Applied Behavior Analysis Therapists (ABA therapists) specialize in ABA therapies for autistic children. Most ABA therapists must be certified as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). This certification requires a master’s or doctorate in behavioral analysis or psychology, as well as having passed the national certification exam and possessing a state license to practice.
ABA therapists specialize in promoting socially appropriate and positive behaviors in autistic children. There are 3 primary services that ABA therapists provide:
- Implementing Behavior Intervention Plans
- Developing Skill-Building Lessons
- Stimulating Appropriate Play
Camino provides a team of therapists specializing in various areas to help your child’s development. We’re a local ABA therapy provider that strives to deliver trauma-informed care.
Implementing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)
Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) focus on decreasing inappropriate or harmful behaviors and replacing them with beneficial behaviors. BIPs include the child and everyone involved with the child, including parents, teachers, and staff.
BIPs begin with analyzing the child’s harmful behaviors and assessing the following factors:
- Who was present in the environment?
- Did something happen before the incident?
- When and where did it happen?
- What might the child be trying to communicate?
Once all the factors have been determined, an applied behavior analysis therapist can then formulate a BIP to help replace harmful behaviors with healthier ways of expression.
Developing Skill-Building Lessons
ABA therapists develop specialized skill-building lessons unique to each child. ABA therapies help young children learn, develop, and expand upon these types of skills:
- Communication and language skills
- Social skills
- Self-care and hygiene skills
- Play skills
- Motor skills
Skill-building lessons help autistic children learn how to play with other children, dress without assistance, and find different ways to communicate to help others understand them. These life-changing lessons help children transition into grade school while giving them foundational skills for the rest of their lives.
Stimulating Appropriate Play
All young children respond better when developmental activities involve play. ABA therapists implement play experiences that help children grow their developmental skills while teaching them social skills.
Camino’s Social Skills Group
At Camino, our goal is to help your child develop the necessary skills to transition into grade school while giving them the foundation they’ll need to be successful for the rest of their lives.
That’s why we offer specialized social skills group sessions. These sessions are less intensive, involving a 10-hour-per-week treatment course. We also place children together based on their developmental needs and skill levels. To do this, we focus on these primary communication levels:
- Verbal
- Nonverbal
- Communication through pictures or technology
Camino’s social skills groups allow children to learn and grow with each other. Here are the areas that we aim to develop and improve upon:
- Perspective taking
- Conversation skills
- Emotional recognition and regulation
- Friendship skills
- Tolerating loss
Camino’s social skills group is for elementary-aged children and occurs Mondays-Fridays from 4pm-6pm. Give us a call today if you’re interested in enrolling your child!
Here are some examples of our ABA therapists’ play activities to stimulate social interactions.
Puzzles and Board Games
Puzzles and board games help children develop their critical thinking skills. It also helps them learn to take turns as well as follow rules and directions.
Cause-and-Effect Toys
Cause-and-effect toys can include toy phones, instruments, and jack-in-the-boxes. These types of toys help children learn that certain actions produce specific results.
Puppets, Stuffed Animals, and Costumes
These types of play help children creatively while allowing them to express their emotions and construct stories.
Arts and Crafts
Arts and crafts encourage creativity while helping them refine fine motor skills through such activities as cutting or coloring within the lines.
When Looking for Compassionate Applied Behavior Analysis Therapists, Choose Camino
At Camino, we strive to give your child compassionate, trauma-free therapies that help them develop the skills necessary for smooth and meaningful transitions into grade school and beyond. We’re a locally owned and operated ABA therapy provider that offers immediate and positive attention to your child’s needs.
Contact us today to see how our certified applied behavior analysis therapists can help your child become successful in life!