Applied Behavior Analysis

The Autism Center at the Child Mind Institute provides evidence-based treatment using the principles and strategies of applied behavior analysis (ABA). Our ABA programs help children learn developmental skills that maximize long-term outcomes and improve their overall quality of life. We offer interventions to:

• Enhance communication and language skills
• Build play and social skills
• Increase independence in daily routines and self-care
• Improve flexibility
• Develop coping skills
• Reduce behaviors that interfere with everyday life

We offer individual treatment and parent-mediated intervention models. When appropriate for the child and the family, service delivery is available in intensive formats delivering a greater level of care.

Our board-certified behavior analysts (BCBA) work as part of a multidisciplinary team with psychologists, developmental behavioral pediatricians, psychiatrists, and speech and language therapists to provide comprehensive services.

The application of our ABA treatment relies on well-studied and evidence-based methods utilizing Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs) that are based on research including the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), Project ImPACT, incidental teaching (IT), and Natural Environmental Training (NET).

Our providers takes a highly individualized approach for each child and family, working in partnership with other professionals on the child’s educational and treatment plans.

• Early Childhood: Programs for young children ages 1–8 focus on the development of foundational communication, play, social, and behavioral skills that are crucial for later skill acquisition. Targeted programs are available to address common challenges, including toilet training, sleep, and picky eating.
• Children: For children ages 8–12, a variety of individualized programs are available to improve disruptive or inflexible behavior, address social skills deficits, and build adaptive skills for daily living.
• Teens and Young Adults: ABA services are also available for adolescents and young adults who need specialized support developing independence and acquiring daily living, home, community, and vocational skills.

Families are an integral part of the Child Mind Institute’s ABA programs. During our direct 1:1 teaching sessions between the BCBA and the child, caregivers are actively involved and trained to integrate session techniques at home and in the community.

We also offer parent-mediated intervention models or parent-only coaching support. Through these formats, caregivers meet regularly with our BCBAs, either in person or virtually, to receive guidance and equip themselves to drive meaningful behavioral change and developmental growth.

Our team actively partners with other members of the child’s team, including school personnel and other providers, to ensure consistency in the treatment approach and to support the transfer of skills from ABA sessions to other settings.