FAQs

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. People with ASDs handle information in their brain differently than other people. ASDs are “spectrum disorders.” That means ASDs affect each person in different ways, and can range from very mild to severe. People with ASDs share some similar symptoms, such as problems with social interaction. But there are differences in when the symptoms start, how severe they are, and the exact nature of the symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2014) about 1 in 68 children in the US has an ASD.

ASDs begin before the age of 3 and last throughout a person’s life, although symptoms may improve over time. Some children with ASD show hints of future problems within the first few months of life. In others, symptoms might not show up until 24 months or later.

Some children with an ASD seem to develop normally until around 18 to 24 months of age and then they stop gaining new skills, or they lose the skills they once had. A person with an ASD might:

• Not respond to their name by 12 months
• Not point at objects to show interest (point at an airplane flying over) by 14 months
• Not play “pretend” games (pretend to “feed” a doll) by 18 months
• Avoid eye contact and want to be alone
• Have trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings
• Have delayed speech and language skills
• Repeat words or phrases over and over (echolalia)
• Give unrelated answers to questions
• Get upset by minor changes
• Have obsessive interests
• Flap their hands, rock their body, or spin in circles
• Have unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel

ABA is the study and modification of behavior. It is a one-on-one therapy that involves the process of behavior modification in order to reduce unwanted behaviors and encourage appropriate and adaptive behaviors. It is the power of reinforcement that allows therapists to modify a behavior and teach new skills.

ABA, in a structured environment, helps children acquire skills that typical children learn naturally. It is the most researched and supported therapy for helping children with special needs improve. Applied Behavior Analysis is the only scientifically proven way to treat children with Autism and other special needs, and it is easy to understand because it uses simple rules and procedures.

Hundreds of scientific studies have shown that ABA is the most effective method to teach children and adolescents with autism and other developmental disabilities. ABA has been endorsed by the National Institutes of Health and the Association for Science in Autism Treatment, and has been identified by the Surgeon General of the United Sates as the most effective way to treat autism.

ABA can be used to teach a variety of skills and positive behaviors, including functional living skills, language, reading, social skills, positive peer support, academic engagement, and more. ABA methodology is also effective in decreasing inappropriate behaviors such as noncompliance, tantrums, bed-wetting, feeding problems, aggression, and self injury.

Currently we do not diagnose children, but we recommend Abacca-us.com as a service.

We currently are in-network providers for: Aetna, AvMed, Beacon, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Magellan, Optum, United Healthcare, TriCare-Humana and Step Up.

Yes! If you travel to Miami, we can arrange for an assessment, create a program and develop an intensive training program for whomever will be providing the therapy at home. Once back at home, you will provide us with videos of your child’s therapy sessions.

Regular monthly Skype meetings will be scheduled to provide feedback and monitor the program and make changes as necessary. If a visit to Miami is not in your future, we can come to you! We are currently working in Brazil, Argentina and Chile. Wether or not you see your country listed, please email us for more information.

Generally, 2-3 weeks after completing the initial assessment. Once insurance has been verified and the paperwork completed, an appointment will be set up for the initial assessment. At this time, we will work out the therapy schedule to best fulfill your needs and match it with our therapist availability.

ABA can be effective in working with individuals of all ages. However, research shows that skill development programs that are provided at a young age foster better outcomes and can often reduce the likelihood of more severe or dangerous behaviors later in life.  

Verbal behavior is the ABA principle that focuses upon language development within natural, academic, and functional settings. It also promotes the practice of increasing language to address issues and deficits within social skills, language development, reduction of maladaptive behaviors, and academic achievement.

Our comprehensive program is designed to enhance language and communication, social skills and play, academic, behavioral, and independent living skills of children with autism. Our interventions are based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which has been proven since the 1950’s through many scientifically peer reviewed studies and is the leading proven treatment and methodology of choice in treatment of individuals with autism spectrum disorders at any level according to the Surgeon General and American Academy of Pediatrics.

At ABA Learning Center, our therapists work with applied behavior analysis/verbal behavior techniques in order to teach children with autism through intensive one-on-one therapy sessions. ABA and verbal behavior can help children with any level of autism spectrum disorder. We work on communication, academic, social, and behavioral skills or deficits that a child might have.

Treatment is based heavily on functional assessment(s), data, and family input. Children work on multiple different skill areas that include such skill areas as receptive language, expressive communication, visual performance, mathematics, and other academic and life skills.

Behavior modification, language development, socialization skills, and academic skills are incorporated into a child’s program. Therapists use reinforcement and other ABA behavior modification techniques during the sessions to slowly shape and improve a child’s behavior. The same principles are also used to reduce negative behavior.

No, ABACCA is able to help a variety of children with many different backgrounds, skill levels, and challenges. Since we are an ABA- based clinic, our main focus is to understand and modify problem behaviors, but since we have incorporated speech therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills classes into our program, we have a multi-dimensional approach to treatment.