Glenwood’s Mallie M. Ireland Children’s Center on the Avondale Campus provides full-time Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy services. ABA is an evidence-based therapy that focuses on the principles and techniques of learning theory to help improve social behavior. ABA therapy helps develop new skills, shape and refine previously learned skills, and decrease socially significant problem behaviors. Speech and occupational therapy are also integrated into the daily programs for the children.
ABA Early Intervention Programs
ABA Assessments—Identify Skills and Behaviors to Target
Applied behavior analysis relies on individualized assessment to guide tailored treatment specific to an individual and their needs. It is important to use tools that capture both sides (strengths as well as weaknesses).
For the child, a variety of skill assessments may be conducted to determine what should be targeted. These will include interviews with caregivers, observations of the child, and direct testing of skills. Functional behavior assessments will be conducted in similar ways to discover the reasons that your child may engage in problematic behavior.
Verbal Behavior Skills—Increasing Functional Language Skills
As your child develops, a lack of communication skills can lead to frustration and difficult situations for both parents and children. Alternatively, learning to communicate and express their wants and needs helps your child become more independent, increase their social skill development, and expand their vocabulary.
The Verbal Behavior approach is used to develop communication skills, including receptive and expressive language (requesting, labeling, vocal imitation, and conversational skills). Our trained therapists also work on gross and fine motor imitation, writing, and listening (following instructions) skills. These may be taught using methods of Discrete Trial Training (DTT) or naturalistic teaching strategies during play.
Problem Behavior Reduction Plan ABA—Identifying and Reducing Problematic Behaviors
Individuals with ASD often exhibit behaviors that are considered problematic both for themselves and for those around them. The staff at Glenwood are well-trained and equipped to address a wide variety of problematic behaviors. A functional behavior assessment is conducted upon admission, which helps determine the course of treatment needed to address and replace problem behaviors.
In many cases, the key to increasing positive behaviors is discovering the why behind challenging behaviors. Frequently, what we view as problematic behavior occurs because a need isn’t being met. So instead of seeing certain behaviors as defiant, problematic, or a challenge, we will search to discover the why behind your child’s behavior and what they’re trying to communicate.
Social Skills Training ABA—Improving Social Understanding and Communication
At Glenwood, your child will interact with other children and learn how to interact in a group setting.
Skills targeted by the program include group skills (e.g. attending to a group instructor, hand-raising, sitting with a group), social skills (e.g. initiating social interactions, greetings, and social play), and other skill deficits identified through behavioral assessment.
Toilet Training—Most Efficient and Evidence-based ABA Potty Training Program
Many children with autism spectrum disorder struggle with basic functional skills, including toileting.
Parents and therapists alike have had great success using ABA to toilet-train children. At Glenwood, we conduct intensive toilet training sessions designed to best fit the needs of each individual child. These methods use a combination of positive reinforcement for successful toileting trips and correction for accidents. As your child progresses, they will be able to enjoy the positive effects of being toilet trained, such as independent living, in the long run.
Functional Living Skills in Special Education—Teaching Necessary Life Skills
One of the most important aspects of behavior therapy is training our clients to be more functionally independent. We teach skills that your child will use throughout the rest of their life. These skills include dressing, oral hygiene, bathing, cleaning, and other necessary skills for independent living. We conduct behavior interviews with the parents to determine the skills of highest priority.
The earlier children with autism spectrum begin building skills like these, the better, as it also helps them learn coping skills. Family collaboration in these areas can also yield positive rewards for parents and the child. Reinforcing positive behaviors at home that they learn in treatment helps strengthen the mental and behavioral connections they’re learning.
Caregiver Training—Generalizing Skills to All Settings
Caregiver training is an essential component of effective ABA intervention. Lasting behavior change comes when all caregivers successfully implement a function-based ABA plan competently and consistently. That’s why Glenwood places an emphasis on caregiver involvement, training, and participation in regularly scheduled training sessions. As part of all evidence-based interventions, caregiver support is given throughout the entire process.
Kameron’s Story
Kameron arrived at Glenwood unable to speak or communicate. He would collapse to the floor in frustration. With the help of his Glenwood therapy team, his skills improved, and within a year he was able to make full sentences using pictures. Finally, he began using his own voice, a joyous gift for him and his family, allowing him to deepen his family relationships..
Eligibility and Cost
Glenwood’s Children’s Center is for children ages 2 to 6 with a primary diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Glenwood accepts many types of insurance as well as private pay. We will be happy to verify the coverage on your policy.
Next Steps
Before starting therapy, we will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your child’s skills and deficits. We then provide a written report, including formal recommendations. Our Board-Certified Behavior Analysts work with you to create an individualized treatment plan focusing on the areas listed in the written report. Your child’s individualized ABA therapy is then delivered for a prescribed number of hours per week in a one-on-one and group format by Registered Behavior Technicians. For more information and to get started with Children’s Center services please contact our Intake Coordinator.
Telephone: (205) 939-1088
E-mail: intake@glenwood.org
Location
Children’s Center Avondale
3721 6th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35222
For more information, please contact:
Telephone: (205) 939-1088
Email: intake@glenwood.org