What Is ABA Therapy?
At a Glance
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a science-based approach that teaches meaningful skills and reduces behaviors that get in the way of learning and daily life. At SPT, we use play-based, center-based ABA with 1:1 support to help children generalize skills to real-world settings.
Ages served:
~18 months to school-age
Settings:
Center-based
Team:
BCBA-led with trained behavior technicians (RLTs)
Focus areas:
Communication, social/play, self-help, attention, flexibility, safety
How ABA Works at SPT
1. Assessment & Goals
We begin with a BCBA-led assessment and a collaborative goal plan that reflects your child’s strengths, interests, and priorities.
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2. 1:1 Teaching + Small Groups
Children receive individualized instruction with time for circle time and turn taking to build social and classroom readiness.
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3. Naturalistic, Play-Based Sessions
We embed instruction within play, routines, and child-led interests to promote motivation and generalization.
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4. Parent Training Every Month
Caregivers learn practical strategies to use at home and in the community so progress carries over beyond the clinic.
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5. Data & Review
We collect data each session and adjust programs frequently so your child continues making progress.
​Evidence-Based Methods We Use
ABA is recognized as an evidence-based approach by public health sources and professional organizations. See Helpful Links below for summaries and parent-friendly modules.
Positive reinforcement to increase desired skills (e.g., communication, cooperation).
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Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs)—instruction during play and routines.
Prompting & fading
to build independence without creating prompt-dependence.
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Shaping & differential reinforcement
to strengthen approximations of new skills.
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Task analysis & chaining
to teach multi-step self-help tasks (e.g., handwashing, dressing).
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Generalization planning across people, places, and materials.
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Functional communication
training (FCT) to replace challenging behavior with effective communication.
What a Day Can Look Like
A typical center day blends 1:1 instruction, play-based learning, peer small-groups, snack/lunch routines, outdoor or gross-motor time, and caregiver debriefs. Program intensity and schedule are individualized based on need, goals, and funding.
Our Team & Credentials
BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst):
Leads assessment, treatment planning, supervision, and parent training.
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RLT (Registered Line Technician):
Delivers day-to-day teaching under BCBA supervision.
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Medical & school collaboration:
With family consent, we coordinate with pediatricians, schools, and other providers.
FAQs
1) What is ABA therapy?
ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) is an evidence-based approach that teaches skills and reduces behaviors that interfere with learning and daily life through systematic, individualized instruction.
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2) Is ABA play-based at SPT?
Yes. We use naturalistic, play-based strategies so learning happens during activities children enjoy, which supports motivation and generalization.
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3) What ages do you serve?
We primarily support children ~18 months to school-age, with programs customized to each child’s needs.
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4) How many hours per week are recommended?
Intensity is individualized; due to age most of our kiddos attend daily. Your BCBA will recommend a schedule based on assessment, goals, and funding.
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5) What does a BCBA do?
A BCBA conducts assessments, writes and updates treatment plans, supervises therapists, analyzes data, and provides caregiver training.
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6) Who delivers day-to-day therapy?
Registered Line Technicians (RLTs) provide 1:1 teaching under the supervision of a BCBA.
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7) Do you offer parent training?
Yes. Caregivers receive regular coaching so strategies work at home, school, and in the community.
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8) Is ABA only discrete-trial teaching (DTT)?
No. We use a blend of methods—including naturalistic/play-based instruction, functional communication training, and group practice—matched to each child.
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9) What skills can ABA help with?
Communication, social/play, daily living, attention, flexibility, safety, and school readiness.
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10) Will my child get 1:1 support?
Yes. Sessions include 1:1 instruction with opportunities for small-group practice to build peer and classroom skills.
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11) How do you measure progress?
Therapists record data each session; BCBAs review trends and adjust goals to keep progress moving.
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12) Is ABA covered by insurance?
Many plans cover ABA for autism; coverage varies by plan and state. We’ll verify benefits and guide authorizations.
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13) How do you address challenging behavior?
We identify why the behavior happens, teach safer/effective communication, and reinforce appropriate alternatives.
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14) How do I get started?
Contact us to schedule an intake. We’ll review history, goals, and insurance, then create an individualized plan.