New Direction ABA

New Direction ABA provides intensive Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, problem behaviors or related disabilities.  New Direction ABA is dedicated to improving the lives of children with Autism and other related disabilities through the use of evidence-based interventions.  At New Direction ABA, interventions are tailored to your child's strengths and needs to promote language, social skills and independence.  The services delivered are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis.  Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the most effective method of autism intervention.  ABA is often referred to as the “science of learning”.  It is a research-based and scientifically proven methodology.  ABA is used to teach individuals essential language, social, adaptive and functional skills so that individuals can successfully participate in their home and community.  At its core, ABA gathers data and then analyzes the data to support systematic behavior modification programs.

Based on your child's specific needs, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will develop an individualized treatment plan.  A behavior technician will then work one-on-one with your child to implement the therapy and collect data on your child's progress.  The BCBA will continually assess the results of the treatment and update the goals as your child progresses.  We will also teach you, the family members, to use the same strategies so you can continue to support your child's development consistently with your time together.  The staff at New Direction ABA strives to make each session engaging and fun by incorporating what is motivating to the child into our treatment.  

PARENT TRAINING

Parent training is an integral part of your child's successful acquisition of skills. Evidence based research has found a direct correlation between family involvement to acquisition of skills.  Parent training consists of a 4-tiered approach: discussing, modeling, doing and providing feedback:

*Discussing: a conversation about what skill we are focusing on, how to implement the intervention, and why we would like to work on this particular skill.

*Modeling: the BCBA will demonstrate the intervention used with the child. This is done through modeling the intervention that is currently being implemented.

*Doing: the parent will demonstrate the intervention observed through modeling with the child or through role-play.

*Providing feedback: The BCBA and family members will discuss the intervention practiced, make comments, and provide corrective feedback.

This approach will continue until the family member feels comfortable providing the intervention and can implement it by themselves.

SOCIAL SKILLS GROUPS

Social skills groups provide your child with an opportunity to gain social interaction and generalize learned skills within a group setting and with new people.  Children are placed in a group based on age, ability, general interests and needs.  Our social skills staff facilitates social interactions and shared play experiences between learners.  The content of each group varies.  However, the ultimate goal is to provide learners with the skills they need to make friends and have meaningful relationships.

Your child will participate in a variety of activities that include modeling, role-playing and increasing play and leisure skills.

IEP REVIEW – SCHOOL PROGRAM REVIEW

Have concerns about the goals in your child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP)?  At New Direction ABA, we can provide you with a professional review of your child's IEP Goals as well as their current school program placement.  Our Clinical Director and Founder of New Direction ABA, Nicole Marks, M.Ed, BCBA, spent over 6 years as a Child Study Team member of a public school and knows first hand the unique needs that present themselves to children in public school settings.  Nicole and her team are dedicated helping children with Autism and related disabilities make meaningful connections with the world around them.  Please contact us today; we look forward to working alongside with you and your family. 

Sincerely,

Nicole Marks, M.Ed, BCBA – New Direction ABA
201-577-1443 / newdirectionaba.com