Applied Behavior Analysis

Heartspring offers families the opportunity to work with a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) delivering specialized services to meet unique needs. The demand for this type of service has increased substantially over the last decade, yet the number of people qualified to provide these services has not . Delivering quality Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) programs requires competent behavior analysts working alongside families and school personnel to ensure effective programming. Understanding the components of ABA leads a person well beyond Discrete Trial Training, and in fact reveals programming that is much more comprehensive. This includes teaching of social, motor and verbal behaviors as well as reasoning skills. ABA uses careful behavioral observation and positive reinforcement or prompting to teach each step of a behavior. The goal is to determine what happens before the behavior occurs, what was the antecedent, what was the trigger, and determine what happens after the behavior that actually reinforces it. Understanding these triggers and the reinforcers that support the behavior allows for the removal of both the triggers and reinforcers so that new reinforcers can be used to teach the child a different behavior in response to the same trigger. ABA treatment can include any of several established teaching tools: discrete trial training, incidental teaching, pivotal response training, fluency building, positive behavior supports and verbal behavior.

Heartspring provides ABA services through the following programs:

TRICARE’s Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) Autism Services Demonstration Project – This program allows for reimbursement for ABA services to children of active duty military personnel.

State of Kansas Autism Waiver – This program provides services to families of children with autism receive for up to three years, working with an autism specialist to coordinate care, up to 25 hours a week of intensive individual support, family counseling, parent support and respite care.

State of Kansas Autism Rider – This program allows for reimbursement of ABA services, speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy to children of employees of the State of Kansas.

Additionally, families can obtain services through private insurance (if applicable) or through private payment.