ABA Therapy: A Proven Approach for Autism Treatment
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is widely regarded as the gold standard for treating Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Since the 1970s, research has consistently demonstrated that early and intensive ABA therapy can significantly improve a range of developmental areas, including communication, social skills, compliance, language, self-help abilities, and peer relationships.
About Beyond The Spectrum ABA Therapy (BTS)
At Beyond The Spectrum ABA Therapy (BTS), we provide personalized and evidence-based services, including ABA Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Occupational Therapy, for children up to age 18. As a locally owned and operated business, we take pride in offering care driven by the personal experiences and insights of families affected by autism.
Our specialized programs are designed for children who are not developing at the same pace as their peers. We focus on teaching children how to learn, then gradually reduce individualized support as they gain skills and independence.
Our ultimate goal is to equip children with the essential life skills that will help them thrive as independent and fulfilled adults in mainstream society. For younger children, we work on foundational skills such as communication, daily routines, and following instructions. We also offer specialized programs for potty training and food-related challenges. For older children, we focus on fostering independence, improving social interactions, and reducing challenging behaviors such as aggression.
Assessment and Tailored Programs to Meet Individual Needs
When your child joins Beyond The Spectrum ABA Therapy (BTS), a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will begin with a comprehensive assessment of their current abilities and developmental needs. This evaluation serves as the foundation for creating a personalized ABA therapy program, specifically designed to address areas where your child requires the most support.
Every six months, we conduct follow-up assessments to ensure the program remains responsive to your child’s evolving needs. This ongoing evaluation ensures that the strategies and goals within the program continue to align with your child’s growth and progress.
By thoroughly understanding your child’s unique strengths, challenges, and learning preferences, a BCBA will craft an individualized treatment plan. This plan will integrate targeted behavioral strategies and specific skill-building objectives, offering your child a clear, structured path toward meaningful and lasting success.
Our Behavior Analysts supervise and monitor our highly experienced Behavior Technicians to ensure they implement these individualized programs effectively. Technicians collect data on skill development and behavior changes, while our Behavior Analysts regularly observe therapy sessions to confirm that treatment plans are being executed correctly and safely. Adjustments are made as necessary to optimize your child’s progress.
One-on-One Therapy and Community Integration
Our Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) work with children one-on-one to help them reach their goals. Each lesson is designed to be engaging and effective, with progress reinforced through a structured reward system.
We also incorporate community outings and engagements as part of our ABA programs. These trips provide children with real-world opportunities to practice their newly acquired skills and become “Community Ready.” While parents are encouraged to join these outings, it is not a requirement.
Parental Involvement and Training
We recognize that success in therapy is closely tied to active parent involvement. Our BCBAs meet regularly with parents to discuss progress and adjust treatment plans. Parents also have access to our secure online system, where they can monitor their child’s progress, communicate with the therapy team, and manage billing.
To support families further, we offer ongoing training sessions for parents, siblings, and caregivers. These sessions teach strategies to manage behaviors at home, establish routines, and improve communication between caregivers and children.
Our Centers and Services
Our centers are open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours and weekend sessions available for in-home services. We provide services year-round, with only 10 holiday closures annually.
Center-based ABA therapy is highly effective for children preparing for school. We focus on communication and socialization, and provide 1:1 therapy. Our low staff-to-child ratio ensures that each child receives individualized attention. Our therapy spaces are equipped with private rooms, mock classrooms, art areas, and playrooms, providing a variety of environments for children to learn and practice new skills.
Specialized Programs for Every Stage of Development
At Beyond The Spectrum ABA Therapy (BTS), we offer programs tailored to different developmental stages. Children are grouped according to their abilities to ensure that they are learning alongside peers with similar skills. Our programs include specialized inclusive teams:
Our Inclusive Teams At BTS
Children are Teamed into different “TEAMS” based on their developmental levels to ensure they receive the support they need. These Teams are structured to address each child’s unique challenges and abilities.
The Bloomers
This Team is designed for children who require substantial support. These children score at Level 1 on the VB-MAPP (Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program), which corresponds to skills ranging from 0-18 months. Children in this Team typically show severe deficits in verbal and nonverbal communication and may have limited social interaction skills. Therapy goals in this Team focus on reducing problematic behaviors and building basic communication skills. Children in this Team often receive one-on-one therapy in a private therapy room with minimal distractions.
The Explorers
This Team is for children who require moderate support, scoring at Level 2 on the VB-MAPP (18-30 month skills). These children may show deficits in verbal and nonverbal communication and have difficulty with social interactions. Treatment goals in this Team focus on enhancing verbal communication skills and improving social interactions. Children in this Team may work in a shared therapy room to help them adjust to distractions and interact with peers.
The Catalysts (TCs)
For children requiring limited support, scoring at Level 3 on the VB-MAPP (30-48 month skills), this Team focuses on improving problem-solving skills, social interactions, independence, and generalization of learned behaviors. Children in this Team typically receive therapy in settings that mimic school environments, such as Team therapy rooms with various distractions. Goals in this Team are more advanced, including improving social skills, communication, school readiness, and self-help skills.
The Mastery Team (TMT)
This Team is designed for children who have mastered the VB-MAPP and may already attend mainstream school settings. However, they may need additional support in areas like social interactions, communication, and independence. Therapy in this Team takes place in the home or in public spaces, where the focus is on building advanced social skills, independence, and community integration. Goals in this Team include refining social skills and promoting self-sufficiency.
In-Home Therapy and School Shadowing /Support
In addition to in-center therapy, we offer in-home ABA therapy for older children learning self-care and independence skills. Our trained therapists travel to your home for after-school sessions, reinforcing the skills learned in therapy.
We also offer school shadowing services, where our technicians work discreetly in the classroom to support students with autism. This program helps children participate in the least restrictive environment while still receiving the individualized attention they need to succeed.
Interim Alternative Placement
For children who struggle in traditional classroom settings, Beyond The Spectrum ABA Therapy (BTS) offers Interim Alternative Placement in partnership with school districts. We develop tailored programs to help children with disabilities make progress in an appropriate environment.
To learn more about our services, click here