Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the application of the principles of behavior to bring about meaningful and positive changes in behavior. We work with parents and clients to find out the cause of certain behaviors, and agree on appropriate replacement behaviors. New behaviors will be introduced, and skills will be taught to increase your child’s independence and skill level.
This field is backed by evidence-based research and driven by data. Many decades of research have validated treatments based on ABA, and it is widely accepted to be the most effective, evidence-based therapeutic approach used for the treatment of autism. This structured teaching of functional skills has the largest body of published research supporting its efficacy.
In the treatment of Autism, ABA methods are intended to support individuals with autism spectrum disorders in many ways, to include:
- Increase behaviors (e.g. to increase on-task behavior, or social interactions) and to teach new skills (e.g., life skills, communication skills, or social skills)
- To maintain behaviors (e.g., self- control and self -monitoring procedures to maintain and generalize job-related social skills)
- To generalize or to transfer behavior from one situation or response to another (e.g., from completing assignments in the resource room to performing as well in the mainstream classroom)
- To restrict or narrow conditions under which interfering behaviours occur (e.g., modifying the learning environment)
- To reduce interfering behaviors (e.g., self -injury or stereotypy)
Speech Therapy
Each of our clients undergoes a formal speech and language evaluation to determine areas of strength and need, as well as to develop an individualized treatment plan. Evaluation and treatment is available for these and other issues that affect functional communication and learning:
- Articulation Disorder
- Phonological Disorder
- Expressive Language Delay/Disorder
- Receptive Language Delay/Disorder
- Auditory Processing Disorder
- Social/Pragmatic Communication Disorder
- Childhood Apraxia of Speech
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Stuttering (Fluency)
- Voice Disorder
- Neurological Disorder
Occupational Therapy
Our licensed Occupational Therapists cater to the individual needs of the clients and help promote independent performance in life’s daily activities. We provide skilled intervention to our clients and supply them with appropriate tools to complete functional tasks in the therapy setting as well as outside of the facility. We also offer education to parents/caregivers in order to promote the carryover of learned skills to other settings in the community. Our Occupational Therapists focus on a variety of skill areas such as, but not limited to:
- Basic Activities of Daily Living
- Fine Motor Skills
- Oculomotor Skills
- Oral Motor Skills
- Sensory Integration
- Upper Extremity Strengthening
- Childhood Apraxia of Speech
- Visual Motor Skills
- Visual Motor Integration Skills
- Visual Perception Skills
Physical Therapy
Our professional licensed physical therapists uses a variety of techniques and treatments to help the child build strength, improve movement, and strengthen skills needed to complete daily activities. Therapy is tailored to meet each client’s needs and goals. Evaluation and treatment is available for these and other issues that affect movement and gross motor skills:
- Sports Injuries
- Developmental Delays
- Cerebral Palsy
- Genetic Disorders
- Orthopaedic Disabilities/Injuries
- Heart and Lung Conditions
- Birth Defects (such as Spina Bifida)
- Neurological Disorders
- Acute Trauma
- Head Injury
- Limb Deficiencies
- Muscle Diseases
Social Skills Groups
Social skills groups at Exceptional Therapies are led by BCBA’s and trained RBT’s, who specialize in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) interventions. Our social skills groups provide:
- Structure and predictability
- A breakdown of abstract social concepts into concrete actions
- A setting where children work in pairs or groups with cooperation and partnership is encouraged
- Multiple and varied learning opportunities
- An environment that fosters self-awareness and self-esteem
- Opportunities for practice so that skills can be utilized in real life settings
Counseling Services
Our professional licensed staff uses a variety of treatment methods to help clientele focus on individualized and personal goals. Therapy can increase overall sense of well-being, build stronger coping and problem-solving skills, change behavior and strengthen relationships.
Therapy is tailored to meet each client’s specific needs. Treatment is available for Children, Adolescents, Individuals and families struggling with a variety of
concerns including but not limited to:
- Autism
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Adjustment Disorders
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder and other related behavioral challenges
- Suicidal Ideation/Self Harm
- Low Self Esteem
- Social Skills
- Coping Mechanisms
- Bullying and other school-related challenges and adjustments
- Parenting challenges of Special Needs Children
- Sibling challenges
- Communication Problems
- Spousal Trauma
- Anger Management
- Grief, Loss and Trauma
