Autism Applied Behavior Assessments For The Full Spectrum

To properly treat those with autism you need to identify the roots of the behavior and symptoms they are displaying. This is done with language and behavior assessments. Assessments such as these have been proved with peer-reviewed, empirical research. Our extensive experience further backs the success from these assessments.

Once assessments are complete, the information gathered is used by Board-Certified Behavior Analysts or licensed clinician to develop appropriate interventions. These interventions, along with further details, are included in an individualized treatment plan.

It All Starts With Behavior Assessment

The first step we take is to establish your child’s current skills to communicate, what hinders communication, and social and self-help skills. All of this information is gathered together in order to develop an individualized treatment plan for your child.

The Assessments We Perform:

The Basic Language Assessment – Known as a BLA, this assessment helps us to screen where the language plan should begin. We use this test to work with students who have a vocabulary that is limited to 100 words or less. It determines a number of skills in early language.

The Preference Assessment – Behavior is reinforced via mechanisms in the environment and we use the preference assessment to identify these environments and where they are most prominent. Once we determine which items are most important to your child we can use them to reinforce positive behavior. As your child’s preferences change, we update the preference assessment. We further use these assessments to determine the relationship between the environment and behaviors.

Functional Behavior Assessment – The challenging behavior that your child faces typically is used to serve a purpose. Whether that purpose is to gather attention, escape the situation, or avoid the situation, the Functional Behavior Assessment is used to identify the reason behind the behavior. As we use this to replace the behaviors with positive behaviors, your child will learn there are better ways to address their problems.

Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills – A number of benchmarks in deficit areas have been identified for children with autism and this assessment helps us to determine and measure the deficits that your child has. Some of the deficits include, reinforcement, visual performance, receptive communication, expressive communication, imitation, social group responding, play responding, and more. The assessment is a tool that we give to caregivers. Depending on the circumstances we may have our Board Certified Behavior Analysts observe your child while they perform tasts that are on the ABLLS-R assessment. This assessment is annual or biannual as needed to address changes as we work with your child.

Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program – Dr. B.F. Skinner analyzed the verbal development and behavior in children who do not have an autism diagnosis. This was used to set up milestones for regular development. The VB-MAPP was developed to measure how those with autism compare to those without and to establish a developmental age. We use the information gathered to create goals for each individual child based on their needs. In this assessment we also screen for barriers which helps us to identify the perfect environment for your student to work in. Every year or twice a year we administer the VB-MAPP in order to assess changes.

Creating A Behavior Treatment Plan For Every Child

All of these assessments are used to create an individual treatment plan. Our Board-Certified Behavior Analysts work with us and your family to create a custom tailored plan. We then use skills trainers to carry out the plan under the supervision of a behavioral health consultant. While carrying out the plan, the skills trainer will also collect data to determine the effectiveness of the plan.

A loop is developed to ensure that the plan grows as your child grows. An important point in the successful treatment of autism. We also work to identify gaps and address them so that the plan reaches maximum effectiveness. Our team works with you, even when the first plan doesn’t work.

We include the following and more in treatment plans for those with autism:

• Applied Behavior Analysis Principles
• Discrete Trials Training
• Errorless Teaching
• Fluency Building
• Incidental Teaching
• Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
• Positive Behavior Support
• Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH)
• Verbal Behavior

At Children’s Wellness Company, we offer behavior assessments to self pay clients, those this assistance, with insurance and for other agencies alike. To learn more about our behavior assessments service, contact us at 305-310-4245 or you can email us.