Recently diagnosed?
We want to support both you and
your child every step of the way!
What is ASD?
According to the DSM-5, for a child to be diagnosed with Autism, they must present with persistent deficits in:
1) Social-emotional reciprocity
2) Nonverbal communicative behaviours
3) Developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships
Additionally, they must present with at least 2 of the following:
1) Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements
2) Inflexible adherence to routines
3) Restricted interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus
4) Hyper- or hyporeactivity to sensory input
What is ABA?
ABA stands for Applied Behaviour Analysis. It is a therapeutic approach that uses scientific principles of reinforcement and punishment to encourage positive behaviours (e.g., communication) and reduce challenging ones.
The goal of ABA is to build a trusting relationship with your child in a supportive and engaging environment. Once trust is established, the therapist gradually introduces new goals, allowing your child to learn new skills—while having lots of fun along the way!
Who conducts ABA?
Your therapy team will consist of a Registered Behaviour Analyst (R.B.A. Ont.) and Supervised Instructor Therapist(s).
Your R.B.A (Ont.) will first meet with you to discuss your family’s goals for your child. They will then conduct an assessment and develop a personalized treatment plan with strategies to help your child meet those goals. Once you’ve given consent to the plan, the Supervised Instructor Therapist will implement it, managing your child’s day-to-day therapy.
The R.B.A. will supervise a portion of the ABA therapy sessions each month to ensure consistent progress is being made. They will also make adjustments as needed—whether your child masters a goal or requires new strategies to stay on track.
FAQs
How much ABA each week is appropriate for my child?
Every child is unique, with different strengths, needs, and family goals.
One of our Registered Behaviour Analysts (R.B.A., Ont.) will conduct a thorough assessment and provide a recommendation for the number of weekly service hours. This recommendation will be based on your child’s assessment results and the intensity needed to achieve the desired outcomes for your family.
What is the difference between ABA and IBI?
ABA stands for Applied Behaviour Analysis, the overarching science that includes a variety of therapeutic applications.
Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI) is a specific form of ABA, typically involving 20–40 hours of 1:1 therapy per week. Research shows that IBI leads to the best outcomes for autistic children because of the intensive practice and specialized teaching methods used, which are different from those typically found in school settings.
What type of children would benefit from ABA therapy?
At The Hullabaloo, we primarily serve children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, ABA has been shown to be effective for children with a variety of diagnoses, including Down syndrome, ADHD, Fragile X syndrome, Global Developmental Delay, and more.
What is a RBA (Ont.)?
RBA stands for Registered Behaviour Analyst. This credential is awarded to individuals who have completed a master’s degree in behaviour analysis or a related field, been supervised in their practice, and passed a certification exam.
RBAs are also required to complete continuing education credits to stay up to date with the latest research and ensure they are using the most effective, evidence-based techniques.
How do I know my child is progressing?
Our therapists collect data daily to track your child’s progress toward their goals. Additionally, your Registered Behaviour Analyst (R.B.A., Ont.) will observe your child’s therapy sessions on a regular basis to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
Parents are always encouraged to ask questions and observe sessions to gain a better understanding of how their child’s ABA team is helping them reach their goals.
What Types of Behaviours Does ABA Address?
ABA has been extensively researched, with thousands of studies published in scientific journals. It can help increase a variety of important skills, such as communication, toilet training, social skills, cognition, activities of daily living, and fine motor skills. ABA also works to reduce inappropriate or harmful behaviours, such as those that could pose a risk to the child or others around them.
Why is ABA therapy so expensive?
We completely understand—ABA therapy can be expensive!
There’s a lot of work that happens behind the scenes to ensure your child’s therapy sessions are as productive as possible:
Regular progress meetings between the Registered Behaviour Analyst (R.B.A., Ont.) and the Supervised Instructor Therapists
Ongoing training for your therapist, both during and outside of session times
Preparation time for creating customized program materials
Costs for materials like toys and games to support learning
We always do our best to work within a family’s budget. For information on how to apply for Ontario Autism Program (OAP) funding, visit Autism Ontario.