Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) serves children with Autism and other diagnoses using scientifically proven learning principles like positive reinforcement to bring about positive change in maladaptive behaviors. This method redirects conduct that is harmful or interferes with learning and increases the occurrence of useful behaviors that contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
ABA targets social skills like academics, communication and adaptive functioning (toileting, dressing, eating, vocational work, etc.). Parents, caregivers, and paraprofessionals involved with the client are trained in the basic principles of ABA for the sake of consistent treatment and generalization outside of direct behavioral therapy. Family Insight’s highly trained professionals provide ABA services under the direct supervision of a Board Certified (assistant) Behavior Analyst (BCBA/BCaBA).
Family Insight’s in-home (ABA) and clinic services are available through Early Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT). This service is available to individuals under the age of 21 residing in their family home who receive Medicaid or have a Medicaid Waiver. Individuals seeking behavioral treatment through EPSDT will need a confirmation of a current psychiatric diagnosis as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) or have a provisional psychiatric diagnosis as developed by an LMHP when no definitive diagnosis has been made.
Eligibility Criteria
The following requirements must be met in order to receive Applied Behavior Analysis Services (ABA):
- Each individual who requests services must have confirmation of a current psychiatric diagnosis as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) or have a provisional psychiatric diagnosis as developed by an LMHP when no definitive diagnosis has been made;
- An individual’s disorder and level of impairment requires treatment that cannot be provided by another DMAS program or a lower level of care/service and requires behavioral interventions and the expertise of a Licensed Mental Health Provider or a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst;
- ABA Therapy is expected to increase appropriate social – communicative interactions and pivotal responses within a social framework and increase adaptive functioning;
- Family and caregivers lack the skills needed to effectively manage the individual’s behaviors in the home environment. Training is necessary to educate the family and caregivers concerning the individual’s disorder and to teach effective behavioral management techniques. At least one family member or caregiver must be able to participate in services to learn behavioral techniques to manage behaviors in the home and to reinforce skill acquisition and progress; and
- ABA Therapy is expected to produce beneficial changes in pivotal responses that result in more widespread behavioral change across a number of other non-targeted behaviors.
