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Tag: ABA

Little Rock Learning Center Grand Opening

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FEATURED POSTS

Growing Up With Autism And Finding Belonging and Purpose
December 12, 2024
Sensory Overload at School
November 4, 2024
Tour our Bloomington ABA Therapy Learning Center
October 14, 2024
Join Our Team of Behavior Analysts
October 7, 2024


Our new Little Rock, AR Learning Center had a successful grand opening! 🎉 We are so excited to offer ABA services in a clinic-based setting at our new center in Little Rock.

Contact us for more information by visiting: https://lrnbvr.com/ast-little-rock-rc

How ABA Therapy Helped Our Children Succeed: Insights from Two BCBA Moms

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In this informative video, two Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) moms, Heather and Trisha, share their personal experiences with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy and how it has helped their children succeed. For more information about our ABA Therapy services, visit: https://lrnbvr.com/yt-aba-moms

Q&A About ABA Therapy for Children with Autism

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FAQ for Caregivers

Was your child recently diagnosed with autism? Are you beginning to navigate treatment for your child? Before you get started, check out these FAQs about ABA therapy.

What is the goal of ABA therapy?

ABA therapy is designed to support autistic individuals and their families, achieve their identified goals, and improve their quality of life. ABA-based interventions are supported by decades of research and enhance social, communication, play, and adaptive skills. Services incorporate the needs and interests of the autistic individual and their caregiver(s). A behavior analyst delivers the ABA services with the help of behavior technicians, who often provide direct care to the autistic individual. Services are tailored to the individual’s unique needs, with their feedback, and evolve over time. Services for children may look quite different than services for adults, given the individuals’ needs differ over time.

What is “contemporary ABA” therapy?

At LEARN, we refer to our approach as “contemporary ABA.” It is an evolved approach to ABA therapy that promotes individualized treatment, naturalistic and play-based teaching, and is person-centered. LEARN provides a contemporary approach that acknowledges the evolution of ABA, values the individual and their family, and creates space for individuality. Practicing contemporary ABA therapy means that our behavior analysts deeply understand their responsibility to positively and meaningfully impact the lives of the individuals served.

How many hours of ABA therapy will my child receive?

Your child’s hours will be determined between you and your behavior analyst. Your behavior analyst recommends hours based on assessing your child’s needs, other therapies received, and your feedback as the parent/caregiver. Focused programs range from 10-25 hours per week, and comprehensive programs range from 30-40 hours weekly. At LEARN, we provide home-based, center-based, and community-based services, and you can reach out to your local clinical director to find out which services are available in your area. Check out this video to learn about the number of hours clinically recommended for your child.

Are your ABA therapy services individualized?

Absolutely! Each autistic person we serve is unique, and we believe that should be celebrated. Our goal is to promote individual interests and incorporate those into ABA therapy. Behavior analysts make individualized recommendations for services, including hours based on the child and customized goals that fit their needs. Behavior therapists receive training on how to understand the preferences of their clients and include those in sessions to make them fun, rewarding, and engaging.

How is neurodiversity integrated into your approach to ABA therapy?

Listening to the perspective of autistic folks has informed our approach to ABA therapy and led us to incorporate neurodiversity into our practice. Our goal is to elevate the autistic voices in our community, including the individuals we serve, our neurodivergent employees, and the greater neurodivergent community. We’re deeply committed to person-centered ABA therapy practices and promote assent-based care, meaning we validate the identities and experiences of neurodivergent folks and create space for autistic voices to be heard and upheld. Learn more about our commitment to neurodiversity here.

Will my child be required to do discrete trials and sit at a table?

Not all autistic folks benefit from discrete trials or table-top work. For example, a two-year-old child with lots of energy may benefit more from a play-based approach with the therapist sitting on the floor and embedding learning opportunities in play with their favorite toy. Behavior analysts overseeing the treatment plan take time to assess the individual’s needs and work collaboratively with the family to identify an approach to treatment that will work best for the child.

What if someone doesn’t want ABA therapy?

We understand that not everyone seeks ABA therapy, feels it’s the best fit, or perhaps, thinks it’s the right time to try. As with other medical services, the patient (along with their caregiver, if a child) has the right to decide when, if, and what treatment is right for them. Not all ABA therapy providers have the same approach, either, and LEARN supports a family’s right to choose a provider that meets their needs and is a good match for their treatment goals. We want families and our clients to be excited about services and encourage collaboration on our journey together.

Reviewed by Dr. Ashley Williams, PhD, LABA, BCBA-D, Sr. Clinical Director

To learn more about ABA, visit our website. You can also search our locations here.

How Neurodiverse Voices are Influencing the Evolution of ABA

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Dr. Becky Thompson, Director of Clinical Services for the Wisconsin Early Autism Project (WEAP), and Reux Lennon, Non-binary member of both the LGBT and Autism community and Lead technician with WEAP join us to share their work on the Person-Centered ABA team and the Neurodivergent Advisory Committee.  Dr. Thompson leads LEARN’s Person-Centered ABA team, which is a group of clinical leaders within LEARN who are dedicated to compassionate and individualized ABA services. Reux shares how their work as one of the original members of the Neurodivergent Advisory Committee is creating change and including neurodivergent voices and perspectives.

For more information visit:

https://learnbehavioral.com/culture/neurodiversity

All Autism Talk (https://www.allautismtalk.com/) is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (https://learnbehavioral.com).

Wisconsin Early Autism Project Opens New Learning Center in Sun Prairie, WI

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We’re excited to announce we have expanded our reach in Wisconsin with the opening of a new Wisconsin Early Autism Project (WEAP) Learning Center in Sun Prairie this past April. This center represents our commitment to providing children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) the resources and support they need to develop essential life skills in a nurturing, group environment. Our mission is to find success for every child with autism in our care by providing compassionate, contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy to help them reach their potential.

The WEAP Learning Center in Sun Prairie offers a learning-rich environment that supports the unique needs of each child. Our center-based services are complemented by home and community-based services as well as social skills programming. We understand that every child has unique needs and interests, and we’re committed to providing tailored treatment that respects the varied needs, values, and cultures of every family we serve.

To celebrate the opening of our new Learning Center, we hosted an open house where the public and families were invited to tour our bright and airy new facility, speak with our leadership team, and participate in a range of fun, summer-themed activities. It was a festive occasion that brought the autism community in Sun Prairie and throughout Wisconsin together. The event was topped off with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony, which was organized in collaboration with the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce.

We’re proud to have served children with autism for over 25 years and our dedication to serving the autism community is steadfast. Our commitment to the welfare of our clients has allowed us to be one of the leading providers of ABA therapy in Wisconsin and the country. We take enormous pride in providing positive outcomes for children and families and are committed to continuing to provide exceptional care to all those we serve.

If you’re interested in learning more about our services or finding a WEAP location near you, please visit our website. We look forward to serving the autism community in Sun Prairie and throughout Wisconsin in the years ahead.

“We are excited to offer center-based learning on the east side of Madison in Sun Prairie and the surrounding communities. Our new location has reduced the commute time for some families traveling to the west side center and created an opportunity for new families to access services.

Our staff and families love our fresh, new, bright center, which features large clinical spaces and group learning areas. Plus, kids can get lots of physical activity in our gym and outside at our playground. Many families have already taken advantage of our Saturday Squad program for weekend fun for their children. I encourage interested families to reach out to schedule a tour.” – Christine Laurent, Clinical Director

LEARN’s Behavior Technician Training: Our Commitment to Excellence

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LEARN recognizes the critical role that effective training plays in the success of any program or initiative. As a result, we have invested heavily in redesigning our Behavior Technician (BT) Training program to ensure that all our trainees receive the highest quality training possible. With nearly 5,000 BTs working on the front lines each day to provide contemporary ABA services to children with autism and their families, it is essential that our BT training is up-to-date, comprehensive, and effective.

In the fall of 2021, LEARN undertook a significant endeavor to revamp our BT training program, focusing on providing all trainees with a thorough understanding of the core principles of ABA. We collaborated with renowned experts from ABA Technologies to guide the redesign of our program, ensuring that it meets all the requirements for the Registered Behavior Technician® (RBT®) exam and that our BTs are fully prepared to deliver exceptional services to our clients. Additionally, our BTs receive individualized, client-focused training provided by supervisors once they are in the field.

Our commitment to using the most effective training methods and incorporating the latest evidence-based practices sets our BT training apart from similar programs.

Our program includes five core components:

Direct Instruction

We believe high-quality training requires a strategic and deliberate approach grounded in evidence-based practice. Our training approach is based on direct instruction, a method that emphasizes carefully developed instructional sequences using explicit teaching techniques. With direct instruction, our trainers provide our trainees with clear and concise guidance on how to master new skills and knowledge while ensuring they are fully engaged in the learning process.

But direct instruction is more than just an effective teaching method. It’s also a dynamic and fun training experience that motivates trainees to learn and achieve their goals. Using this approach, we create an engaging and supportive learning environment that encourages active participation and fosters a sense of community among our trainees.

Of course, to ensure that our trainers deliver the highest-quality training possible, we have invested heavily in their professional development. All of our trainers participate in extensive training in direct instruction and receive ongoing support and feedback regarding their use of training techniques. This ensures that our trainers are always up-to-date with the latest best practices in training and can provide our trainees with the most effective instruction possible. At LEARN, we’re committed to providing a world-class training experience that is both effective and enjoyable, and we believe that our approach to direct instruction is a key part of that commitment.

Preview of Impact

We understand that the workforce is constantly evolving, and many people are now seeking meaningful and rewarding employment. With this in mind, we designed our new BT training program to provide trainees with the skills and knowledge they need to make a positive impact on the lives of their clients and their families.

The LEARN BT training program emphasizes the importance of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and its ability to create lasting change in our clients’ lives. Trainees will hear directly from BTs who work in the field and have experienced firsthand the triumphs and victories of working with families. The majority of the training program focuses on learning how to use a variety of techniques and strategies used in ABA therapy and implement them effectively to achieve the best possible outcomes for their clients. Throughout the training program, trainees will have many opportunities to demonstrate their skills and receive feedback.

By emphasizing the impact that ABA can have on clients and their families, we aim to inspire our trainees to approach their work with a sense of purpose and dedication. By providing our trainees with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed, we can help them build rewarding and fulfilling careers that make a real difference in the lives of others.

Live, Small Group Instruction

We take great pride in our team of highly-motivated, dedicated, and skilled trainers to ensure the success of our trainees. Our trainers are not only experts in their fields but also possess a wealth of experience working with trainees from diverse backgrounds with varying experiences. They have an in-depth understanding of how to create an effective learning environment that is supportive, engaging, and personalized to meet the unique needs of each trainee.

To achieve this, we use a highly interactive and engaging training approach that emphasizes hands-on learning experiences. Conducted in small groups, our live training sessions allow our trainers to provide each trainee with individual attention, support, and feedback. This approach ensures that trainees can practice and apply their new skills and knowledge and receive immediate feedback on their progress.

DE&I Integration

We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are essential to creating a positive and productive work environment. We understand that a diverse workforce not only brings unique perspectives and experiences but also fosters creativity, innovation, and growth. That’s why we’re committed to supporting robust DEI initiatives that enable all employees to feel valued, supported, and empowered.

Our approach involves facilitating access to various resources, affinity groups, and training programs that promote DEI in the workplace. These initiatives include regular workshops and training sessions designed to help employees better understand DEI issues and learn how to apply best practices in their day-to-day work. Our trainers highlight the importance of DEI initiatives and encourage active participation from all employees.

Moreover, we believe that DEI initiatives are not just a box-ticking exercise but a fundamental aspect of our organizational culture. We recognize that fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion requires ongoing commitment, engagement, and action from everyone in our organization. As such, we encourage all employees to actively promote DEI and share their experiences, ideas, and perspectives with others.

Child Development & Play Training

At LEARN, we take pride in serving a diverse age range of clients, specifically young children. We recognize children are naturally curious and playful and that play is essential to their development. As such, we prioritize training our staff to engage children in meaningful and developmentally-appropriate play activities. We designed our training program to provide staff with the skills and knowledge they need to facilitate play-based learning experiences that are both fun and educational. We cover many topics, from the basics of child development to the latest approaches in naturalistic teaching. Our trainers work closely with staff to ensure they have a deep understanding of how to play with children at different developmental levels and tailor activities to meet each child’s unique needs and interests. By investing in our staff and providing them with the tools they need to succeed, we provide high-quality care to the young autistic children we serve.

Within LEARN, we’re committed to providing our trainees with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to succeed in their careers. Our BT training program is just the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning and professional growth. We believe that ongoing education and skill development are essential for staying competitive in today’s fast-paced and constantly evolving job market.

That’s why we offer a range of advanced training programs, workshops, and continuing education courses that enable our trainees to deepen their knowledge and stay up-to-date with the latest best practices in their field. We’re dedicated to supporting career advancement and providing our trainees with the resources and guidance they need to achieve their professional goals.

Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to take the next step, LEARN is here to support you every step of the way. We’re committed to providing a world-class training experience that empowers our trainees to achieve their full potential and positively impact their communities.

Interested in working with us? Search our careers here: https://learnbehavioral.com/careers

To learn more about working as a BT, read “What in the World Is a Behavior Tech?” and check out our “Top 5 Reasons to Become a Behavior Tech.”

Total Spectrum Opens New Learning Center in Portage, MI

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We’re proud to announce the expansion of our services in Michigan with the opening of a new Total Spectrum Learning Center in Portage this past March. This center is a testament to our commitment to providing children with autism the resources and support they need to develop essential life skills in a nurturing, group environment. Our mission is to empower children with autism and other special needs to achieve success in school and life, and we’re dedicated to providing contemporary and compassionate applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy to help them achieve their goals.

The Total Spectrum Learning Center in Portage is designed to offer a learning-rich atmosphere that caters to the unique needs of each child. Our center-based services are complemented by home and community-based services that offer flexible scheduling options. We understand that every child has individualized needs and aspirations, and we’re committed to providing a comprehensive range of services that cater to those needs.

To celebrate the opening of our new facility, we hosted an open house where families were invited to tour our state-of-the-art facility, engage with our leadership team, and participate in a range of fun, spring-themed activities. It was a joyous occasion that brought the autism community in Portage and throughout Michigan together. The event was topped off with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony, which was organized in collaboration with the Southwest Michigan First Chamber of Commerce.

Our dedication to serving the autism community is unwavering, and we’re proud to have served children with autism for over a decade. Our commitment to the well-being of our clients has allowed us to emerge as one of the leading providers of ABA therapy in the country. We take immense pride in our work and are committed to continuing to provide the highest quality of care to our clients.

If you’re interested in learning more about our services or finding a Total Spectrum location near you, please visit our website. We look forward to continuing to serve the autism community in Portage, throughout Michigan, and across the Midwest.

Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST) Opens New Learning Center in Chandler, AZ

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We’re thrilled to announce our Arizona services expanded this March, as we opened a new AST Learning Center in Chandler. This newest center, which boasts state-of-the-art facilities, held an open house where families were invited to tour the facility, converse with our leadership team, and take part in a range of fun, spring-themed activities. The event was topped off with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony, which was organized in collaboration with the Chandler Chamber of Commerce.

At AST, we’re committed to providing children with autism the support and resources they need to develop essential life skills in a nurturing, group environment. Our latest facility in Chandler is no exception. The center is designed to offer a learning-rich atmosphere that caters to the unique needs of every child. Our comprehensive range of center-based services is complemented by home and community-based services that offer flexible scheduling options.

We take immense pride in serving the autism community in Chandler, throughout Arizona, and across our seven other states. Our mission is to empower children with autism and other special needs to achieve success in school and life. We understand that every child has individualized needs and aspirations, and we’re committed to providing compassionate and contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy to help them achieve their goals.

We’re honored to have served children with autism for over two decades. Our unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of our clients has allowed us to emerge as one of the leading providers of ABA therapy in the country. If you want to learn more about our services or find an AST location near you, click here.

Successful Models for Assent-Based Vaccine Clinics

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Kerry Hoops the current President of the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin and the clinical director for Wisconsin Early Autism Project’s Green Bay region joins us to share about a unique clinic event and what can be learned. Kerry shares details of sensory-friendly covid vaccine events that utilized assent-based practice to create a comfortable experience for children. As Kerry put it, “When it was time for the shot, that was determined by the child. We were very open and honest with the child and let them know it would only happen when they said it was ok.”