exhibits the mastered skill while varying it, then it is considered an absorbed skill. Through my conversations with parents because they see my child very flexible with change and her ability to vary a learned task without behaviors, I asked them if their ABA program contained this piece. And I have yet to meet a parent that knew about this component.
Linda Hodgdon, Speech-Language Pathologist, conference speaker and autism consultant discusses the more modern approach to ABA among professionals.
Why do some people say ABA is abusive? Back in the 1960's, Ivar Lovaas began writing "The ME
Book." He wrote about his teaching application and the sequential pattern in which it was taught. A lot of people refer to ABA as Lovaas ABA but what they mean is they are using his application of behavior analysis. Unfortunately, Lovaas used "adversives" (punishment) in his application such as a slap to the leg. Also, some people with Autism have verbally expressed as adults that the teaching style was so rigid and they felt forced to participate in the program like being forced to sit at a table for 40 hours a week and give eye contact is just one example.
However, the Lovaas method has changed quite a bit over the years and has embraced positive reinforcement. Their latest published study included a partnership with Pivotal Response Treatment which emphasizes increasing the child's motivation to meet goals faster. "Let Me Hear Your Voice," written by Catherine Maurice is an inspirational story of a mom who managed a home program using the Ivar Lovaas method with her non-verbal son and daughter who were diagnosed with Autism. This mother flat out refused to use any adversives in her program. Read more about Lovaas ABA Home Programs by clicking here.
Other ABA Applications:
In addition to explaining operant conditioning further, Skinner also analyzed the functions of language and presented his analysis in the 1957 book Verbal Behavior which had more focus on communication. More recently, other behaviorists like Mark Sundberg, Vince Carbone, Dr. Mary Barbera and others took it a step further to apply verbal behavior principles. These applications are referred to Applied Behavior Analysis.
There's a lot of confusion involving ABA because the applications get confused especially when used interchangeably. So when someone asks if you are doing ABA or recommends ABA for your child, you can now better express which applications you are using for your child or which applications would best help your child based on their needs.
Here are some of the common myths associated with ABA Therapy. Click on the link to read more.
What goals can I expect? Some of the goals include toilet training, play skills, social play, matching, building receptive skills, imitation skills, making distinctions between yes/no, etc. The learned skills should be "generalized" meaning the child should independently and consistently do the skill without being "prompted" or asked to. When goals are in the "generalization phase", mix it up to strengthen flexible thinking. Example: Tossing a ball back and forth. To generalize it, use a beach ball at the beach. Then play catch with a soft ball. Then have a sibling toss a soft cushy ball back and forth. It's the same activity but you are changing the players, environment, the type of ball...you get the idea.
When initial introductions are made, make sure the therapist working with your child pairs a "reinforcer" or reward to them before making demands. There should be some type of data collection to measure your child's progress in the program. When introducing a new task, the therapist can use "errorless teaching." For example, if they are asking a child to label a picture, they have only that card out, point to it (prompt) and say the name of the picture and eventually expand to having the child choose from two cards. The professional should balance how many skills should be taught at a time so as not to unnecessarily increase protest behavior or tantrums. If the material being introduced is challenging for the child, the therapist can incorporate easy tasks or generalized tasks in with the harder tasks. Parents should be involved with learning this therapy and using it at home to keep reinforcing the skill.
Recommended ages: Many programs recommend starting between 18 months to 3 years. The effectiveness of ABA decreases with age. After the age of 8 years old, the percentages decrease even more. ABA is often recommended because it builds a foundation for learning and building cognitive skills. Even though ABA is an evidence based therapy, there is a small number of children that don't response well to ABA programs.
Providers:
ABA Therapy Services, LLC
Beth Raiola, MS, LBS, BCBA (Carbon & Monroe County)
Where: 109 Plaza Drive, Pocono Summit, PA 18346
Call for appointment: 570-216-3900
Insurance: Private and Medical Access
Website: http://researchdir1.wixsite.com/bcba
ABA2Day Behavioral Services
Where: 606 E Baltimore Pike, 2nd Fl, Media, PA 19063
Call: 610-864-7376
List of Insurances: http://www.myaba2day.com/aba-insurance
Website: http://www.myaba2day.com/
ABA Support Services
Where: 224 Nazareth Pike, Nazareth, PA 18064
Call: (610) 365-8373
Website: https://abasupportservices.com/
Backyard Treehouse Pediatric Therapy Center
Where: 25 S Broad Street, Nazareth, PA 18064
*Does not accept medical assistance
Call: (610) 365-8989
Website: http://www.backyardtreehousetherapy.com/#
Behavioral Pediatrics and ABA Therapy
Where: 1152 Sumneytown Pike, Lansdale, Pennsylvania, PA 19446
Call: (267) 663-7141
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Behavioral-Pediatrics-and-ABA-Therapy-713932668729257/
Bethlehem Pediatric Therapy
Where: 3012 Emrick Blvd, Bethlehem, PA 18020
Call: (610) 625-4404
Insurance: Private Insurance: Blue Cross/Blue Shield (Highmark Blue Shield, Capital Blue Cross, Independence Blue Cross, Anthem, and Horizon) Cigna (speech only) private/self-pay
Website: https://www.bethlehempediatric.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bethlehem-Pediatric-Therapy-Services-144243092253038/
Connecting the Pieces, LLC
Call: (484) 808-5680 (call for areas serviced and payment options)
Website: http://www.connectingthepiecesllc.com/about-ctp/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/connectingthepiecesllc/
Are you a BCBA looking for a job?
http://www.connectingthepiecesllc.com/apply-for-position/
Galena Autism and Behavioral Services
Where: 4877 W Swamp Rd, Doylestown, PA 18901
Email: info@gabsautism.com
Call: 267-454-7357
Website: https://www.gabsautism.com/
Lovaas Institute East Headquarters
Haddon Heights / Philadelphia Office
Where: 423 White Horse Pike, Haddon Heights, NJ 08035
Call: Mark Sands (Intake Coordinator) (856) 616-9442
Set up your own intervention program: http://www.lovaas.com/services_consultation.php
Website: http://www.lovaas.com/contact.php
Kidspeace-ABA/VBA
Where: 1650 Broadway, Bethlehem, PA
Call: (800) 257-3223
Insurance: Medicaid, Private/Commercial, Insurance, Private/Self‐Pay
Website: https://www.kidspeace.org/admissions/
Matrix Behavior Solutions
Where: 175 East Brown Street, Suite 202, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301
Call: 570-234-3989
Email: info@matrixaba.com
Website: https://www.matrixaba.com/parents-information
For more information, click here to download a recent PPT presentation that goes into more detail.
Mission Autism Clinic
Center Valley and Easton, PA
Phone: (888) 72-MISSION
Email:info@missionautismclinics.com
Website: https://missionautismclinics.com/autism-services-easton-pa
NeurAbilties Healthcare
Where:1405 N Cedar Crest Blvd, Suite 109, Allentown, PA 18104
Call: 856-346-0005
Website: https://neurabilities.com
Pennsylvania Autism Action Center
Where: 2071 Route 209, Brodheadsville, PA 18322
Call: (570) 861-4255
Website: https://www.facebook.com/AutismActionCenter
Warwick Intensive Family Based Program
MCC Specialized BHRS
Where: 500 Station Drive, Coopersburg, PA 18036
Also: 1001 Nor-Bath, Blvd. Northampton, PA 18067
Call: 484-863-9330
Website: www.warwickfamilyservices.com
More ABA Providers Outside Lehigh Valley, click here to access.
The ABA in PA Parent Group on Facebook is a resource for parents who have questions regarding ABA in the state of Pennsylvania.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/645161488985648/?fref=nf
NEWS: As of January 13, 2017 effective immediately, the Pennsylvania Dept of Human Services issued a bulletin to Behavioral Health Managed Care Organizations guidelines that require TSS's to received specific hours of ABA training. Please click on the link to read more.
http://dhs.pa.gov/cs/groups/webcontent/documents/bulletin_admin/c_256003.pdf
Magellan published a training and compliance alert regarding TSS's responsibility and requirements. Please click the button to read them.
file:///C:/Users/home/Desktop/LV%20Autism%20guide/compliance_alert_tss_training_faqs_march_2016.pdf
Having issues getting ABA?
What to do if your child is Enrolled in Medical Assistance and you are having a problem getting Applied Behavioral Analysis (“ABA”) for your child that you have not been able to resolve with your Behavioral Health Managed Care Organization or the county, you may contact 717-409-3791 or email: Cristal Leeper at (Department of Human Services) via email ABA@pa.gov.
If you have questions about how to apply for ABA from Medical Assistance, please email Rachel Mann at rmann@drnpa.org. Ms. Mann works for Disability Rights Network-PA.
Pennsylvania Insurance Department-Consumer Services Line
Where: 1209 Strawberry Square, Harrisburg, PA 17120
Call toll-free: 1-877-881-6388 or email ra-in-consumer@pa.gov.