FAQs

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the application of behavioral principles to

• Systematically improve or teach new skills 
• Analyze behaviors to determine cause and function in order to identify and create a plan of action that will bring about the desired positive change in behavior
• Discover the antecedents and consequences of problem behaviors in order to shape and develop positive change

BCBA^® stands for Board Certified Behavior Analyst®. It is the trademark for the certification granted by the Board Analyst Certification Board® (BACB^®).

A BCBA® is a professional who studies and analyzes the behavior of children and adults  with developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and/or emotional or social issues—and creates action plans in order to improve or change problem behavior (regiscollege.edu, 2022).

BCBA^®s create programs that target specific skills by looking at each skill or strategy through the 7 dimensions of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) namely, applied, behavioral, analytic, effective, generality, technological, and conceptually systematic. The 7 dimensions act as the framework that guides the design and creation of ABA programs. This ensures that the programming is data-driven, supported by research, effective, and that the targeted skills are socially significant to the client. The execution of the Program is constantly monitored and assessed to ensure progress. Modifications to interventions and strategies are made based on the data derived from the monitoring and assessment of the client’s progress.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy/Training (ACT), developed by Dr. Steven Hayes in 1986, is a research-based intervention that teaches psychological flexibility through the six core processes: Acceptance, Cognitive Defusion, Being Present, Self-As-Context, Values, and Committed Action. ACT offers a set of tools that are consistent with the 7 dimensions of Applied Behavior Analysis and provides the individual with novel ways to approach behavioral rigidity. ACT takes a practical approach to behavior analytic practice that is sensitive to the ways that people typically speak about their thoughts and emotions (ACT BootCamp: What’s in it for Behavior Analysts?).

ACT applies mindfulness and acceptance, as well as commitment and behavior change processes to the creation of psychological flexibility (contextualscience.org, 2021). 

ACT is for any individual who would like to increase their skills to being present, open to new possibilities, and to strive for what matters to them most. Through the use of ACT, clients are introduced to new tools and techniques to help bring about positive changes in undesirable behavior brought about by negative thinking and emotions that prevent them from developing lasting personal relationships and achieving practical goals.

If your child has challenges with behavioral rigidity or if they find themselves constantly getting stuck in thoughts or emotions that make them unable to move on to things that matter to them, ACT will teach them skills to detach from those thoughts, emotions, urges, and sensations; discover their true values; and commit to those actions that move them closer to people, activities, and things that should matter to them.

Absolutely. As humans, we experience a variety of painful thoughts, emotions, urges, and sensations. It is the way our minds have been hardwired to keep us safe. Parenting is a very challenging endeavor – we constantly question our own motives, second guess our decisions, and at times hesitate to lay down the law in our households. ACT will help train your mind to stay open and accept these painful doubts and stay in the present moment; it will help you identify your true values and make a commitment to doing what matters most. Life does not allow us to be positive all the time but ACT will pave the way for you to create a meaningful life for yourself. Consequently, you will be more available and present to the people who matter to you most.

FACT is the acronym for Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. It was developed by Dr. Kirk Strohsal. FACT is a brief approach that helps the individual FOCUS on unworkable results of avoidance, ACCEPT the presence of distressing, unwanted private experiences, CHOOSE a life path based on personal values, and TAKE actions that propel the individual down that path (Strohsal, March 2013). There are studies that show clients demonstrating clinically significant changes across very few treatment sessions (Bryan et al., 2009; Bryan et al., 2010; Cigrang et al., 2006). Flexible Thinkers’ team members are trained in FACT.

The Practical Functional Assessment is a process for determining why a learner engages in problem behavior. With the use of interviews and direct testing, it ensures that the learner can return to a happy, relaxed, and engaged demeanor in a safe and supportive environment before Skill Based Treatment begins. PFA is the first step we take in addressing severe problem behavior. This PFA was developed and researched by Dr. Gregory Hanley. 

Skill Based Treatment is a way of teaching specific skills that have been determined as relevant to the learner through the practical functional assessment process. The skills are taught from a compassionate and trauma-informed approach that allows the learner to guide the progression of learning in a safe and fun learning environment. SBT allows for teaching and learning in the absence of severe and dangerous problem behavior. Skills addressed through this treatment plan include: functional communication, tolerance, and cooperation. SBT was developed and researched by Dr. Gregory Hanley. 

SBT may be a great fit for your child if they are engaging in severe aggression, self-injurious behaviors, elopement, severe property destruction, prolonged tantrums, or other severe problem behavior that impacts your child or family’s ability to function at home and in the community. 

The Balance Program, developed by Dr. Gregory Hanley and Dr. Kelsey Ruppel, is a proactive, skills-based approach to shaping emerging problem behaviors such as, refusal, minor destructive behavior, minor aggression, and other problem behaviors in the home. In this program, the BCBA coaches parents to implement lessons in their home. The goal of this program is to strengthen trust in the parent/child relationship, teach the child how to deal with the inevitable daily disappointments of life, and develop the life skills of communication, toleration, and cooperation. 

Balance may be a great fit for your family if you are currently on a waiting list for direct ABA services or looking to find more harmony and balance in the everyday functioning of your relationships and routines at home. 

Although we are not currently accepting insurance, and all services are self-pay, we may accept insurance in the future.