More Information about ABA

According to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, ABA is best known for its success in treating individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities (e.g., Down syndrome, intellectual disabilities). Treatment in this area is effective across an individual’s lifespan (i.e., childhood, adolescence, adulthood). In young children with developmental disabilities such as ASD, the goal of intensive, comprehensive intervention is to improve cognitive, language, social, and self-help skills. Decades of research have shown that intensive ABA treatment is the most successful approach for children with autism, and it is widely recognized by a number of sources including the U.S. Surgeon General, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the National Institute of Mental Health.

A meaningful definition for ABA set forth by Autism Speaks – an organization leading the world in advocacy for autism – relays that Behavior analysis focuses on the principles that explain how learning takes place. Positive reinforcement is one such principle. When a behavior is followed by some sort of reward, the behavior is more likely to be repeated…applied behavior analysis is the use of these techniques and principles to bring about meaningful and positive change in behavior. 

ABA, while most popularly utilized with individuals with Autism or other developmental disabilities, can be applied to a full range of socially significant human behaviors.

How can you know as the parent of a child receiving ABA treatment whether you child is getting effective treatment?

  • Your child’s program is based on research proven in studies to be effective.

  • There is collection of data weekly to track your child’s behaviors and skill levels to determine the course of treatment.

  • There is consistent supervision by a BCBA of practitioners working with your child.

  • The individualized intervention plan is based on your child’s needs and goals. This plan should not be a one-way-fits-all plan!

  • Positive reinforcement is the primary behavior change method used during all sessions.

  • Least restrictive teaching goals and environments are exhausted before moving toward more restrictive ones.

  • There is a lot of focus on replacing behaviors considered to be problematic with productive, socially acceptable behaviors. These replacement behaviors should be based on functional data.

  • A large part of the intervention plan teaches development of new skills, strategies, and socially significant behaviors.

JumpStart Interventions
JumpStart Interventions

Board Certified Behavior Analysts, or BCBAs

The most highly credentialed practitioners of ABA

Board Certified Behavior Analysts, or BCBAs

The most highly credentialed practitioners of ABA are Board Certified Behavior Analysts, or BCBAs. The training for this credential involves a minimum of a master’s degree in a related field such as speech therapy, special education, developmental disabilities, or psychology. Several additional ABA courses (often 18 additional credits) are required along with 1500 hours of clinical fieldwork under a supervising analyst in which both direct and indirect work is completed. Upon completion of course work and clinical practicum hours, the candidate may apply to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board to take an exam offered only four times per year that includes 160 questions. Candidates are given four hours to complete the exam. Additional courses are mandatory to becoming a supervising BCBA and continuing education credits are required every two years to maintain Board Certification.

Bachelor level analysts who practice ABA

Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts, BCaBA’s

Bachelor level analysts who practice ABA

Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts, BCaBA’s, are Bachelor level analysts who practice ABA under the supervision of a BCBA. They hold a Bachelor Degree and must complete additional course work in ABA, much the same as required for the BCBA credential. They must complete 1000 hours of supervised clinical field work before applying to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board to take an exam and must maintain certification by obtaining continuing education credits ever two years. BCaBA’s must practice under the supervision of a BCBA.

RBT

Works directly with children implementing ABA under the supervision of a BCBA

RBT

An RBT is a paraprofessional who works directly with children implementing ABA under the supervision of a BCBA. The supervisor completes the child’s assessment and designs the treatment plan and an RBT implements the plan and collects accurate data. Requirements for the RBT involve an extensive background check and 40 hours of training both in a classroom environment and during direct implementation under a BCBA’s supervision. A competency checklist must be passed to evaluate mastery of the relevant skills in order to apply to take the RBT exam. To maintain credentials RBT’s must complete maintenance requirements every year including the Competency Assessment, adherence to the BACB’s ethics requirements, and they must have a responsible certificant (BCBA) on record at the Board.

More information about behavior analysis and ABA is available at these websites:

Association of Professional Behavior Analysts

Association for Behavior Analysis International

Behavior Analyst Certification Board

How to get started?

Step One

The first step in working with JumpStart Interventions is to complete the Request for Services Form. If you wish to discuss private pay options, please indicate. If you wish to obtain services through your insurance, we need to verify your benefits and obtain authorization which requires us to collect some information from you (the parent or caregiver) about the individual who will receive the services.

Step Two

You will need to upload pictures of your insurance card (front and back) and a diagnostic letter related to ASD that will verify diagnosis. This confidential information is maintained on a highly secure server. Our website is secured by 256-bit encryption and our company and domain has been validated by a trusted third party.

Step Three

Our clinical team will then work to verify benefits and obtain authorization for services. We will contact you if we require additional information or once we evaluate the referral and obtain an authorization for services based on your child’s current benefits.

  • Please note:

    Currently Medicaid and private insurance companies only recognize behavioral therapy as medical treatment for the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders (i.e., PDD-NOS, Asperger’s and Autistic Disorder). Individuals must be between the ages of 2-21 years of age, or maintain an active IEP, and must be diagnosed by a medical doctor. If an individual does not have a diagnosis of ASD or falls outside these guidelines then he or she is not eligible for these services through these funding sources.

Request for Services Form