7675 Oak Ridge Highway, Knoxville, Tennessee 37931, United States
ABA Therapy
KCA's Comprehensive ABA Program
Every child's ABA Program consists of individual therapy, social/group therapy, and weekly Parent Support sessions.
Overview of ABA Therapy at Knoxville Center for Autism (KCA)
Following best practice and research based therapies, KCA follows an ABA- VB (Verbal Behavior) program approach. The VB program focuses communication, social & group skills with peers, and the implementation of behavioral intervention procedures (decreasing negative behaviors while increasing positive behaviors). Depending on each child’s needs, we may also aid in working on toilet training, or other specialized programs such as hair cutting, finger and toe nail cutting, doctor or dentist visits, community outings, riding in the car with seatbelt on, and eating programs, just to name a few.
An ABA program is very individualized to each child's abilities and interests. An initial assessment is completed by typically using the VB-MAPP assessment and completing a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA). These assessments are used to find your child's current skill set, complete your child's individual programming, and track your child's progress. Program goals are then established and therapy begins. Data is recorded and graphed for each of your child’s sessions, which are represented on graphs; your child's ABA program is 100% data driven.
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is directly involved with each child’s program. BCBA's are highly trained professionals specifically in the area of ABA therapy. Each therapist brings their experience and expertise to reach each child individually at their level.
The research shows that anyone of any age can benefit from ABA. However, KCA currently serves children from 24 months to 8 years of age. We work with children who are diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum, who are delayed in reaching their milestones, and who are exhibiting behavioral issues. Children do not need a diagnosis to receive or benefit from our services.
ABA is the most comprehensive and most effective approach to improving your child’s quality of life. It is a well-documented and researched therapy that has proven to be very effective for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is supported by the Surgeon General, American Academy of Pediatrics, and by the National Autism Center’s National Standards Report. The research states that an intensity of 25-30 hours per week shows the best long term outcomes.
Sessions for an ABA Program can vary from 3-5 sessions per week, each session typically lasts 2 – 5 hours, all depending on the child’s needs.
Individual ABA-VB Therapy (ages 18 month-8 years)
Each child's program consists of individual therapy. During theses sessions the child works on specific skills including communication and behavioral based goals that are derived from the initial assessment and agreed upon between the parents and BCBA. This is also the time when any other additional life goals would be targeted such as haircutting.
Each session has a balance of Intensive Teaching Trials (ITT) and Natural Environment Training (NET) in a fun center based setting. One of the principles of ABA is teaching a child to generalize their skills. To aid with this, each child works with multiple therapists in a day. This also aides in keeping the child engaged and learning throughout the session.
Sessions are conducted by Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT's). RBT's have been specifically trained in the principles and procedures of ABA and are able to effectively implement the child's ABA program with a continual oversight by a BCBA. Each RBT is directly observed by a BCBA at a minimum of a weekly basis, along with attending weekly all staff training sessions.
Social & Group Skills (Therapeutic Preschool)
Each child's program includes being integrated into one of our Therapeutic Preschool groups daily. (Please see below for a more detailed explanation of each group)
Parent Support Sessions (weekly)
It is not easy being a parent with a child on the Autism spectrum. When first receiving a diagnosis, there are many questions and concerns such as what direction to go in, what therapies to enroll your child into, and how much therapy is needed. Concerns continue as questions arise regarding how to handle your child’s behaviors, communications concerns, appropriate discipline, and how to respond to social situations. All of these and much more can be addressed during weekly parent support sessions. These sessions are scheduled weekly with the child's BCBA. Opportunities to observe your child in a therapy session, discuss your child's progress, or any concerns can all be address in the weekly Parent Support sessions. Communication between providers & caregivers and consistency is key to each child's progress.
Additional Therapy Options
At KCA we believe that all providers and caregivers who interact with each child need to collaborate for the benefit of the child on a regular basis. To aid in this collaboration, KCA offers multiple therapies including Speech (SLP) services, Occupational Therapy (OT), and Mental Health Counseling services. Having a comprehensive program at KCA not only benefits the child's overall therapy program, but also aides families in not having to run around town and coordinate various therapies, our wonderful Front Office staff coordinate for your child to receive all therapies while at the center for you! (Please see "Other Therapy" for additional information.)
Social/ Group Therapy: Part of Comprehensive ABA Program
Our Social/Group Program is provided as part of every non-school aged child’s ABA program at KCA with goal of ensuring each child gains needed social skills and to prepare each child to enter into the school system with their typically developing peers. This program is set up in three different level groups all based on ABA principals and procedures.
All three groups run year round and are based on a child’s current skill levels. Children are placed into a level based on their current skill sets and must meet specific requirements or skills sets to move to the next level in the program. These skill sets are assessed using the VB-MAPP and individual goals set by the child’s ABA programmer
All three levels of the program include:
· Communication Skills (based on ABA: Verbal Behavior)
· Individualized communication, social, and behavioral goals for each child
· Social Skills
· Pre or early Academic Skills
· Behavior Intervention (changing behaviors, aid in transitions, etc.)
· Potty Training
· Low adult to child ratio
· *Typical peers may be mixed into the program
· Daily reports from teachers
· Monthly Parent Newsletter
Parents are responsible for:
· Child’s lunch & snacks
· Child’s diapers, wipes, & extra outfits
Please note: each group is a stepping stone to reach the next group level.
More Services
Sibling Sessions
Siblings have a special bond that is unique to their relationship. Sometimes when a child is on the Autism Spectrum, it is difficult for a sibling to understand how to interact with their sibling, or there may be more conflict than a typical sibling relationship. We are able to work with siblings in aiding to build or improve their relationship and improve their interactions while at home. These sessions are tailored to each family's needs.
Community Outings
Most children on the Autism Spectrum have some level of difficulty when in the community. Some issues can be dealt with by meeting with a therapist during a parent support session, but sometimes parents need extra support while in the community. We are able to meet parents in various places in the community to work directly on these issues. These session are tailored to each family's needs.
Consultations
Our BCBA's are available to provide consultations for any child either in clinic, in home, in school, or in the community. The VB-MAPP or a Function Behavior Assessment (FBA) may also be completed if appropriate. Consultations include observations and feedback for the parents and/or appropriate staff. These sessions are individualized to each family’s needs.