About Us

Momentum Behavior Analysis, LLC specializes in treating children and adults, ages 18 months to 25 years old, with Autism, developmental delays, and behavioral challenges. We provide clinic-based therapy using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a highly effective, research based therapy. Our services include increasing verbal behaviors, social skills, and independent living skills, while decreasing problem behaviors.

WHAT WE DO 

Applied Behavioral Analysis is the application of techniques, based on scientific principles, which improve socially significant behaviors and decrease problematic behaviors (Cooper, Heron, Heward, 2007). ABA Therapy is designed to apply what has been learned from behavior analysis to focus on what behaviors are significant to both the patient, their families and caregivers. Quite simply, it is a method of precise and deliberate teaching that is intended to give practical solutions to behavior problems.

Benefits of ABA Therapy 

Individuals with autism, developmental delays or disabilities in general, deserve ABA therapy because:

• ABA has been scientifically proven to be more effective than any other intervention in the treatment of Autism and developmental disabilities.
• ABA provides parents with the necessary skills to alleviate the added pressures associated with Autism by learning how to respond appropriately to maladaptive behaviors when they arise.
• ABA is the best defense against low expectations derived from one’s self or society.
• ABA teaches the social skills necessary to form friendships.
• ABA enables individuals to capitalize on their existing strengths and exceed their own expectations.

ABA is considered by many researchers and clinicians to be the most effective, evidence-based, therapeutic approach for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and developmental disabilities. There have been numerous studies that prove ABA techniques can help individuals with Autism and developmental delays to learn the following skills: communication, relationship development, socialization, self-help, academics, succeeding at work, and participating fully and productively within family and community activities.

WHY WE DO IT

At Momentum Behavior Analysis, LLC, we consider each of the principles of ABA as we create an individualized treatment plan for our patients. Our treatment plans target problem behaviors for reduction while building functional and useful replacement skills. 

Principles of ABA Therapy

There are seven principles at the core of ABA therapy:

APPLIED
“ABA is committed to affecting improvements in behaviors that enhance and improve people’s lives (Cooper, Heron, Heward, 2007)”. ABA therapy is intended to give practical solutions to behavior problems. Baer et al. states that the “primary question in the evaluation of applied research is: how immediately important is this behavior or these stimuli to this subject?”

BEHAVIORAL
ABA Therapy must demonstrate an observable change in behavior. Baer et al. phrases it this way: “The relevant question is not what he can say, but what he can do.” To know if there is a change in behavior, this must be measured objectively. Initial baseline data collected must be compared to recorded data from trials, and then analyzed for behavioral change.

ANALYTIC
ABA focuses on identifying and targeting problem behaviors and then changing or replacing those behaviors. The BCBA can demonstrate control, or influence, over a targeted behavior, allowing them to then implement appropriate replacement behaviors. 

TECHNOLOGICAL
Procedures used in an ABA program must be specific, detailed, descriptive, and clear. Essentially, another behavior analyst without prior knowledge of the patient should be able to read the program description and duplicate the results.

CONCEPTUALLY SYSTEMATIC
ABA Therapy must be characterized in terms of the relevant principles from which they were developed (Cooper, Heron, Heward, 2007).

EFFECTIVE
The application of a behavioral program should produce significant and practical changes needed to be successful. Baer et al. says that the answer to this question is given by the individual(s) most likely to deal with the behavior (e.g. parents).

GENERALITY
Finally, generality addresses the durability of behavior change. The behavior change resulting from an ABA program should endure over time, across multiple settings, or expand to other similar behaviors that were not targeted by the ABA program. Generality does not automatically happen with behavioral change, so an ABA program is not considered to be successful until generality is achieved.

These principles of ABA therapy, as outlined by Baer, Wolf, and Risley, form the core requirements of ABA therapy.

HOW WE DO IT

ABA Therapy at Momentum Behavior Analysis, LLC

Momentum Behavior Analysis, LLC provides Applied Behavior Analysis treatment and consultation to children and adults, ages 18 months to 25 years old, with developmental disabilities and learning/ behavior challenges. The program ensures that each person has an individualized, cohesive plan of care. Our treatment focuses on teaching the skills needed to improve behavior. Programs may target communication, adaptive, social, or academic skills. Each person’s program is based on an individual assessment in which data is collected and analyzed. The program is evaluated throughout the treatment process to ensure progress is being made. As integral parts of the treatment process, parents, teachers and caregivers are provided with training and support. 

Intake Process

Our intake process is designed to be a comprehensive evaluation of the patient as well as an introduction to ABA therapy. Parents will receive one-on-one time with one of our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA), and/or Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT), who will provide the appropriate resources to help guide them through the ABA process.

Functional Behavior Assessment (6-25 hours)

A key component of the Functional Behavior Assessment is the parent/ caregiver interview. They are interviewed by one of our BCBAs to discuss their child’s development, behavior struggles, school, and home life. During the Functional Behavior Assessment caregivers will have the opportunity to express specific concerns and goals for ABA therapy. Parents/ caregivers should be prepared with any documentation they would like to share with the BCBA, including copies of IEP’s, diagnostic reports, medical records, medication list, dietary restrictions, and any other information important to the care of your loved one.

After the interview is complete, your child will be assessed using tools such as the ABLLS, PEAK, VB-MAPP and/ or functional analysis. The BCBA will observe and interact with your child to assess their current skill level as well as identify variables maintaining problem behavior. This information is used in conjunction with the information gathered from the parent/ caregiver interview to determine why problem behaviors occur and to develop a treatment plan for the individual.

Treatment Plan and Program Development (6 hours)

After the parent/ caregiver interview and Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) procedures are complete, the BCBA will review and analyze the information gathered and create a treatment plan (sometimes called a behavior plan) for your loved one. The FBA report outlines a summary of the individual’s status, their current level of function, frequency of visits recommended, and most importantly, treatment goals. These treatment goals are the main goals your loved one will be working towards. Once the goals are set, the BCBA will develop a treatment plan, breaking down the objectives into individualized steps towards their goals. These programs are the map the BCBA/RBT will use while working with them. Treatment plans are typically updated every 6 months.

Treatment Plan Review & Meeting your RBT (1-2 hours)

Once the treatment plan is complete, the BCBA will setup a meeting with you and your loved one to review and discuss the treatment plan/ programs and to meet your RBT(s)! You will receive detailed information about their therapy programs and training specific to his/ her needs.

ABA Treatment (varies)

Your BCBA/RBT will start implementing the program outlined in the treatment plan. Caregiver training will also begin at this time so that you can implement some of the strategies too!