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.
2. 1:1 Teaching + Small Groups
Children receive individualized instruction with time for circle time and turn taking to build social and classroom readiness.
3. Naturalistic, Play-Based Sessions
We embed instruction within play, routines, and child-led interests to promote motivation and generalization.
4. Parent Training Every Month
Caregivers learn practical strategies to use at home and in the community so progress carries over beyond the clinic.
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).
Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs)—instruction during play and routines.
Prompting & fading
to build independence without creating prompt-dependence.
Shaping & differential reinforcement
to strengthen approximations of new skills.
Task analysis & chaining
to teach multi-step self-help tasks (e.g., handwashing, dressing).
Generalization planning across people, places, and materials.
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.
RLT (Registered Line Technician):
Delivers day-to-day teaching under BCBA supervision.
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.
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.
3) What ages do you serve?
We primarily support children ~18 months to school-age, with programs customized to each child’s needs.
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.
5) What does a BCBA do?
A BCBA conducts assessments, writes and updates treatment plans, supervises therapists, analyzes data, and provides caregiver training.
6) Who delivers day-to-day therapy?
Registered Line Technicians (RLTs) provide 1:1 teaching under the supervision of a BCBA.
7) Do you offer parent training?
Yes. Caregivers receive regular coaching so strategies work at home, school, and in the community.
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.
9) What skills can ABA help with?
Communication, social/play, daily living, attention, flexibility, safety, and school readiness.
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.
11) How do you measure progress?
Therapists record data each session; BCBAs review trends and adjust goals to keep progress moving.
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.
13) How do you address challenging behavior?
We identify why the behavior happens, teach safer/effective communication, and reinforce appropriate alternatives.
14) How do I get started?
Contact us to schedule an intake. We’ll review history, goals, and insurance, then create an individualized plan.