Parents with children diagnosed with autism and developmental challenges undoubtedly know their children better than anyone. However, when seeking ABA therapy, it is essential to complete a thorough assessment of a child’s needs and capabilities. Early screening and diagnosis of a child may help detect autism and developmental challenges, but a continued course of therapy will require regular assessments along the way. Breakthrough ABA will perform behavioral and skills assessments and design a treatment plan accordingly to address any behavioral or developmental needs. A comprehensive assessment leads to positive outcomes and a life full of possibilities.
If you are the parent of a child with autism and/or developmental and behavioral challenges and would like to discuss the assessment process, reach out to Breakthrough ABA by calling 281.899.0146.
Why An Assessment Is Needed Before Starting ABA Services?
You would not take a long road trip without knowing where you were starting, where you were ending, and what you would need to pack for the journey. The same is true in the treatment of children with autism and developmental challenges through ABA therapy. However, each child is starting in a different place, and the items they require for the trip will not be the same. Still, the destination for each of them is similar: increased independence, engagement, and opportunity in life.
The assessment establishes the starting point. Each child will have a specific set of skills already in place for navigating the world. However, this starting set of skills will vary from child to child. Likewise, the developmental needs and behavioral challenges of each child will be different. A comprehensive assessment performed by trained, professional staff is the beginning of a journey that unlocks a child’s full potential. Through supportive networks made up of a child’s parents, teachers, medical providers, and other professionals, Breakthrough ABA designs a treatment plan that meets the child’s personal needs. Real progress can be made in a child’s life through effective ABA therapy, but it all begins with a comprehensive assessment.
What Assessments Does Breakthrough ABA Utilize?
Breakthrough ABA utilizes a range of assessment tools, depending on the child’s skill level and age. Through these assessments, Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) can assess the skill set of the child across various developmental domains and collect baseline data on various problematic behaviors. Our assessments include but are not limited to:
- The Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills – Revised (ABLLS-R®)
- The Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP)
- The Assessment of Functional Living Skills (AFLS)
- Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)
- Checklist of Adaptive Living Skills (CALS)
These tools allow BCBAs to assess a child’s language and communication, social skills, learning readiness, and classroom skills, as well as their ability to play and care for themselves.
BCBAs may also conduct a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA), which allows them to determine the underlying causes of the child’s challenging behavior. Through the information that they gather through interviews with family, parents, teachers, and by observing the child, they can develop strategies for preventing and reducing the behavior in the future.
Seek Support at Breakthrough ABA
At Breakthrough ABA, the team is committed to offering children the best treatment practices possible. Our clinical team treat children between the ages of eighteen months and ten years old, giving them the tools they need to navigate a complex world. In addition, the specialists can provide ways for the child to shine as they become the best version of themselves, using a variety of services, including:
- Center Based ABA Therapy
- Home Based ABA Therapy
- School Support
- ABA Parent Training
- ABA Social Skills Training
- ABA Telehealth Services
For more information about the services available or to enroll your child, please contact Breakthrough ABA today at 281.899.0146.