Applied Behavior Analysis – ABA – The science that study the behavior and learning. ABA-based therapy, also known as ABA therapy, is used to develop language, functional communication, social skills and activities of daily leaving (ADL), while reducing maladaptive or interfering behaviors. At BH Field we combine ABA therapy with Play-based therapy for optimal outcomes.

Autism Spectrum Disorder – ASD – A developmental disorder that usually appears during the first two years of life. People living with ASD do not look different than anyone else. They may behave, communicate, interact, and learn differently from most other people. The abilities of people with ASD can vary significantly.

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities – IDD – Involves problems with general mental abilities that affect functioning in two areas, (1) Intellectual: learning, problem-solving, judgment and (2) Adaptive: activities of daily life such as communication and independent living.Additionally, the intellectual and adaptive deficit begins early in the developmental period.

BH Field uses individual assessments of each family and child to create the ABA-based therapy plan. The individualized plan identifies barriers for skill acquisition as well as targeted behavior goals and turns the plan into manageable steps that are practiced and can be incorporated into daily life. Progress is continuously measured and consistently rewarded with motivation from our certified therapists.

We know home is where children are more comfortable, show their natural behaviors and begin to change. BH Field practitioners also know that it can be challenging for families to travel to office visits and home-based therapy offers a way to avoid those obstacles. In addition, when treatment is provided in the home, the relationship between therapist and client is likely to develop more rapidly because clients are more relaxed at home than in an unfamiliar office setting.As a result, progress and healing can occur more readily in the natural environment.

Play-based therapy is a scientifically proven therapy option that prioritizes and promotes positive interactions, allows children to be more comfortable and take an active role in developing new skills. Play-based therapy is interactive, child-led, and engaging. It also encourages personal connections, discovery and communication skills while improving a child’s ability to focus and pay attention. Play-based therapy centers on a child’s social and emotional learning (SEL) and considers their sensory preferences. 

Social-emotional learning (SEL) allows children to freely express themselves while learning how to manage their emotions. SEL is a scientifically validated learning approach that encourages to:

• Develop positive self-identity

• Manage behaviors

• Explore emotions

• Build relationships with others

• Navigate social situations

• Engage in empathic behaviors

SEL also provides a learning environment based on trust that is a foundation for academic and personal growth.

Maladaptive behaviors that can be addressed with ABA therapy include behaviors that need tobe reduced as well as behaviors that should be increased.

1. Maladaptive behaviors that can be reduced include (but are not limited to):

• Aggression – hitting, kicking, biting, pushing, name-calling, etc.

• Elopement – leaving the room without permission, running away from adults

• Tantrums – yelling, screaming, throwing objects, etc.

• Task refusal – any behavior used to not perform a requested task

2. Maladaptive behaviors that can be encouraged include (but are not limited to): 

• Motor and cognitive skills

• Social skills – taking turns, responding to a greeting, sharing, etc.

ABA techniques are beneficial in home, school, work and community environments. ABA therapy helps in the following areas:

• Home – Increased and improved toilet training, sibling and social interaction, communication, independence, and in the completion of chore or homework tasks

• School – Increased and improved group participation, functional behaviors, focus, communication and in the competition of tasks as well as a reduction in problem behaviors

• Work – Increased and improved performance, social interactions, focus and task fluency (speed at which work is completed)     

• Community – Increased and improved social skills, understanding of stranger danger, awareness of street safety and a reduction in wandering (elopement) behaviors

Therapists work to contextually understand each client – their needs, wants, motivations, thoughts, feelings and cognitive levels – to form a behavior assessment for each behavior that will be addressed through ABA therapy. We consider the skills and behavior of each individual and use methods (including positive reinforcement) to increase appropriate behaviors. We believe positively reinforcing desired behaviors will allow a child to learn within their comfort zone. 

Anyone that engages in contextually inappropriate behaviors which interfere with social interaction will benefit from ABA-based therapy including the neurotypical population or anyone living with ASD, ADHD, Down Syndrome, Prader Willi, Learning disorders, Behavioral disorders, ODD, Fragile X among others. At BH Field we address the needs of an individual over their lifespan.

Yes, ABA is beneficial in all the following areas: 

• Education – traditional and special needs classrooms

• Health and fitness – promoting a healthy diet and physical activity

• Business – improves performance and customer satisfaction

At BH Field our therapists share a culture of learning that encourages continuous education and ongoing research in ABA therapy. This culture extends to include the belief that when people are fully engaged, they can make a positive difference. BH Field rewards professional growth and improvement while focusing on our team’s leadership development, empathy, communication and conflict resolution skills.

Low arousal approach – LAA –  is a scientific-based strategy focused primarily on practical, non-confrontational approach to support individuals who experience significant emotional outburst and present maladaptive behaviors that may be difficult to manage. LAA approaches the challenging behaviors in a gentle and dignified way without implementing restrictive procedures such as physical restraint. Promote management of vs changing a behavior itself avoiding punitive consequences for distressed individuals and using low intensity proactive strategies and solutions right the way through to managing problem behaviors. Providers focuses on the person rather than the behavior.

Yet the concept of “happiness” is often hard to accurately define. Living the good life, flourishing, joy, and purpose are words that come to mind with happiness. That is the reason at BH Field we firmly advocate for fist human, then ABA practitioners. The PERMA model has five building blocks that enable wellbeing.

• Positive Emotions – interest, joy, love, compassion, amusement, and gratitude. That is achievable by spending quality time with our clients; Doing activities that they enjoy.

• Engagement – loss of self-consciousness and complete absorption in an activity. That’s achievable by participating in activities the individual loves.

• Relationships – lead the client feels supported, loved, and valued when creating social connections. That is achievable by responding enthusiastically to clients.

• Meaning – Individual focuses on significance of facing adversity. That is achievable spending quality time with clients trying new, creative activities to find client’s connections.

• Accomplishment/Achievements – works toward passion to reach goals, endeavor, self-motivation to finish tasks, perseverance. Achievable setting smart goals (measurable, realistic, and time-bound)