IN-HOME AND CENTER-BASED ABA THERAPY
NORTHWEST INDIANA & MICHIANA AREA-BASED ABA THERAPY
Life Strategies, with three office locations in Chesterton, Schererville, and South Bend, Indiana, specializes in ABA therapy for children and adolescents living with Autism. Experienced therapists provide behavioral therapy to improve conduct concerns, and help to improve relational and social skills. In-home and center-based ABA programs are supervised by a team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs).
ABA THERAPY INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR AUTISM
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has been researched for decades using sound scientific methodology. Because of the peer-reviewed scientific rigor of the research, ABA therapy is covered by insurance in many cases. If insurance does not cover a specific autism treatment, it may be because the research for that treatment is lacking in evidence that it is effective. Please let us know if you have questions related to evidence-based autism treatment.
ABA RESEARCH FOR AUTISM
ABA, for decades, has been shown to be a proven, evidence-based program. Organizations such as the National Autism Center continue to state that ABA is an “evidence-based intervention.” Others such as the U.S. Surgeon General, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the New York State Health Department, and Autism Speaks continue to support the efficacy of ABA therapy.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Life Strategies’ specializes in ABA Therapy for children and adolescents living with Autism, including high-functioning autism (HFA), sometimes referred to as Asperger’s, a more “mild” presentation of autism.
We provide quality and personalized ABA to children across the autism spectrum in our Blooming Potential Autism & Learning Centers, in-home, in-schools, and in the community. Each child or adolescent is unique in the type of ABA programming most beneficial for them.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to understanding behavior and how behavior is affected by the environment. The science of behavior analysis focuses on principles about how behavior works or how learning takes place. Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) are trained in the science and application of Behavior Analysis.
The use of ABA principles has expanded rapidly in recent years. Today ABA is widely recognized as an essential, safe, and effective treatment. ABA has been endorsed by the U.S. Surgeon General and is considered to be the best-researched treatment by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Programs are engaging and fun for children!
See below for more information as to why ABA is so highly recommended.
ABA at Life Strategies’ occurs in-home, in-center, and in-community settings, as needed, to provide better outcomes. ABA can primarily occur in-home or in one of our centers, or a combination of both. Life Strategies’ Blooming Potential Autism & Learning Centers are located in Chesterton, Schererville, and South Bend, Indiana.
ABA is most successful when incorporated across multiple environments and people. Life Strategies provides ABA Therapy both in your home and/or in one of our Blooming Potential Autism & Learning Centers. This combination of locations helps your child to generalize and practice skills in multiple environments. In addition, children will have the opportunity to learn new skills at home prior to practicing them in other settings. In-home ABA also assists parents to become very comfortable and familiar with the ABA therapy team.
Our ABA Centers provide learning opportunities with peers, while still receiving individualized, 1:1 therapy. Our Centers also offer opportunities for your child to practice in group teaching formats and will provide opportunities to learn to follow instructions and to participate in group lessons and activities. This combination assists with mastery of skills and can help your child in the school classroom as well.
Home and center-based ABA programs can supplement school programs or can act as a stand-alone program to meet individualized communication, learning, and social goals.
When appropriate, ABA services can assist your child in other community settings such as daycare, school, and in recreational activities, such as camps and clubs. We can also assist with routine interactions within your community, such as going grocery shopping with a parent or engaging with peers at the park.
Life Strategies’ offers several Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Program options for children with autism:
- Full-Time ABA Program (2.5 – late teen years)
- Part-Time ABA Program (available as recommended)
Life Strategies’ ABA autism therapy can occur in-home and/or in our Blooming Potential Autism and Learning Centers. ABA therapy is most effective when delivered 25-35 hours per week. Therefore, children can receive therapy throughout the week both in-home, in-center, and in schools as appropriate and recommended. Life Strategies’ ABA Program is designed to help families and children receive the number of ABA hours that maximize the therapy benefits, therefore, therapy is offered in more than one setting. Generally, children receive the best results with frequent, dense, and consistent ABA therapy that occurs across multiple environments. The best ABA programs offer therapy in a variety of settings.
Life Strategies’ ABA programs work on teaching new skills, reducing problematic behaviors, and focusing on increasing language and social skills. Applied Verbal Behavior (AVB) incorporates a behavioral approach to teach and reinforce communication (such as speech or sign language) and other necessary skills. Programs increase socialization and teach prerequisite learning skills such as attention to task, waiting, responding to requests, sitting at a desk, etc. In addition, ABA programs can promote and enhance a variety of life skills.
Our in-home and center-based ABA programs are tailored to fit your child’s specific needs. The number of hours a child receives ABA depends on individual goals. However, most children receive between 25-35 hours of direct therapy per week and 4-10 hours of supervision hours per month.
Research from the National Research Council suggests that at least 25 hours per week is critical for long-term success.
Programs are individualized based on your child’s skill level. Initial assessments provide baseline information on your child’s current skill level. Common assessment tools include the ABLLS-R, the AFLS, the VB-MAPP, direct observation, previous educational assessments, and input from parents. This information is gathered to create an individualized set of goals and procedures. Program data is recorded electronically on tablets and laptops so that goal adjustments can be made quickly and thoroughly.
ABA Paraprofessionals (Paras) and Registered Behavioral Technicians (RBTs) are trained to implement the direct therapy goals. Each Para receives intensive training in Applied Behavior Analysis and in utilizing the therapy specifically with your child.
Life Strategies’ employs a team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) who oversee this comprehensive therapy. To be effective, ABA must be delivered by individuals with extensive training. It is essential that the program is supervised by a professional who has advanced training and experience in ABA principles and methods. Insurance companies often only approve programs that are supervised by a BCBA.
ABA programs are available for children ages 24 months and up who are diagnosed with autism. Intensive, well designed, and timely intervention can help your child to thrive.
A trained ABA Paraprofessional or RBT can provide therapy in your home and in our Blooming Potential Autism & Learning Centers. The ABA Para provides direct, “one-on-one” therapy with your child. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) provides a thorough skills assessment at the beginning of the program. Therapy is continually monitored and assessed by BCBAs.
Therapy time is comprised of instruction sessions and activities that are designed to take place in a natural environment. The day is filled with interactive learning, reinforcement, and other positive learning activities. Instruction occurs both during playtime and at a learning table for more traditional learning opportunities. The specific needs of your child, based on collected data and assessments, will be documented throughout the day. Progress toward each goal is monitored daily via an online data collection and graphing program.
We value parent and family involvement in every aspect of the program. Research shows that children in ABA programs make more robust gains when caregivers/parents receive specific teaching and training in ABA strategies; therefore, parent training is a required component of our ABA Programs.
Therapists at Life Strategies also understand the unique stressors that can be associated with living with autism and therefore provide therapy recommendations in a supportive manner and work closely with family members as recommendations are implemented. Each component of parent education is designed to enhance the parent’s knowledge of how to structure an effective learning environment at home to support the skills your child is attaining in therapy.
Many major health insurance companies provide coverage for ABA programs in Indiana when supervised by a BCBA. We also accept Medicaid for ABA therapy. Please contact us for more information, and we will help you assess your insurance coverage benefits.
Please contact us and we will arrange an initial appointment and answer any questions that you may have about our in-home and center-based ABA programs. We will also assist you in determining if your health insurance or Medicaid covers ABA Therapy.
Autism Speaks states that ABA is widely recognized as a safe and effective treatment for autism. It has been endorsed by a number of state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Surgeon General and the New York State Department of Health. There has been a dramatic increase in the use of ABA to help persons with autism live happy and productive lives. In particular, ABA principles and techniques can foster basic skills such as looking, listening and imitating, as well as complex skills such as reading, conversing and understanding another person’s perspective.
More information about behavior analysis and ABA is available at the websites of the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts, the Association for Behavior Analysis International and the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
ABA’s effectiveness has been widely studied. From National Institute of Mental Health, a section of the National Institute of Health, states, “Among the many methods available for treatment and education of people with autism, applied behavior analysis (ABA) has become widely accepted as an effective treatment.”
From the U.S. Surgeon General:
Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General states, “Thirty years of research demonstrated the efficacy of applied behavioral methods in reducing inappropriate behavior and in increasing communication, learning, and appropriate social behavior.”
From the American Academy of Pediatrics:
“The effectiveness of ABA-based intervention in ASD has been well documented through 5 decades of research by using single-subject methodology”… “Children who receive early intensive behavioral treatment have been shown to make substantial, sustained gains in IQ, language, academic performance, and adaptive behavior as well as some measures of social behavior, and their outcomes have been significantly better than those of children in control groups.”
In addition to using sound principles, the National Research Council, Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education says in their report “Educating Children with Autism” that “entry into intervention programs as soon as an autism spectrum diagnosis is seriously considered” is important.
WHEN TO SCREEN FOR AUTISM
Don’t wait to get help if you are worried that your child may be missing milestones. Obtaining an early diagnosis is important. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that “developmental surveillance should be a component of every preventive care visit.” In addition, they state, “Standardized developmental screening tools should be used when such surveillance identifies concerns about a child’s development & for children who appear to be at low risk of a developmental disorder at the 9-, 18-, and 30-month visits.”
Life Strategies provides Early Intervention Therapy services not only in our Blooming Potential Autism and Learning Centers but also in your child’s home so that young children can receive therapy in a comfortable and familiar environment. This also allows parents and family members to be involved and present during therapy and can observe and participate as needed.
ABA Therapy for young children with autism is important for overall life success. Our therapists can begin providing therapy services to children as young as two years old.
If you would like your child screened or have questions about your child’s developmental, emotional, social, and communicative development, please contact us to schedule an appointment.
EARLY SIGNS OF AUTISM
Helpful links about the early signs of autism:
Life Strategies’ ABA autism therapy can occur in-home or in our Blooming Potential Autism and Learning Centers. ABA therapy is most effective when delivered 25-35 hours per week. Therefore, children can receive therapy throughout the week both in-home, in-center, and in schools as appropriate and recommended. Life Strategies’ ABA Program is designed to help families and children receive the number of ABA hours that maximize the therapy benefits, therefore, therapy is offered in more than one setting. Generally, children receive the best results with frequent, dense, and consistent ABA therapy that occurs across multiple environments. The best ABA programs offer therapy in a variety of settings.
Please contact us for more information regarding ABA Programs offered.
WHY EARLY INTERVENTION?
It has been routinely shown that intensive, early, and specialized behavioral therapy, such as ABA, is effective for children with autism. Therapy provided early can be highly beneficial to children at young ages when the brain and cognitive systems are still formative. The earlier a child with autism receives therapy, the better his or her outcome will be.
Life Strategies provides ABA Therapy for young children with autism in Indiana. In-home and center-based ABA therapy can start with children at the age of twenty-four months. We offer flexible schedule options and locations. ABA can occur in-home or in one of our centers, or a combination of both. Life Strategies’ Blooming Potential Autism & Learning Centers are located in Chesterton, Schererville, and South Bend, Indiana.
For more information:
- CDC: Importance of Early Identification
- CDC: Early Intervention Services
- Autism Speaks: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Life Strategies offers two Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Program options for children with autism:
- Full-Time ABA Program (2.5 – late teen years)
- Part-Time ABA Program (available as recommended)
SIGNS OF AUTISM & EARLY INTERVENTION
Helpful links that discuss early signs of autism:
ABA Programming with Life Strategies is designed to assist children with autism, or other developmental challenges, from the ages of 2.5 years through young adulthood. ABA Therapy is designed to improve communication, develop independence skills, increase academic achievement, develop life skills, enhance social skills, and address any problematic or troubling behaviors. ABA Therapy at Life Strategies is provided in-home or in one of our Blooming Potential Autism and Learning Centers. ABA Therapy is usually provided in 4-6 hour sessions, 3-6 days per week, and is considered an intensive service in many cases. ABA is designed to be effective, collaborative, and fun!
Our ABA therapy team consists of caring and experienced therapists who are dedicated to helping children maximize their potential, starting with our Blooming Potential Early Intervention Program. Children receive one-on-one ABA therapy at home and/or in our learning centers.
BLOOMING POTENTIAL EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAM
Early Intervention for autism is important. Our Blooming Potential Autism & Learning Centers, located in Chesterton, Schererville, and South Bend Indiana, are designed for young children who have communication, learning, developmental, and social difficulties. Our mission is to help children with autism bloom by acquiring the skills necessary to live fulfilling lives with their families, friends, and communities. The center is ideal to build necessary prerequisite skills necessary for school success. In our centers, children are instructed in a welcoming classroom setting and participate in group instruction while also receiving one on one assistance. In-home services can also be added to help support learning goals. Contact us if you’re interested in our autism Early Intervention Program!
ABA programs are often used to supplement or replace traditional school-based programs. After a thorough skills assessment, an Individualized Learning Plan is developed by our therapy team. Families are involved in the learning process and receive support and guidance. Program goals emphasize meaningful skills that will enable learners to become independent and successful both now and in the future.
Research has shown that autism early intervention can improve a child’s overall development. Children who receive autism-appropriate education and support at key developmental stages are more likely to gain essential social and life skills. Life Strategies works closely alongside parents to help them assist their children throughout the developmental stages.
Early intervention is important. Contact us to arrange an ABA intake to see how ABA can help your child.
ABA AT LIFE STRATEGIES
Life Strategies offers two Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Program options for children with autism:
- Full-Time ABA Program (2.5 – late teen years)
- Part-Time ABA Program (available as recommended)
Our ABA autism therapy can occur in-home or in our Blooming Potential Autism and Learning Centers. ABA can occur in-home or in one of our centers, or a combination of both. Life Strategies’ Blooming Potential Autism & Learning Centers are located in Chesterton, Schererville, and South Bend, Indiana.
ABA therapy is most effective when delivered 25-35 hours per week. Therefore, children can receive therapy throughout the week both in-home, in-center, and in schools as appropriate and recommended. Life Strategies’ ABA Program is designed to help families and children receive the number of ABA hours that maximize the therapy benefits, therefore, therapy is offered in more than one setting. Generally, children receive the best results with frequent, dense, and consistent ABA therapy that occurs across multiple environments. The best ABA programs offer therapy in a variety of settings.
IEPS AT SCHOOL
Many children with autism, even high functioning children, can benefit from a well-written IEP; however, there is a lot of misinformation regarding Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). IEPs are a written, legal document that describes specific goals and accommodations that will help your child have a more successful school experience. An IEP should be detailed with you, the guardian, as the primary director, along with educators and independent counselors (if necessary), of what is included in the IEP. The IEP, in many cases, is the only document that defines what the school, teachers, and school administration should do to assist your child in school. The IEP process can be perplexing – even for schools. Your child may be entitled to many different accommodations.
For more information on the IEP process, please see the links below:
AUTISM THERAPY USING ABA
Life Strategies offers two Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy options for children and adolescents across the autism spectrum:
- Full-Time ABA Program (2.5 – late teen years)
- Part-Time ABA Program (available as recommended)
Our ABA autism therapy can occur in-home or in our Blooming Potential Autism and Learning Centers. ABA can occur in-home or in one of our centers, or a combination of both. Life Strategies’ Blooming Potential Autism & Learning Centers are located in Chesterton, Schererville, and South Bend, Indiana.
ABA therapy is most effective when delivered 25-35 hours per week. Therefore, children can receive therapy throughout the week both in-home, in-center, and in schools as appropriate and recommended. Life Strategies’ ABA Program is designed to help families and children receive the number of ABA hours that maximize the therapy benefits, therefore, therapy is offered in more than one setting. Generally, children receive the best results with frequent, dense, and consistent ABA therapy that occurs across multiple environments. The best ABA programs offer therapy in a variety of settings.
Please contact us for more information regarding the ABA Programs offered.
SOCIAL GROUPS
Periodically, Life Strategies offers social skills groups and after-school ABA programs.
Social Fun is a group that helps children navigate social situations with peers through fun, learning activities. During group time, experienced therapists assist children to communicate and practice social and friendship skills.
Please contact us if you would like more information on our Social Skills Groups.
ABA FOR TEENS
Did you know that your child can attend public school through the age of 21? In addition, starting by age 16, it is required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) that transition out of high school planning become a formal part of a student’s IEP. An Individualized Transition Plan (ITP) should be developed that outlines transition services that may include educational or vocational training, employment, living arrangements, and community participation. Autism services using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can assist your child with attaining these goals.
ABA FOR YOUNG ADULTS
When available, Life Strategies provides continued support for individuals with autism after high school. Services focus on living independently and job-related issues. Also, Life Strategies provides help to college students living with High Functioning Autism. Autism services can include meeting with students to address personal and academic goals. Topics include developing study skills, coordinating busy college requirements, teaching organizational skills, and counseling services to assist with social and academic pressures. Contact us for more information.
THERAPY FOR ADOLESCENTS WITH AUTISM THROUGH OUR MENTAL HEALTH THERAPY DIVISION
When spots are available, Life Strategies is here to provide specialized therapy services for individuals with autism and their families throughout their lifespan. There are several unique issues that adolescence brings to teens with autism. Life Strategies can assist with coping with puberty, dealing with teenage emotions, sexuality, appropriate relationships, dating, and friendships. In addition, Life Strategies counselors help teenagers prepare for life after high school.
