Applied behaviour analysis (ABA) offers a framework from which to better understand behaviour. The framework emphasizes what is happening before and after the behaviour. We use this understanding to increase desired behaviours or to decrease interfering behaviours.  When we’re teaching, we want new skills to happen more often. When we’re addressing interfering behaviours we want them to happen less often. 

The overall goal of a good ABA program is for you and your child to experience meaningful, positive changes such as increasing independence, developing new skills and/or experiencing fewer challenges with day-to-day tasks and learning.

ABA can be helpful for many different people to help with a variety of needs. It uses an organized and systematic approach to create the best learning environment possible and make important changes in behaviour. ABA can be used to teach skills like communication, organization, self-regulation, reading and other academic skills. It can be focused on developing motor, play, social, coping, safety and self-care skills like toileting, feeding and dressing. ABA can also help us understand why interfering behaviours like tantrums and meltdowns or picky eating and running away are happening and what we can do to prevent and address them.

That’s entirely up to you. With Focused Intervention Services we can target 1-5 goals and we usually schedule between 4 - 20 hours per week.  Clinical Supervision Services are more intensive and focus on 15+ goals in a variety of areas like communication, academics, social skills, motor development  and daily living skills. Sessions are typically scheduled for 20+ hours per week. A Needs Assessment helps us work together to decide where to start and what approach will be best for your child. Services are never one-size-fits all and can evolve and change as your child’s needs and abilities change, and based on what’s right for your family.

We always start with a comprehensive Needs Assessment that includes information you provide about your child including your goals and dreams. This is complemented by a skills assessment to help determine where the best place is to start with teaching. It’s important that we build on success and develop momentum so that learning is engaging and fun!  The goal is always to enhance quality of life and move towards the greatest amount of independence possible. 

Learning is tracked all the time. Data is the cornerstone of a good ABA program. If learning is not happening at a reasonable pace then adjustments are made. If your child’s learning is progressing at a rapid pace then we build on skills by adding expectations and setting new goals. You’re always informed of progress and updates to goals. If you have questions, never hesitate to ask.

ABA is not a cure for Autism. Autism is a difference in processing information and is a part of who someone is. ABA is a treatment approach that is highly effective for teaching individuals who are Autistic. It can be used to teach new skills that lead to a better understanding about the world and open doors to different opportunities. It can also be used to minimize challenging behaviours by teaching more effective ways of communicating and coping.

I Can ABA does not provide direct billing. Services are paid for by families upfront or on an on-going basis, based on our Service Agreement. Some children and families are eligible for reimbursement through their insurance provider or government funding. A detailed Receipt of Payment provides you with all the information you’ll need for reimbursement.

If you reside in Ontario, your child may be receiving Ontario Autism Program (OAP) Funding. I Can ABA is a registered OAP Provider.

Tantrums, meltdowns, self-injury, hitting, biting, screaming…these behaviours aren’t easy on anyone. They’re challenging for you and they’re also difficult on your child.  With over thirty years of experience supporting hundreds of children,  I’ve learned that focusing on building skills is the absolute best way to address challenging behaviours.  

There’s a reason for any behaviour, even the difficult ones. It’s my job to help us better understand why the behaviours are happening. Once we determine the purpose of the behaviours we can then begin to create a more supportive environment that’s focused on prevention and teaching skills that will help your child better express their needs and cope with the things they find difficult.

What teaching sessions look like can vary depending on the child and their goals.  ABA is designed to be flexible and responsive to each unique individual. I always prioritize fun, because we all know that the best learning happens when we’re having so much fun that we don’t even realize we’re working!

Sessions are structured and teaching is strategic. Learning happens where it makes sense. Some lessons may take place while sitting at a table, while others are targeted while we play on the floor, at the park or in the community. Learning happens where it makes sense. 

 If you’re taking part in Parent Courses and Coaching then whenever possible, skills and strategies are focused on natural opportunities and daily routines.

Please schedule a call and I’ll do my very best to provide you with more information so that you can make a decision that’s best for your child.