Frequently Asked Questions
A: It's usually best to use one room in your home as a designated space wherein ABA sessions will occur. We recommend this space be as distraction-free as possible. We recommend that screen time for your child not be available during ABA sessions unless you and your BCBA clinician agree on goals for your child involving the appropriate use of technology. We believe the pure brain-to-brain communication between your child and their ABA therapist- without the distraction of screens- is best.
A: Freedom Behavior Consulting specializes in Natural Environment Teaching (NET) and Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT). We prioritize the development of communication and social relatedness skills for your child. Yes, some people receiving ABA therapy services have had negative experiences, for whatever reason. Freedom Behavior Consulting’s approach emphasizes respect for your child and their innate potential. Your child will never be subjected to aversive teaching or training methods.
A: Freedom Behavior Consulting works with most commercial and Medicaid plans throughout our service areas. Contact us today and we will answer any questions you have about your insurance coverage or to find out if your plan is accepted in our network.
A: We are early intervention ABA providers dedicated to building a foundation for lifelong learning and success, for your child and your entire family.
- A play-based, individualized ABA program in your home designed on your child’s unique strengths and intervention needs
- Parent training and family support built into your child’s treatment to help you implement changes and grow
- A team of experts there to address your child’s learning needs with goals designed to effect your life for the better
Not all approaches to ABA are the same. We offer a unique method of ABA treatment, one that includes goals specific to the broader needs of you as a parent, addressed by a BCBA. Why? Because you are your child’s biggest supporter; not just today, but long after our treatment has ended. By supporting your needs and providing the right resources to you while your child is receiving their own targeted services, we are helping to give you the tools you need to be your child’s strongest advocate and ensure that you are cared for as a caregiver. Our ABA is centered around empowering both you and your child to reach your goals together!
A: Your child can start receiving ABA services from Freedom Behavior Consulting as soon as they have been diagnosed with autism by a qualified doctor. If you need a list of qualified doctors who have the necessary credentials and experience to diagnose autism, please contact us and we will share our list of doctors available in your area.
A: Every action we take, every word we say and every response we give is all about behavior. When someone is diagnosed with autism, it means that these behaviors may look different or might be harder to learn without individualized support. ABA therapy is all about teaching behaviors that aid an individual in successfully communicating with others, having their needs met and leading a rich and fulfilling life as they grow.
After an assessment of your child’s development through a range of skill areas, your BCBA works with you to create goals and a treatment plan based on your child’s own learning needs, then trains your team of RBT’s to teach those skills through 1:1 therapy sessions. We take the time to get to know your child through play, consistently rewarding their hard work and going at a pace that works for your child and your family. We also break those skills up into smaller objectives to make learning fun and ensure that your child is motivated and cared for in the process. ABA is all about creating a supportive and consistent learning environment, which is why we emphasize the importance of parent training and parent participation throughout the learning process.
A: Like most families, you have a busy schedule filled with lots of different activities and commitments. A typical ABA program will consist of 25-40 hours of weekly treatment, with these numbers based on a few different factors unique to your child. ABA therapy can be delivered for fewer than 25 hours per week, where indicated by your child's diagnosing physician.
ABA is a treatment that focuses on teaching a wide range of functional living skills. In any given session, your child may be working on a variety of different learning targets, spaced out throughout their day and designed to fit into their natural environment and schedule. Pairing this intensive learning with lots of time for breaks, play and rewards means that we are filling their day with learning opportunities. Building these skills takes time and while it can be an adjustment to fit so many hours of learning into your routine, the research is clear that the impact on giving your child so many hours of individualized support can yield truly life changing results. After your initial evaluation, your BCBA will recommend treatment hours based on the number of goals you want to address and how many hours of dedicated learning they feel is necessary in order to make those goals a reality. Your team and scheduling coordinator will work with you to find a treatment program that fits best into your goals, while your clinical team will assist you in determining how many goals and treatment hours are realistic.
A: Our job is to work with small children, and we approach every session with that in mind! You can expect to see a lot of play and a lot of time spent following your child’s lead to ensure they are having fun. They may not always realize they are building important skills in the process! Your RBT will stay close to your child and may run short trials of learning goals, mixed in with lots of praise and rewards. Because we are also working on social behaviors and communication skills, we are here to help your child work through challenges and gain new ways to cope with their emotions and express themselves. Each RBT will be trained on how to support any behavior we see, and that learning will be shared with you during your parent training sessions with your BCBA. We begin and end each session with fun and our goal is for your child to get excited about learning time, everyday!
A: Freedom Behavior Consulting respects your child's individuality and individual needs. One of the ways our therapists and BCBA clinicians do this is by recognizing, respecting and heeding your child's signals. We believe all behavior is communication. We respect and look out for your child's red, yellow and green lights. A red light means your child is not ready to proceed in therapy and just needs a break. A yellow light means your child needs to slow down. A green light means your child is broadcasting through their behaviors that it's ok to proceed without precautions. The biggest advantage our ABA therapists and BCBA clinicians have is their ability and willingness to recognize and heed your child's signals. Your child is always broadcasting their readiness levels to engage. It takes a well-trained and aware ABA therapist and BCBA clinician to recognize your child's signals. The greatest potential breakthroughs come when your child feels respected in this process. Freedom Behavior Consulting trains all ABA staff to look out for and respect these messages your child is sending.