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.

ABA Therapy Service Options

In-Centre ABA Therapy

We provide ABA therapy in our 7000+ square foot facility at the QEW and Erin Mills. Equipped with individual treatment rooms, an indoor gym, outdoor space, arts & crafts room, library, and simulation classroom, the possibilities are endless!

Once your R.B.A. (ONT.) has completed the initial assessment, a recommendation will be made on the intensity of service hours for your child to achieve their goals. We will work with you to create an appropriate therapy schedule.

Benefits of In-Centre Therapy:

  1. Structured Environment: In-centre settings provide a controlled and structured environment, which can minimize distractions and allow therapists to better implement specific interventions.

  2. Access to Resources: We house specialized equipment, toys, and teaching materials that may not be available at home or in community settings.

  3. Peer Interaction: Children have the opportunity to interact with other kids receiving therapy, helping them develop social skills in a supportive setting.

  4. Focus on Learning: Sessions can be focused entirely on therapy goals without the interruptions that may come from home or community environments.

  5. Direct Supervision: Therapists have more direct supervision from the Registered Behaviour Analyst (RBA), ensuring the consistency and quality of services.

Drawbacks:

  1. Generalization Issues: Skills learned in a highly structured, in-centre setting may not transfer easily to real-world environments like home or school, requiring extra effort for generalization.

  2. Travel Requirements: Families may have to travel to the centre, which can be time-consuming and stressful, especially if the centre is far away.

  3. Limited Familiarity: Children may not feel as comfortable in an unfamiliar environment as they do in their home, which could slow progress initially.

Community-Based ABA Therapy

We are happy to offer community-based services which may take place at your child’s daycare, school, within the home, or in another environment.

Benefits:

  1. Real-World Application: Therapy is conducted in the environment where your child spends the most time, making it easier to apply skills in real-life situations (e.g., interacting with peers at school or handling transitions at home).

  2. Convenience for Families: Therapy can be done in familiar settings like home or school, reducing the need for travel and allowing families to be more involved in the sessions.

  3. Enhanced Generalization: Since therapy is conducted in everyday environments, children are more likely to generalize skills to their daily life, improving long-term outcomes.

  4. Collaborative Opportunities: Therapists can collaborate with teachers, caregivers, and other professionals in the community setting, ensuring a more integrated approach to your child’s development.

Drawbacks:

  1. Distractions: Community settings can be less controlled, leading to more distractions that may interrupt therapy sessions and make it harder to focus on specific goals.

  2. Fewer Resources: Depending on the location, there may be fewer specialized materials and resources available for therapy.

  3. Scheduling Challenges: Coordinating therapy sessions around school schedules, daycare hours, or home routines can be difficult and limit flexibility.

  4. Less Immediate Supervision: Therapists working in community settings may have less frequent direct supervision from the RBA, which could impact the consistency and oversight of services.

Which is Best?

The choice between in-centre and community-based therapy depends on the needs of your child and family. If your child thrives in a structured environment and requires focused attention on specific goals, in-centre therapy may be a better fit. On the other hand, if your child needs to apply skills in real-life settings and you want more integration with daily routines, community-based therapy might be more suitable.

Many families find that a combination of both approaches—starting in-centre and then transitioning to community-based therapy—works best for long-term success.

Questions before getting started? Get in touch.