ABA + Healthy Living

 

Behavior Reduction & Communication Training

Behavior treatment plans are devised using functional assessments, preference assessments, direct observation, psychological reviews, IEPs and caregiver interviews. A behavior plan is developed using data analysis that addresses the function(s), with appropriate communication and basic skills. For many cases we will use a skill assessment such as the VB-MAPP, ABLLS-R, or AFLs. The behavior plans are focused on positive reinforcement and consequences that are "natural" in the environment. We believe that a positive rapport in conjunction with repetition, as well as errorless learning is more effective than punishment. The quality of life and choice of the individual will promote lasting changes that have natural motivation, rather then an excess of correction and forced compliance. We then move to the implementation phase of the treatment plan. We implement the behavior plan with replacement skills training, as well as maximizing the motivation of the child, and using reinforcers for steps towards their goals. During implementation, the skills identified in the skills assessment will be implemented. All of these programs improve in success when parents and caregivers collaborate during sessions and support with implementation. Finally, as the child begins to succeed, the therapists begin transitioning parents into the "active" role, while fading out the therapist. 

 

Self Care Skills  

Many children struggle with acquiring basic self care skills, despite practice daily, such as brushing teeth, bathing/showering, toileting, and washing their hands. Our ABA department has experience teaching this in home and clinic skills using a variety of techniques. Some of the self care programs strategies have been presented at local and national conferences as new developments in the field on effective ways for teaching children to brush their teeth and shower independently. 

 

Community Skills & Social Skills

Community skills training is something that helps set NBS apart from most clinic providers. Since this is our niche, we have years of experience in teaching these skills, with parent participation, which leads to the highest probability of generalization. In addition, parents can see what techniques are effective with their child during challenging times in the community. In addition to addressing behavior challenges in this area, we also teach skills, leading to more independence. This is another area that we have presented research on at state and national ABA conferences. These skills include restaurant skills, social skills, working out, swimming, riding a bike, going to the movies, bowling and attending dances. Community skills may include other fitness related skills such as doing gymnastics and playing outdoor games such as basketball and four square. Teaching appropriate Indoor games include board games, card games, and Ipad/computer games. Social skills consist of group settings, sibling and parent play, dyads (2 peers), meeting new people, and communication in the community.

 

Anxiety and Fear reduction

Many of the children we have served have fear and sensory overload when participating in health and hygiene activities such as going to the doctor or dentist, having their hair or nails clipped, or being in crowded places. We will work to devise a plan to desensitize your child of these fears and replace problematic behaviors with communication and calming strategies. 

 

School Support, Consultation & Academic Enhancement

It can be confusing and intimidating to attend an IEP for the first time or when there needs to be changes made. NBS can provide support during these meetings and help you advocate for your child without having to damage the relationship between you and the school or teacher. Legally, it is your right to have your private therapist provide therapy and consult at school. This may take forms in many ways; observation, consultations, pulling out of the class for a session, shadowing or being an active therapist. Our Academic Enhancement program is tutoring, with ABA. Similar to tutoring programs, It is academically based, and is unique in that it utilizes behavior analysis to help determine possible barriers to learning, learning problems, teaching skills to overcome these, as well as a unique "tutoring" strategies that better teach our students on how to learn.

 

Food Selectivity 

This is a combined service with both ABA and Health/Nutrition Consultant. Following the assessment and RDN recommendations, the ABA team will shape meal time behaviors such as eating more variety of foods, staying seated and decreasing challenging behaviors. 

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Nutrition Services with RDN

- Individualized dietary therapy and nutrition plans for children 3 years and older through adulthood

- One on one cooking classes to gain confidence in preparing healthy meals and snacks

- Physical activity and athletic training to improve fitness