About
A department of MyMichigan Medical Center Midland
Applied Behavior Analysis
MyMichigan Health's Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidenced-based autism intervention that follows a scientific approach to increase positive behaviors and replace challenging behaviors with functional skills. It focuses on programs that are individualized to meet each child’s specific needs. Children are assessed, and programs are developed to increase children’s skills in the areas of language and communication, social and play skills, as well as adaptive skills and others. Decreasing unwanted behavior is also addressed through the use of functional behavior assessments and targeted interventions. The overall goal is to help each child meet his/her potential and to increase their likelihood of success in all areas of life.
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will evaluate the needs of each child and tailor a program that will be implemented by behavior technicians through 1:1 therapy. Therapy time is meant to be a pleasant experience for children, with playful interaction as the major means of teaching. Parents play an important role in the therapy process by participating in parent training sessions provided by the BCBA. In these sessions, parents will learn how to help their child generalize the skills learned in the clinic, so the new behaviors will be maintained at home.
ABA therapy is intensive, and the number of hours spent in treatment each week is individualized. Most children will be scheduled several days a week for several hours at a time in order to see best outcomes.
