Behavior Consultation

Group Behavioral Services and Socialization.

A.B.L.E. Academy  is renowned for its commitment to addressing behavioral concerns within the context of the group setting or other supportive structure. As such, our role is to address social and environmental issues and systems, to develop group and individual Applied Behavior Analysis strategies and satisfactory alternatives to current skills where necessary or desirable. Each client is thoroughly evaluated within their environment to determine the most appropriate form of affecting positive behavioral and social changes as well as problem solving strategies. 
In accordance with our philosophy, all facilitators employ a developmental approach that targets behaviors in the context/environment in which they occur. If a child is exhibiting problematic behaviors, you can intervene, decreasing the negative behaviors, by introducing and reinforcing positive behaviors that take their place. We focus at one symptom at the time, knowing that each child is different.

Methods of evidence based Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) are geared towards teaching empirically validated intensive behavior interventions, to facilitate skills acquisition which allows for more indipendance. A goal of this treatment is to provide a strong foundation of functional skills, and appropriate replacement skills which can generalize to natural settings

Too many treatments in the past were so unpleasant that the child had to be dragged into the learning session, which caused unpleasant behaviors to start out with, and ignoring the behavior or even punishment was seen as the only alternative for the adult to prevent loosing control. In contrast, we promote individualized family centered and child friendly approaches, allowing the child to have fun while learning. He may not even realize he is “working”, because he enjoys what he is doing. The behavior intervention techniques are designed to fit into family daily interactions, therefore immediately improving family life. Parents learn what tools to use to create the right circumstances for adequate behavior.

 

 

Additional Information

Behaviorists are not miracle workers; they are partners with the parents or other participating caretakers, going through this learning process.  That does not mean this will often be an easy process. But there isn’t anything adequate the child can not master over time, with parets/caretakers' continuing perseverance guided by the behaviorist. However, parents/caretakers who give up on the goals they have for their children, will cause them to fail. Finding ways to appreciate the child, by focusing on his/her strengths and celebrating the progress, is key towards success.