Based on the initial consultation the BCBA/LABA clinician will determine behavioral targets specific to each individual client.  We use a coaching/modeling, practice, and feedback approach with the groups following the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis.  Some of the skills we might select to target are:

• Conversation skills
• Listening skills (reflecting back to a conversation partner)
• Flexible thinking with social situations
• Making and maintaining friendships
• Solving interpersonal problems
• Perspective taking
• How to compensate when a confusion moment occurs
• Tools to stay calm during frustration or anxiety moments
• Self-advocating, taking on new challenges, self-confidence
• Self evaluation for personal strengths and challenges
• Working memory
• Emotional self-regulation
• Planning and prioritizing activities, using backup plans
• Initiating and organizing long-term projects
• Developing leisure time interests and career interests
• Learning how to be part of a group (joining, maintaining interactions, etc.)

·      The BCBA/LABA clinician conducts the initial evaluation to determine client needs.  Once this evaluation is completed you or your child may be placed in a social coaching group run by a behavior therapist working under the supervision of the BCBA/LABA.  The BCBA/LABA may also run certain social coaching groups.

Group sessions are an hour long and typically meet once a week.  Groups range from 2-4 participants depending on the needs of the clients.  We do our best to find an appropriate group match for clients, and may put you or your child on a wait list to start a new group if needed.  For children and teen groups we offer parent training sessions immediately after the group session.

Individual sessions are designed for more direct services and for those who are not comfortable working in a group setting.  As with group services individual clients complete the initial evaluation with a BCBA/LABA.  Individual sessions are one to two hours in duration depending on the needs to the client.  Parent training sessions are also a part of your child’s services.

Home-based services are available on a limited basis for those who require direct teaching to develop more functional behaviors in the home.  The duration and frequency of home-based services depend on the level of services needed for the client.  Please call our office to determine availability if you are seeking home-based services.

Applied Behavior Analysis is a research-based behavioral intervention involving the “design, implementation and evaluation of environmental modifications, using behavioral stimuli and consequences, to produce socially significant improvement in human behavior...”

(Geller, 1972; Lovaas, 1987; Smith et al, 2000; Butler et al., 2003; Shea, 2004)

ABA is a research-based treatment used to create socially significant improvement in human behavior. Strategies capitalize on a person's strengths and develop replacement behaviors for weaker skills through modeling/coaching, direct teaching, practice, and reinforcement.  Behavior therapists break down a new task into manageable chunks that can be mastered and built upon.  They also change the environmental “triggers” for a behavior as well as the consequences/outcomes of problem behaviors to help clients build new behavioral “toolboxes”.  ABA is not counseling or “talk therapy”; ABA relies on behavioral research for effective treatment.

BCBA stands for Board Certified Behavior Analyst.  This is the clinician who evaluates the behavioral needs of a client, determines socially relevant goals to work towards, and designs the strategies (behavior plans) to shape more appropriate behaviors, teach replacement behaviors and skills, and reduce problem behaviors. 

LABA is a Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst; Massachusetts has recently joined a large number of other states in allowing BCBA’s to now become licensed practioners, continuing to follow the principles of applied behavior analysis and ethical standards within the allied mental health field.  All BCBA’s actively practicing in Massachusetts are expected to convert to Licensed Applied Behavior Analysts by December 2017 at the latest.