Frequently Asked Questions
What is behavior intervention? Behavior Intervention – Is another word for Applied Behavior Analysis
What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?
ABA – This acronym stands for Applied Behavior Analysis. ABA is the only treatment for autism whose benefits have been consistently validated by independent scientific research. In fact, ABA has been endorsed as an effective intervention for autism by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the United States Surgeon General. It is a science which attempts to understand and predict human behavior. ABA is the education therapy of choice for many kids with PDD. By using reinforcement a child is provided many opportunities to learn new behaviors. ABA is also used for modifying and/or reducing challenging behavior.
Must a provider of ABA services hold a BCBA™ certification?
All too often unintentional assumptions are made about the BCBA™ certification. Many are under the wrong impression that the BCBA™ credential is an Autism credential – which it is not. So, what is the BCBA™ credential? BCBA™ stands for “Board Certified Behavior Analyst” and is a credential that began as a state certification in Florida in the 1990s and went national, and subsequently international, in 2000. It is an attempt to provide some minimum standard for what constitutes being qualified to practice behavior analysis. Many professional providers of ABA do not hold this certification without any loss of integrity to the method's successful outcome. There are many reasons why a parent should investigate thoroughly when choosing an ABA service provider. Behavior Intervention services are costly and it would be wise to research the provider's prior educational and hands-on experience. It is also especially important that your child receives the highest quality services to meet their individual needs.
Does Texas Law require a license to provide ABA services?
Currently there is no law requiring licensure in Texas for professional services of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Insurance providers may require a level of credentialing such as specific degrees or certifications. Credentialing requirements may vary with each insurance carrier.
How Can It Help?
Studies have shown that some children with autism who participated in intensive ABA programs showed significant improvements in IQ, language skills, and academic performance. Some children in these studies were able to move successfully to mainstream public school classes, where they can learn alongside typically developing peers.* More importantly, every child can benefit from ABA interventions by learning new skills and reducing problem behaviors.
The Core Elements of ABA
Simplifies learning. All tasks–from simple ones such as learning to wave or clap hands, to complex skills such as having a conversation–are broken down into a series of small steps that are easier to learn. Each step is taught by giving children the opportunity to practice over and over again (discrete trials) until the child masters the skill and can use it in everyday life.
Does my insurance cover ABA services?
You will need to provide a copy of your insurance information and we will assist you in finding out what coverage applies to your particular policy carrier. We do not, however, file claims for services. We provide our clients with a detailed invoice and payment receipt so that they can file for reimbursement directly with their insurance provider.
What’s the national standard of hours recommended for ABA?
This commonly asked question has no single answer. Research supports, at a minimum, 25 hours per week of intensive behavioral intervention for young children diagnosed with autism for 12 months a year. The original Lovaas studies showed that approximately half the children were able to achieve typical development with, on average, 40 hours per week over at least 2 years. There is no single study that can inform a parent of the optimal number for their child. But, frankly, ABA, like breathing and eating, should be incorporated into a family’s lifestyle. This does not mean doing flashcards all day long, or sitting at a desk for every waking hour. It does mean that the family should learn ABA principles and how to apply them in the context of daily activities.
What is my role as a parent while my child receives ABA Behavioral Intervention Services?
Parents are indispensable in the child’s program. They play a necessary and critical role. Studies show that children whose parents are actively engaged in the process make measurable gains. First, no one knows the child better than the parent; the parent’s provide critical and insightful information that will help guide the ABA program. Second, parents are able to continue to prompt and reinforce the child through his and her various daily activities - an essential component to generalizing skills. Finally, parents are in a position to be able to record and track ABC data in the home and community setting. This information is vital in hypothesizing the function (the “why”) of specific behaviors as well as for determining what conditions encourage behaviors to occur.
What is Discrete Trial Training (DTT)?
DISCRETE TRIAL TRAINING - this technical term means, quite simply, breaking a task down into smaller, more teachable components, and teaching each component separately.
Does my child have to be potty trained to participate in StarPoint EEC programs?
No. Your child does not have to be potty trained. StarPoint EEC will assist in potty training your child. We assess your child’s physical, cognitive and behavioral abilities before starting a toilet training program.
Does my child need the 1:1 Individual Intensive Enrichment Program?
Our 1:1 Individualized intensive enrichment program is most suited for those children who need direct therapy full time (6 hours per day). An individual assessment can be done to determine if your child needs this type of behavior intervention.
What is the Center's calendar?
StarPoint EEC operates year round. We follow the same calendar for closed days as most public and private schools.
Center Session Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
In Class: Your District Start Time to 2:00 pm
Pre-School Agers: In Home Session Hours: Monday – Friday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
School Agers: In Home Session Hours: Monday – Friday 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
We are closed for all major holidays.
Please request a copy of our Parent Handbook for more details.
What if my child misses a session due to illness or if our family goes on vacation?
Your session hours are based on the number of hours per month you request or as mandated by your child's IEP. Cancellation of session appointments must be given 24 hours advance notice; all IEP mandated sessions must be made up within the same month cancellation occurs. Makeup days and time may not be your regular scheduled appointment times.
Our Special Education Itinerant Trainers provide direct services to children with disabilities 3 to 21 years of age in the family home, school, and community settings. Services include:
Behavioral Intervention Cognitive Development Social and Emotional Development
Self-Help/Adaptive Skills Fine and Gross Motor Skills Community Based Instruction
Any additional questions may be submitted to our email address: email@example.com