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Adapting to a changing landscape

Treatments and teaching strategies continually develop in the field of autism research. BTC stays at the forefront of new clinical, therapeutic and scientific advances in the field, while emphasizing mutual respect, trust and caring above all else. We provide a wide range of services for individuals with autism and their families, with treatment provided at home, in school and in the community. We emphasize parent training by teaching families how to manage problem behavior simultaneously with teaching the individual functional and appropriate replacement skills. Our ongoing consultation services provide training to assist parents, teachers, classroom assistants, residential and day program staff for any needs that may subsequently arise.
 

A variety of services

BTC offers a wide variety of services based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ABA is the application of behavioral principles to solve problems of social significance. It is not just one procedure, but a comprehensive discipline in which treatments and strategies are individualized according to the person's specific needs and abilities.
 

Effective Intervention
Applied Behavior Analysis

Replication research has shown that when intensive behavioral intervention (Applied Behavior Analysis) begins when an individual is between 2-5 yrs. old, significant and lasting positive impact on communication and social behavior can occur. Learn more about Applied Behavior Analysis here.

ABA has been proven to be the most effective intervention for individuals with Autism and other Developmental Disabilities according to the Surgeon General's Report and numerous empirically based research studies.
 

Treatment Approaches

ABA based intensive behavior management programs

This program directs treatment at reducing significant maladaptive behaviors while helping an individual acquire the necessary replacement and adaptive behaviors. Simply, how ABA is used:

  • Skills are broken down into a series of manageable steps that are easier to learn

  • Students are provided multiple opportunities to practice and perfect each step of the skill

  • Success is rewarded with positive reinforcement, maintaining high motivation for improvement

  • Goals are targeted to meet the needs of the individual learner

  • Technicians track progress through systematic collection and evaluation of data

  • Skills are taught with an eye toward their use and integration into a learner’s daily life

Assessment

Functional Behavior Assessments are performed to assess the individual’s strengths and challenges, to develop goals, and create a program plan for reducing maladaptive behaviors while teaching necessary functional replacement behaviors and skills. Both parent training assessments and intensive intervention assessments are completed in the individual’s home. Some of the tools BTC uses for assessment purposes include:

  • Reinforcer Assessment for Individuals with Severe Disabilities (RAISD; Fisher, Piazza, Bowman, and Amari, 1996).

  • Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS) is an evaluation used as a curriculum guide and skills tracking system for children with language delays and learning gaps. It also assists in developing objectives and goals.

  • VB Mapp is a criterion-referenced assessment tool, curriculum guide, and skill tracking system that is designed for individuals with autism and other individuals who demonstrate language delays. It assists in developing goals and objectives.

Individual Parent Training

Our Supervisors work directly with parents to teach them the basic principles of ABA, including how the assessment was completed and how to assess their individual’s behaviors in the future. We teach parents to apply these principles to an individualized program. We support and guide the families through the intervention program while empowering them to reach a high level of parenting effectiveness. When training concludes, families can assess behavioral challenges and develop and implement effective interventions to help the individual when needed.

ABA based discrete trial teaching (DTT)

Intensive early intervention programs such as discrete trial teaching are intensive treatments designed to assist individuals with developmental disabilities, such as autism. This treatment involves teaching a variety of skills that individuals with disabilities may not pick up naturally. Programs often start by teaching pre-learning skills (sitting, attending, looking at trainer), social skills (looking at people, talking and interacting with them appropriately), safety skills (ability to state name, address, and phone number) and basic concepts (colors, letters, numbers). Individuals who are non-verbal may be taught to speak, use sign language, or use other communication devices. After these basics are mastered, higher-level skills are taught. This form of treatment works best when it begins in the pre-school years.

Adaptive Skills training

This program implements instruction that is evidence-based, person-centered, and age-appropriate. It enhances the adaptive skill areas of: (1) socialization, (2) community integration/participation (accessing public transportation and other community resources),
(3) home living, (4) functional communication, (5) social skills, (6) health and safety, (7) self-help skills (hygiene), (8) functional academics, and (9) self-direction.

 

Adaptive skills training services teach individuals to become as independent in activities of daily living as one would expect a developmentally typical person of the same age.

Family and Individual counseling

Licensed psychotherapists experienced in autism are available to address personal conflicts, social difficulties, family issues, and other related areas.

BTC  15760 Ventura Blvd., Suite #1060, Encino, CA 91436   ph. 818-788-2388  email  info@behaviortherapyclinic.com

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