ABA Resource Library Topic: Applied Behavioral Analysis
There are both public and private schools in the United States that offer ABA-based instruction. Their level of quality varies greatly from state to state and district to district. It can be helpful to ask your child’s school if there is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) directing your child’s instruction and reviewing the effectiveness of your child’s learning on an ongoing basis. It also may be helpful to ask your child’s school how many students the BCBA is responsible for overseeing and how often they are physically present in your child’s classroom. This can be an important indicator of the quality of your child’s ABA-based instruction.
The Grace School was founded in 2008 by Children’s Therapy T.E.A.M. families. The Grace School is led by Board Certified Behavior Analysts. Students benefit from ABA-based instruction and precision teaching. The School is located next to Children’s Therapy TEAM’s Fayetteville Clinic. Families may be eligible for Arkansas Succeed Scholarships and other funding sources to cover a portion of the tuition. The school enrolls students in pre-K through age 21.
The science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is used in the treatment of child with autism and developmental disorders. Nationally, it is one of the most widely used treatment methods for individuals with autism. ABA interventions are highly individualized. Initial and ongoing assessments are used to determine the course of treatment. Well-researched techniques are used to increase appropriate behaviors and decrease behaviors that interfere with learning and/or appropriate social interactions. The intervention, developed by a qualified supervisor, is customized to fit each child’s interests, family situation, skills and preferences. Most current research suggests that more intensive ABA interventions produce more effective results. An intensive intervention includes 20-40 hours of ABA therapy per week.
While qualified ABA treatment programs have traditionally been difficult to find in Arkansas, the number of providers has grown. Children’s Therapy T.E.A.M. was the first private clinic in the region to offer regular ABA-based behavior intervention training and support for all its therapists regardless of discipline. This includes on-going research-based behavior intervention training for physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and developmental therapists. Behavior protocols at Children’s Therapy T.E.A.M. are designed by a veteran doctoral-level Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Funding for Treatment in Arkansas:
The Arkansas Succeed Scholarship provides funding for eligible private school students with disabilities to cover a portion of tuition. There are at least two private schools in Arkansas led by BCBA’s. These schools include Up Autism Center in Little Rock and The Grace School at Children’s ABA T.E.A.M. in Northwest Arkansas.
As of May 1st Medicaid/TEFRA ABA policy changes went into affect which provides funding for ABA services to children with an Autism diagnosis. Most local providers accept private insurance as well.
Local Providers:
Children’s ABA T.E.A.M. a Children’s T.E.A.M. provider
Autism in Motion (AIM) Clinics
Learning & Behavior Solutions, Inc
Professional ABA Programs and Organizations:
U of A Graduate Program
In 2013 the University of Arkansas introduced the state’s first ABA graduate program. Training programs in ABA have been in existence on college campuses long before their introduction in Arkansas. However, the program has made significant ground in improving Arkansan’s perception of ABA as an invaluable tool in the treatment of autism.
- ABA Summer Camp: The U of A ABA Program hosts a free ABA-based summer camp for children with autism between the ages of 5 and 12. Visit the program website for more details.
- Autism Symposium: This annual conference hosted in Fayetteville features nationally recognized speakers. Learn more: https://sped.uark.edu/autism-symposium.php
Arkansas Association for Behavior Analysis
This local professional organization is dedicated to the advancement of the science and application of ABA in Arkansas. They have active legislative committee members tasked with establishing in-state licensure standards and improving funding and support for ABA services. The organization hosts an annual conference in Northwest Arkansas with nationally recognized speakers. Parents without BCBA credentials are welcome to join the organization as an affiliate member.
Why is the BCBA credential important?
ABA therapists should be supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), as such individuals have met the requirements specified by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board®, Inc. (BACB®). Not only have BCBAs and BCaBAs completed rigorous coursework and experience requirements, but they have also passed a comprehensive certification examination. Additionally, most insurance companies require that ABA therapy services be supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst to be eligible for coverage.
A list of qualified Arkansas BCBAs can be found on the BACB’s website under the link “find a certificant.”
The website is www.bacb.com.
Print Version of TEAM’s ABA Resource