How are the services delivered?
We provide a comprehensive service that includes a 4-step therapy process. It begins with an assessment to evaluate the learner and family’s individual needs. Second we begin one to one therapy with the learner. Next we provide family training to ensure that the family is equipped with the tools to carry out the treatment plan. Last, we focus on maintenance where we practice those skills learned in the community. All of our services are rooted in the principles of ABA therapy with the goal of helping the learner achieve maximum potential.
What does each service entail?
ASSESSMENT
Verbal Behavior Assessment-This assessment is designed for learners with language delays. It measures a learner’s conversation skills by measuring their ability to express their needs, label items within the environment, and possess other critical domains that affect one’s ability to communicate. This assessment will not only determine an individual’s current level of communication, but detects barriers that prevent language acquisition, progress throughout treatment, activities that promote communication skills, and guidelines for establishing appropriate IEP goals and individual program design. The results of this assessment will yield an individualized treatment plan used during 1:1 therapy. Allot 2 hours for the assessment, which includes a parent interview.
Functional Behavior Assessment-This assessment is designed for learners with challenging behaviors. Its procedures consist of a systematic attempt to identify sources of reinforcement for behavior. This assessment will identify: (a) situations in which challenging behavior is most likely to occur, and (b) strategies that might be effective as treatment. The results of this assessment will yield an individualized treatment plan used during 1:1 therapy. Allot 2 hours for the assessment, which includes a parent interview.
ONE TO ONE THERAPY
1:1 Therapy– The therapy is rooted in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the leading therapy for individuals with autism. Therapy consists of the execution of the individualized treatment plan. The treatment plan consists of goals and procedures to address the learner’s language delays and/or behavior concerns. It also contains ongoing data tracking methods to measure the learner’s performance.
TRAINING
Family Training– Family training personally empowers parents to manage behavior effectively. Parents are taught to carry out ABA strategies independently. Family training consists of:
- meeting with the behavior analyst
- implementation of the treatment plan
- video review
- evaluation of data collection
- instructions on ABA procedures
School Consultation-Ensure your child’s school team remains knowledgeable about ABA techniques in your child’s program. School consultation may include:
- classroom observation
- written recommendations
- participation at IEP meetings
- support writing Behavior Intervention Plans
MAINTENANCE
Community Based ABA Therapy-The goal of a comprehensive ABA based program is to create socially significant behaviors that create meaningful change in one’s life. Our process allows children the opportunity to practice newly acquired skills in real world settings to promote generality and maintenance.
How long will it take to see changes?
Changes in behavior range depending on the severity of the child’s needs as well as their history of reinforcement. It is recommended to have continuous therapy up to 1 year or longer to see significant behavior improvements. Parent involvement has been known to produce faster and longer lasting results.
How often would I need to do therapy?
The amount of therapy will depend on the severity of the child’s needs. After the assessment, the behavior analyst may suggest an appropriate amount of therapy per week. A typical ABA program would consist of 10 hours of one to one therapy a week for moderate or severe behaviors.
What does family training consist of?
A family trainer will assess the family’s understanding and implementation of the treatment plan. Parents are taught to carry out ABA strategies independently. Family training personally empowers parents to manage behavior effectively. Parent participation contributes to the intensive hours needed for behavior improvements. Parents are expected to attend each session for family training.
What types of behaviors are targeted?
A behavior analyst will focus on targeting behaviors of social significance. They believe in changing behaviors that will increase one’s way of life. These may include but are not limited to increasing communication, decreasing aggression, and decreasing stereotypical behaviors.
How long are the sessions and what can I expect during that time?
The sessions are given in 1-2 hour increments. During that time, the treatment plan will be carried out using structured teaching as well as opportunities for Natural Environment Teaching (NET). Structured teaching allows for implementation of a variety of instructional methods (e.g., visual support strategies, sensory integration strategies, discrete trial etc.). NET is essential for the learner to generalize learned skills in real world setting or situations.
What is my role as a parent?
Behavior change shows significant improvements when parents are involved in the treatment plan. This includes input regarding what goals should be addressed as well as the implementation of the treatment plan within the home and community. The collection of data in order to make informed decisions about treatment is what drives behavior therapy. Parents have the responsibility of collecting data and reporting results to the behavior analyst. A parent should be present during therapy sessions and have communication with the behavior technician after each session. If present during sessions, our behavior technicians will provide parent coaching where the technician will focus on facilitating interaction between the parent and the child. The behavior technician will assign specific skills to be worked on after sessions.
What is the behavior technician’s role?
The behavior technician will remain knowledgeable on best practices in the field of ABA. He or she will implement the treatment plan designed by the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and communicate with the parent after each session on their child’s progress as well as challenges. He or she will keep updated data and make decisions on the program based on the results of the data.
Who provides the service?
Jacob’s Promise employs a highly qualified staff of professionals whose passion is to service children with special needs. Staff includes Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs).
How do I get started?
If you feel behavior therapy will meet your child’s needs:
- Complete the Initial Intake Packet
- Send required documents needed for authorization.
- After authorization is received, we will contact you to schedule assessments.
- After the complete assessment, a schedule for therapy will be determined with the behavior analyst.
How long will the preauthorization process take?
Each insurance provider has a different turn around time. On average, it takes 3-5 business days. In some cases it has taken up to 2 weeks.
Where are you located and what areas do you serve
Our multi-therapeutic clinic is in Silver Spring, Maryland. We typically services families within a 20-mile radius, which includes Maryland and DC. We offer our telehealth family training for all locations through a secured website. The parent must request for telehealth family training sessions.
Should I have services in my home or in the clinic?
Both environments have advantages. The home is considered the natural environment. Since behaviors occur most frequently in the natural environment, it is beneficial to provide services where those behaviors are most occurring. This way, the behavior analyst is able to gather accurate information on what environmental factors are contributing to the behavior.
In the clinic, technicians have more control over the environment and do not have to compete with distractions in the home, which often interfere with the therapy process. The clinic also offers a myriad of additional services consisting of speech and language, multifamily workshops, and respite care. On site BCBAs are always present in the clinic providing additional support to therapy sessions.