Overview of Services

The goal of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) at The Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders (CAND) is to work with families in the community to help bridge the gap  by providing education and implementing evidence-based strategies.

CAND experts work with parents and caregivers of children with Autism to help them get the most of their ABA treatment through our consultation. Our professionals help educate parents/caregivers on learning about the ABA process from the start. Parents and Caregivers will learn about their children’s Functional Behavior Assessment process, review and customize specific treatment goals, develop behavioral programs, receive guidance about their treatment concerns, and be provided strategies to maintain and generalize skills.

What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence – based therapy, focused on the scientific study of peoples’ learning and behavior. ABA has been proven by research to be one of the most successful forms of treatment to help individuals with Autism. While this is true, we also know that families can sometimes run into problems with their child’s ABA company. This creates frustrations and can prevent the child from reaching their fullest potential.

Behavior Analysis Overview: Video

Services are offered in English and Spanish.

Talk to an ABA Expert

Areas of Concern

Our behavior-intervention team has extensive experience in evaluating and treating concerns in the following areas:

  • Language and communication
  • Social skills
  • Play skills  
  • Adaptive and self-care skills (Toilet Training)
  • Picky eating
  • Reduction of inappropriate behaviors
  • Pre-academic skills
  • Attending and social referencing
  • Repetitive restricted behaviors
  • Self-injurious behavior
  • Transitions  
  • Mild aggression

Visit Expectations

We use clinically researched treatment methodology that is shown to support healthy development for those with ASD or other neurodevelopmental disorders.

A developmentally appropriate assessment at our center is completed across three 2 hour sessions.  An assessment typically involves a review of medical records, parent/caregiver interview, rating scales and direct observation of the individual.

  • Comprehensive Evaluation
  • Comprehensive Functional Behavior Assessment
  • Early Start Denver Model Assessment

Based on the information gathered a treatment plan is developed along with a written report summarizing the results. This report is then provided to the family for review and submitted to insurance approximately 2 weeks after the assessment.

Schedule and Evaluation
Early intervention (Early Start Denver Model)

The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is a comprehensive behavioral early intervention approach for children with autism, ages 12 to 48 months. Initially, this treatment model typically involves one-on-one therapy and gradually includes small-group formats as appropriate. Studies have shown children who receive ESDM intervention have shown greater improvement in cognitive and language abilities and adaptive behavior and fewer autism symptoms than children referred for interventions commonly available in their communities. To learn more about this intervention click here.

Individual Behavior Intervention

Individual therapy sessions range from 1 -3 hours in duration. Therapists utilize principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to increase skills and decrease problem behaviors. Data is collected to measure the individual’s progress and appropriate modifications are made based on treatment progress. Parents are encouraged to participate in sessions in order to learn how to support their child’s development outside of the clinic.

Social Skills Intervention

We offer social skills groups for children ages 4-15 years utilizing the principles of ABA. A specific treatment program is designed looking at important social skill areas including imitation, joint attention, social awareness, initiating peer interactions, pre-academic skills, and social communication skills.

Groups run for 1-2 hours depending on the needs of the individual and size of the group. Our goal is to match the child’s needs and skills to similar age peers and facilitate peer interactions in the clinic setting and throughout the community. Groups include 1-2 typically developing peers as models to promote learning of socially appropriate behaviors.

Parent Consultation

If your child is receiving ABA services and you notice that they are not showing improvements, or that these improvements are slow, then please contact our office today to see if you and your child qualify for our ABA Parent Consultation. You do not need to be a current patient in order to qualify. 

We offer hourly clinical sessions to discuss these topics to help your child’s behaviors improve.

Community Engagement

CAND partners with public school programs and other agencies to facilitate optimal progress for the children we serve.  

Training on the following topics is provided through our Education and Training Program:

  • Understanding Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
  • Understanding ABA assessment & treatment 
  • Managing challenging behaviors
  • Register Behavior Technician Training