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Applied Behavior Analysis

Our Programs for making change are founded in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ABA is a comprehensive approach to understanding and addressing behavior based on the principles of operant conditioning. This principle states that behavior is directly influenced by the events that proceed and following it. Thus, if you change the events you change the behavior. ABA is used to reduce problematic behaviors through replacement of those that are more appropriate. It is successfully used to teach new skills to individuals in all environments - home, school, and the workplace.

Contrary to popular belief, the term "behavior" does not just refer to those two year old tantrums. Behavior is anything one says or does. Thus, behavior analysts not only address behaviors which are problematic, but those skills which need to be taught, such as language, self-care, and social skills. The key to ABA is that the behaviors that are addressed are socially significant and the interventions produce measurable improvement in the person’s life.

In addition to being the treatment of choice for those individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, it has proven itself effective in addressing the needs of individuals with Attention Deficit Disorder, Non Verbal Learning Disorder, Communication Disorders, and Learning Disabilities, as well as a host of other behavior problems. At Butterfly Effects, we focus our attention on reducing behavioral excesses, such as tantrum behavior and hyperactivity, while addressing skill deficits, such as self-help/motor-skills, social skills, theory of mind, language, and play domains.

The beauty of ABA and the reason it is the foundation for our program is that it does not take a “one size fits all” approach to education and treatment. The science of ABA allows teachers to customize education to the learner. We are all unique in both the way we learn and what drives us to learn. ABA accounts for this and it enables us to create successful programs for any level learner allowing ongoing data collection to guide our teaching/interventions.

Butterfly Effects Program Developers use a Verbal Behavior based approach to teaching language. This is important they do not just address vocabulary, but rather teach clients the basic functions of language to effectively communicate. They also employ and are experts in a wide range of instructional methods such as: discrete trial teaching, naturalized environment training, pivotal response training, precision teaching/fluency based instruction, and direct instruction to name a few.

All Program Developers delivering ABA services are experts in the field of special education and/or developmental disabilities. Majority hold national certification by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board™ as Board Certified Associate Behavior Analysts™ and Board Certified Behavior Analysts™.

Applied Behavior Analysis Service Description

Each behavioral assessment takes place in the setting in which the concerns are occurring. The data collected allows our Program Developers to not only gain an understanding of the child’s current skill set, but determine the reason/function for the behavior concern as well as the environmental variables that are keeping it around.

What can I expect during my assessment appointment?

The assessment is completed in the home, school, or clinic environment were the concerns are occurring and is on average two hours in length. The evaluation is comprised of the following:

• A caregiver interview to gain background information and review of outside evaluations, therapy progress reports, school reports.
• An observation of the child in his or her natural environment. During this time, video clips and anecdotal data is collected to objectively analyze any behavioral excesses and/or skill deficits.
• Based on the reason for evaluation, skill deficits, such as self-help, motor, social, theory of mind, language, or play skills may be assessed.
• Where appropriate, interviews are conducted with outside providers involved in the care of your child to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

When will I receive the assessment results?

Within 48 hours of the appointment, the Program Developer will review the data collected and create an online account with your child’s Butterfly Effects program. The account will include a summary of the evaluation findings, service recommendations, and action plans that describe program implementation. You will receive a phone call from the Program Developer at this time to discuss findings.

What type of ongoing services may be recommended?

Your Program Developer will include service recommendations in your assessment findings. Please note that we understand the financial constraints that ongoing treatment can place on a family and we will work with you to develop the most cost effective program possible. A description of these services can be found below.

Program Implementer Services

Many clients require an intensive number of hours of therapy to make immediate and long lasting change. In this case, Implementer services may be recommended to assist families burden the cost of heavy hours without having a licensed/certified professional deliver the services. These services are utilized by our clients in the child’s home, school, and clinic environments to put into action the program developed for your child at assessment by the Program Developer. Our implementers come from a variety of backgrounds and have received extensive training in the Butterfly Effects system.

Our data demonstrates that frequent analysis by a Program Developer is necessary for a successful program. Thus, it is mandatory if these services are received that a review be conducted as seen fit by the Developer (typically every two weeks of service).

Program Developer Services

These services are utilized for intensive, hands-on parent training, school consults, and ongoing Program Reviews conducted of Program Implementer services either via distance or onsite. Onsite consults can be used as a current programming review of implementer services, for training of your child’s teachers, expert consultants at an IEP meeting, etc. Distance reviews provide a cost effective means of receiving feedback and program updates for those clients that receive ongoing implementer services. These reviews are conducted via video submitted by the program implementer and analysis of data collection input in your child’s account.

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School Inclusion Program

Butterfly Effects, LLC, the behavior change company, now offers unique school inclusion programs designed for children with special learning and social-emotional needs. These programs encompass the best of both worlds. They give the child the opportunity to learn new skills and address behavioral concerns in an intense small classroom setting while maintaining exposure to daily activities in the mainstream classroom for generalization of learned skills. The program is designed to give educators, care-givers, and parents the practical step-by-step resources they need to ensure each child reaches his or her fullest potential. Depending on the location, our experts employ a variety of teaching and treatment methodologies founded in the principals of Applied Behavioral Analysis, Occupational Therapy, and Speech and Language Pathology.

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