ABA Therapy

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) an evidence based approach to treat individuals with ASD by using the application of principles of learning to achieve meaningful outcomes. Extensive scientific research over 30 years has demonstrated that Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is the most effective approach for treating children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) as well as other behavioral and developmental disorders (e.g., down syndrome, intellectual disabilities).

Applied Behavior Analysis programs effectively utilizes research-based methods which has been proven effective in developing of new skills to help individual achieve their goals. ABA utilizes strategies such as positive reinforcement, differential reinforcement, etc. to increase desirable behaviors and reduce problem behaviors.

ABA interventions can be categorized as either comprehensive interventions or focused interventions. Comprehensive ABA programs typically ranges from 20 to 40 hours in a week (e.g., early intensive behavioral intervention) where the overarching goal is to close the gap between the client’s level of functioning and that of typically developing peers. Interventions are delivered by a behavior analyst and can occur in a center-based or in-home services based on the individual needs. In focused ABA interventions treatment is provided directly to the client for a limited number of behavioral targets such as communication, tolerating change in environments and activities, self-help, social skills) increasing play skills, teach requesting skills, reduce tantrums, or enhance play with peers.

At Milestones, our team of professional Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and behavior therapists (RBTs) uses the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis to support individuals to:

• Develop communication and language skills
• Develop play and leisure skills
• Develop social skills
• Develop adaptive and self- care skills.
• Increase academic skills such as reading, writing and math.
• Decrease challenging behaviors
• Motor Skills
• Develop self-control and self- management skills
• Cognitive skills
• Tolerance and Coping skills
• Emotional development
• Safety skills
• Vocational skills

Milestones Early Intervention Program

Milestones Early Intervention Program (MEIP) is a comprehensive ABA intervention program for young children aged 2-6 years. MEIP program based on the Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention model addresses most or all of the core skill areas of child development. After objective assessment and analysis of the baseline level and needs of the child, an individualized intervention plan with the treatment goals is established by our Behavior Analysts which addresses the critical developmental skills including communication, social interaction, self- management, functional living skills, pre-academic skills, emotional skills, cognitive skills, physical skills, school skills to help succeed in mainstream schools.

Findings from several studies shows that eclectic model, where ABA is combined with non-evidence-based treatment methods are less effective than ABA alone. MIEP utilizes the principles and procedures of behavior analysis to treatment. Through consistent, ongoing, objective assessment and data analysis during treatment helps to clinical decision-making and maximize and maintain progress toward treatment goals. The program also emphasized on direct support and training of family members to promote optimal functioning and promote generalization and maintenance of behavioral improvements.