Latest news with #AppliedBehaviorAnalysis
Time Business News
5 days ago
- Health
- Time Business News
The Benefits of Home-Based ABA Therapy for Lasting Growth
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a tested and proven treatment of choice for children who need to be able to communicate, socially interact, and complete daily living skills. Center-based treatment is the choice for most, but home-based ABA therapy is becoming increasingly popular with families—and rightly so. Home comfort, the individualization of treatment, and the simplicity of integrating learning into daily living make it an extremely effective model for long-term development. In this article, we'll explore the unique advantages of home-based ABA therapy , how it supports skill retention, and why it can be a game-changer for your child's development. Home ABA therapy has one of the biggest advantages in that the child is able to learn in a place where they feel most comfortable—home. Being comfortable makes them less stressed and allows them to practice skills that are being learned rather than learning to adjust to a new setting. Less stress, more learning – Children are less stressed at home, so they're better equipped to pay attention and learn. Children are less stressed at home, so they're better equipped to pay attention and learn. Consistent environment – If the same room where the child lives is used to provide therapy, practice is simple and soon usable. If the same room where the child lives is used to provide therapy, practice is simple and soon usable. Parental involvement – Parents can stay involved and learn alongside the child at the same time, so they can support in between sessions. An environment like this brings therapy closer to a daily routine and less of a visit to the clinic. Home ABA therapy offers extremely customized programs targeting precisely what your child requires. While center-based therapy may have to share equipment, home therapy is yours alone for the scheduled time. Customized strategies – The therapist can observe spontaneous behavior at home and adjust strategies in the moment. The therapist can observe spontaneous behavior at home and adjust strategies in the moment. Real-life application – Skills are practiced in the very environment they'll be implemented, such as table manners at the dinner table or bedtime at the child's own bedroom. Skills are practiced in the very environment they'll be implemented, such as table manners at the dinner table or bedtime at the child's own bedroom. Instant feedback – The therapist can see what does and doesn't work in the home environment and correct it immediately. In addition to accelerating growth, this type of customization enhances its impact on everyday life. Maybe the largest problem with any learning program is that skills are not simply acquired in therapy but actually utilized outside of the clinic. This is called generalization. With home-based ABA therapy: Several opportunities every day – Skills can be rehearsed naturally while eating, playing, or cleaning house. Skills can be rehearsed naturally while eating, playing, or cleaning house. Fewer barriers – Nothing needs to be 'translated' from what is learned in a center to the home environment—it's already being done there. Nothing needs to be 'translated' from what is learned in a center to the home environment—it's already being done there. Caregiver and sibling involvement – Everyone in the family can be trained to support the child, leading to consistency and backup. As learned in the context in which they will be applied, children are more likely to use them in the long term. Parents are those who play a pivotal role in the life of a child, and home ABA therapy fills the gap between therapists and families simultaneously. Open communication – Parents can observe progress immediately and problems get resolved in the moment. Parents can observe progress immediately and problems get resolved in the moment. Daily coaching – Parents can be taught by therapists how to work on challenging behaviors or assist learning between sessions. Parents can be taught by therapists how to work on challenging behaviors or assist learning between sessions. Empowerment – As the parent becomes more comfortable with using ABA techniques, they are a full participant in a child's growth. This close collaboration helps the child as well as building a more supportive, educated family unit. Round-trip twice-daily travel to a therapy clinic is exhausting for most families—especially given work schedules, other kids, and chores. Time convenience – With no commuting time, there can be more time spent with the child under treatment and the family finishing other activities. With no commuting time, there can be more time spent with the child under treatment and the family finishing other activities. Convenience scheduling – The sessions can be scheduled to best fit the family's time. The sessions can be scheduled to best fit the family's time. Less stress – No drop-offs and pick-ups for the parents. This ease, of itself, also results in more regular attendance, which is a requirement for ongoing improvement. The ability to work on problem behaviors in real life and in the moment is another unique advantage of home ABA therapy. Immediacy – If the child is having a hard time with sharing toys, transitioning, or following family rules, the issues can be resolved at the moment. If the child is having a hard time with sharing toys, transitioning, or following family rules, the issues can be resolved at the moment. Real-life solutions – Solutions can be applied in real life, and as such they are more effective. Solutions can be applied in real life, and as such they are more effective. Long-term success rates – Because problems are solved where they happened, kids will be more likely to use good behavior in the future. Real-time problem-solving is one of the greatest predictors of long-term development. Treatments done at home allow children to feel more secure trying new skills and that they might fail. This added confidence will encourage independence. Self-care skills – Children are able to dress themselves, brush their own teeth, or prepare snacks by themselves in their own kitchen. Children are able to dress themselves, brush their own teeth, or prepare snacks by themselves in their own kitchen. Family responsibilities – Even routine chores like toy cleanup or setting the table can be included in therapy time. Even routine chores like toy cleanup or setting the table can be included in therapy time. Decision-making – Home life allows children space to practice making decisions and solving problems. These small successes accumulate over time, creating foundations for growing independence. The ultimate aim of any ABA program is long-term improvement that extends after therapy. For this reason, home-based ABA therapy is especially appropriate as of : Skills are learned within a natural environment. Opportunity every day is provided to parents to reinforce learning. Development is monitored cautiously within real-life situations. This blending of therapy and daily routine enables children to apply and generalize skills more readily. If you are looking for home-based ABA therapy in Minnesota, we are here to provide personalized, in-home programs that help children develop communication, social, and daily living skills in the comfort of their own homes. Home-based ABA therapy isn't simply a matter of convenience—it's a powerful approach that leverages evidence-based techniques alongside the comfort and familiarity of home. By providing one-on-one attention, skill generalization, and maintaining parents as an integral part of the process, this model prepares children for long-term success and autonomy. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Business Wire
06-08-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Positive Development Raises $51.5M to Expand Nation's Leading Developmental Therapy Model for Autism
MCLEAN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Positive Development, the leading provider of developmental therapy for autistic children and their families, today announced the close of $51.5M in Series C funding. New Investor aMoon co-led the round with existing investors B Capital and Flare Capital Partners, and continued participation from Digitalis Ventures, Healthworx, the innovation and investment arm of CareFirst Inc. and others. "This funding allows us to continue expanding a model that's working for families, providers, and payers," says Positive Development Co-founder & CEO, Mike Suiters Share Positive Development is the only autism care provider delivering developmental therapy at scale, positioning the company as the clear leader in this fast-growing category. The autism care market faces a crisis. Costs are climbing as autism diagnoses increase, with traditional, intensive Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) interventions for autistic children costing $50,000 to $70,000 per child per year (before adding speech, occupational therapy and/or any other healthcare needs). At the same time, health plans are seeking innovative, value-based care options that better serve families. Positive Development's model is built on Developmental Relationship-Based Interventions (DRBI): a family of relationship-centered approaches grounded in developmental science and academic research. Positive Development's model integrates speech, occupational and mental health therapies with technology and real-time data to improve care quality and parent experience. Unlike traditional autism therapy, DRBI therapies are lower intensity by design, delivering measurable outcomes in fewer hours and at a lower cost. On average, the cost of Positive Development's care model is 50% less than a comparable ABA program. 'Positive Development's ability to improve outcomes and reduce the total cost of care is directly aligned with aMoon's mission to partner with exceptional companies who are advancing solutions that will transform healthcare and help people live healthier, better lives,' said Dr. Tomer Berkovitz, Managing Partner at aMoon. 'Their unique developmental therapy model brings accessibility and affordability to systems in desperate need of change, and their extensive partnerships with payers and Medicaid programs showcase their success. We look forward to partnering with the team to help the company expand and scale to serve more families.' 'This funding allows us to continue expanding a model that's working for families, providers and payers,' said Mike Suiters, Co-founder and CEO of Positive Development. 'As the nation's leading provider of developmental autism care, we're focused on making high-quality, relationship-based support more accessible and affordable. We're grateful to aMoon, B Capital, and all our investors for helping us move this important work forward.' Positive Development will use the funds to grow its DRBI-based care model by expanding within new and existing markets, investing in new health plan and state Medicaid partnerships, and advancing its proprietary technology and AI platform that improves upon the efficiency, experience and quality of care. 'Autistic children and families deserve affordable options that are tailored to their unique strengths and challenges, and our healthcare system needs options that don't break the bank,' said B Capital Partner, Adam Seabrook. 'Positive Development's relationship-based, developmental therapy approach and alternative payment model are the future of autism care, and we're excited to help the company continue to build out these important services to make care more accessible and affordable.' As part of the Series C round, Dr. Tomer Berkovitz of aMoon has joined Positive Development's Board of Directors. To learn more about Positive Development's DRBI model and national expansion, please visit or follow company updates on: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn About Positive Development Since 2020, Positive Development has been on a mission to deliver developmental therapy to as many autistic children and families as possible. Positive Development's team represents dedicated parents, devoted family members, impassioned self-advocates and pioneering clinicians. Together, they have experienced the transformative power of high-quality Developmental Relationship-Based Interventions (DRBI) therapy firsthand – personally, professionally and scientifically. As the largest provider of developmental therapy in the country, Positive Development is committed to broadening access to this life-changing approach while establishing best practices in clinical support. The company's dedication to outcomes measurement and evaluation benefits all families served. About Positive Development's Model Positive Development focuses on play-based developmental therapy based in Developmental Relationship-Based Interventions (DRBI). This family of approaches optimizes outcomes for autistic children by supporting interactions that recognize their innate motivations and constitutional differences, supported by trusting relationships and safe connections. DRBI is less invasive, more empowering and requires less time to see progress than other autism care models. Positive Development encourages and supports parents to participate in their child's care program. With coaching, parents strengthen meaningful interactions with their child through playful engagement that follows the child's intent while challenging them to extend their ideas and abilities. For more information about DRBI, visit
Int'l Business Times
28-07-2025
- Health
- Int'l Business Times
Attain, Inc. Joins Forces with Inperium, Inc., Strengthening Its Mission-Driven Growth & Community-Based Care in Florida
After nearly 40 years of supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Central Florida, Attain, Inc. is entering a new era. By joining forces with Inperium, Inc.'s network, Attain is not only preserving the work it's been doing, but also positioning itself to grow with its community for decades to come. Founded in 1988, Attain serves individuals, providing community-based group homes, a childhood development center program, and integrated adult training services. But even those familiar categories, says Dr. Craig A. Cook, Executive Director of Attain, are evolving. He further shares, "We've grown as the community's needs have grown. We serve individuals with more complex challenges, people whose support needs often exceed what their families can provide, despite their love and willingness. Our job is to step in when those families are in crisis and build a path forward." What Attain offers goes beyond what traditional group homes or day programs might imply. Its model centers on supported community living, underpinned by Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Residents receive personalized care, Behavior Analysis services, healthcare coordination, and social integration services, all within homes embedded in local neighborhoods. As Dr. Cook says, "What we provide is a real home in the community, with comprehensive care that fosters independence, social connection, and dignity among these individuals." Often, traditional healthcare providers' involvement begins at a moment of crisis. Referrals come from hospitals, first responders, or social service agencies when individuals need more support than existing systems can offer. That is why, rather than fragmented services, medical care in one place, housing in another, counseling elsewhere, Attain delivers integrated, person-centered care under one umbrella. "That integration is where stability begins for these individuals," Dr. Cook explains. "Yes, health and safety come first, but joy, normalcy, and community inclusion follow close behind. This is how we aim to maximize their potential and make them a valued member of their community." In 2024, faced with rising inflation, fluctuating regulations, and other mounting pressures, Attain began searching for solutions to sustain its mission without compromising its autonomy. According to Dr. Cook, many of the offers they received promised stability, but at the expense of identity. "We've spent 37 years building trusted community relationships. We couldn't accept a future that sacrificed our local governance or diluted our mission," Dr. Cook says. That's when Attain discovered Inperium, a national nonprofit human services network organization that supports mission-driven organizations with operational, administrative, and financial infrastructure without imposing uniformity. "As nonprofit leaders, we often bear the dual burden of visionary leadership and operational reality. The Inperium model offered relief from that tension," says Dr. Cook. Under the Inperium model, Attain retains its own board, branding, and decision-making power, while gaining access to strategic guidance from a growing national network. Dr. Cook affirms, "They brought us tools, expertise, and a peer network that has strengthened our ability to deliver on our mission." For Inperium, the affiliation with Attain marks a significant first: its entry into the state of Florida. Ryan Dewey Smith, Founding Executive Chairman and CEO of Inperium, confirms, "With Dr. Cook and Attain, we found the right partner that is mission-aligned, community-rooted, and is ready to scale further." He further notes that entering Florida gives Inperium a platform to introduce its unique model of collaboration to other organizations throughout the state, especially at a time when nonprofits are reevaluating their changing landscape. "You can't let your vision slip in pursuit of financial survival. And you can't ignore financial realities just to preserve a mission; both matter. That's what we aim to balance through our model," explains Smith. With Inperium's support, Attain is poised for strategic, sustainable growth, but that growth, Dr. Cook emphasizes, will always be guided by the needs of the community. "We've always been good listeners," he says. "Whether it's a hospital, a parent, or an agency telling us where the gaps are, we want to meet that need in a tangible, meaningful way. Now, with Inperium, we have a platform to do that more effectively and at a broader level." Attain's future plans include deeper collaboration with Florida's statewide provider associations, further integration of community-based care strategies, and continued investments in staff development and infrastructure, all while remaining deeply embedded in the Central Florida communities it serves.
Time Business News
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
Common Challenges in ABA Therapy—and How to Overcome Them
Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA therapy, is a powerful tool that helps individuals—especially children—with autism and other developmental differences to learn new skills, improve communication, and reduce challenging behaviors. But like any therapeutic approach, it comes with its own set of hurdles. In this blog, we'll walk through some of the most common challenges families and practitioners face with ABA therapy—and, more importantly, how to overcome them. Let's dive in! The Challenge: One of the biggest obstacles is keeping therapy consistent outside of clinical settings. What a child learns in a structured session needs to be reinforced in everyday life. Without that, progress can stall. How to Overcome: Build a strong team. Make sure parents, teachers, caregivers, and therapists are on the same page. Regular check-ins and shared goals help everyone stay aligned. Make sure parents, teachers, caregivers, and therapists are on the same page. Regular check-ins and shared goals help everyone stay aligned. Create routines. Keep simple, daily habits that reinforce key skills—like using a picture schedule for morning routines. Keep simple, daily habits that reinforce key skills—like using a picture schedule for morning routines. Use simple tools. Even basic visuals or quick reminder notes can make a big difference. The Challenge: Kids aren't always excited to do the same activity over and over. ABA therapy can sometimes feel repetitive, and that can drain motivation fast. How to Overcome: Follow the child's interests. If a child loves trains, build lessons around train-themed toys or stories. If a child loves trains, build lessons around train-themed toys or stories. Mix up rewards. Rotate between treats, praise, tokens, or extra playtime to keep things fresh. Rotate between treats, praise, tokens, or extra playtime to keep things fresh. Add fun! Turn learning into a game whenever possible—challenges, races, silly voices—whatever clicks. The Challenge: A child may master a skill in therapy but struggle to use it in the playground, the grocery store, or at grandma's house. How to Overcome: Practice in different places. Don't limit learning to the therapy room; take it to real-world settings. Don't limit learning to the therapy room; take it to real-world settings. Switch therapists sometimes. Working with more than one person helps the child learn to respond across different voices and styles. Working with more than one person helps the child learn to respond across different voices and styles. Use real materials. Instead of flashcards, use actual objects—like grabbing a real spoon instead of pointing at an item. The Challenge: ABA therapy is often highly structured, which can feel rigid. Kids need both consistency and room to explore. How to Overcome: Plan flexible blocks. Set aside periods for guided play where the child leads the activity. Set aside periods for guided play where the child leads the activity. Blend goals with fun. During free time, subtly weave in target behaviors. For example, while building a tower, encourage counting or naming colors. During free time, subtly weave in target behaviors. For example, while building a tower, encourage counting or naming colors. Be ready to adapt. If the child is having a tough day or shows no interest, switch things up. A break can work wonders. The Challenge: Parents and caregivers often juggle therapy appointments, daily life, work, and self-care. The result? Mama or Papa burnout. How to Overcome: Ask for support. Reach out to family, friends, or community groups to share the load. Reach out to family, friends, or community groups to share the load. Carve out 'me-time.' Even a 15-minute coffee break alone, a short walk, or a quick chat with a friend can help you recharge. Even a 15-minute coffee break alone, a short walk, or a quick chat with a friend can help you recharge. Join a support group. Talking with other parents facing similar situations provides practical tips—and reassurance you aren't alone. The Challenge: Some goals—like increasing spontaneous speech—aren't easily tracked. That can lead to frustration or feeling stuck. How to Overcome: Set measurable mini-goals. Instead of 'talk more,' aim for 'use 5 new words this week.' Instead of 'talk more,' aim for 'use 5 new words this week.' Make data collection easy. Use quick checklist apps or jot down notes on your phone. Use quick checklist apps or jot down notes on your phone. Celebrate small wins. High-fives, a sticker chart, or a family shout-out go a long way. The Challenge: Families come from different cultural backgrounds, speak different languages, or have different values—sometimes impacting how ABA is delivered. How to Overcome: Respect family values. Talk early about what's okay and what's not (e.g. types of rewards, mealtime routines). Talk early about what's okay and what's not (e.g. types of rewards, mealtime routines). Use the family's language. Encourage parents to lead or translate during sessions. Encourage parents to lead or translate during sessions. Stay flexible. Adapt therapy to align with cultural norms—for example, using songs or routines common in the home. The Challenge: Behaviors like hitting, tantrums, or running away are often the very reasons families seek ABA in the first place. How to Overcome: Find the 'why.' Understand what triggers the behavior—is it tiredness, hunger, sensory overload, or attention seeking? Understand what triggers the behavior—is it tiredness, hunger, sensory overload, or attention seeking? Teach an alternative. Instead of just stopping the behavior, teach a replacement, like asking for a break or showing a card. Instead of just stopping the behavior, teach a replacement, like asking for a break or showing a card. Be proactive. Notice early signals (e.g. pacing, bangs, whining) and give a break or distraction before escalation. ABA therapy offers a structured, research-backed approach to helping individuals reach their full potential. But like any journey, it's filled with both hurdles and triumphs. By staying consistent, creative, and compassionate—and by looking out for your well-being—you can overcome common challenges and support growth across all parts of your child's life. If you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed, remember that every bit of progress counts. And with each small step—whether it's a new word, a calm moment, or a smile—you're moving forward. So keep going, keep celebrating, and give yourself grace. You've got this. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time Business News
21-07-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
Helping Your Child Begin ABA Therapy: The Assessment Stage
Initiating ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) treatment is a milestone in your child's life. It is achieved by most families through what has become known as the first assessment. This is an important step that forms the basis for individualized therapy that may lead your child to acquire necessary life skills, enhance communication skills, and minimize problematic behaviors. Understanding what the assessment period is all about—and how to prepare for it—can alleviate anxiety and lead to an open door of a successful process. In this article, we're going to take you through what's involved in the assessment, why it is so important, and how you can help your child along the way. The first ABA evaluation is the collection of intensive information regarding your child's skills, behaviors, and developing needs. Performed by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or a similar expert, the objective is to create an individualized treatment plan according to your child's strengths and deficits. This is not a test your child must 'pass.' Instead, it's a chance to learn more about your child's level of functioning and how the therapy can be used to enhance his or her quality of life. The assessment phase is crucial to ABA therapy for a few reasons: Individualization: ABA is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The assessment serves to individualize therapy to suit your child's specific needs. ABA is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The assessment serves to individualize therapy to suit your child's specific needs. Goal Setting: Assessment data are used by therapists to establish clear, measurable, and achievable goals. Assessment data are used by therapists to establish clear, measurable, and achievable goals. Insurance Requirements: The majority of insurance providers require a formal evaluation prior to accepting ABA services. The majority of insurance providers require a formal evaluation prior to accepting ABA services. Progress Tracking: Having a baseline makes it simpler to monitor progress over time. Bottom line, evaluation ensures effective, focused, and results-based therapy that is applicable to your family and child. The assessment process typically entails several aspects in one or more sessions. Here is what you should expect: The assessment usually starts with a thorough interview of your caregivers and yourself. The BCBA will inquire about: Your child's development history Strengths and challenges Medical history Prior therapies or assessments Family routines and daily challenges This is your time to offer your input. There isn't any detail that is too minute—your input is what enables the therapist to understand your child in his or her own environment. Observations of your child in natural environments, such as your home, a clinic, or school, will be performed by the BCBA. They will observe: How your child plays or interacts with others How they comply with instructions Communication skills (verbal and non-verbal) Behavior patterns (e.g., self-stimulated behavior, aggression, elopement) These results are beneficial in both strength and need areas. Depending on your child's age and needs, the BCBA can utilize formal measures such as: ABLLS-R (Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills-Revised) VB-MAPP (Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program) AFLS (Assessment of Functional Living Skills) These instruments offer structured methods of evaluating communication, learning, self-help, and social skills. If problem behavior is a problem (i.e., it occurs too frequently or is too severe), the BCBA will likely administer an FBA. This entails: Determination of the events leading up to or resulting in the behaviors (precipitating events or antecedents) and the consequences of the behaviors Identification of the 'function' or etiology of behavior (e.g., attention, escaping tasks) Creating an accurate hypothesis about the root of the behavior Knowing why a behavior occurs is the start of creating successful changes The duration of the assessment depends on your child's needs, age, and behavior. It could take a few hours or be split into several sessions over the period of a week or two weeks. Once the data is collected, the BCBA will develop a comprehensive report and treatment plan. Once the assessment is complete, the BCBA will: Discuss results and recommendations with you Describe suggested therapy objectives and strategies If required, send your insurance company an email with a treatment plan. I book therapy appointments according to your child's needs and schedule Here is the time to provide opinions and ask communication is the key to effective therapy. Depending on your child's level of communication, tell him what to expect in simple words. For instance, 'A new friend will come to you to play with you and find out what you enjoy doing.' If the evaluation is to be conducted at home, attempt to reduce distractions. Ensure that your child is well rested and has been fed. Be honest during the parent interview. No judgment—just a mutual commitment to assisting your child. Take along any troubling reports, assessment scores, or school records. This can help the BCBA get a better sense of how your child is progressing. The assessment is only the start. Here's how you can remain involved: Read the Plan: Ensure that you know what the aims and approaches are in the treatment plan. Ensure that you know what the aims and approaches are in the treatment plan. Stay Consistent: Use the same skills in the home to support the learning. Use the same skills in the home to support the learning. Ask Questions: Do not hesitate to ask if you're unsure. Do not hesitate to ask if you're unsure. Celebrate Progress: Every little helps! Looking for ABA autism therapy in Maryland? We provide compassionate, personalized ABA services to help your child thrive. Beginning ABA therapy with a first-step assessment might be daunting at first, but it's the empowering start towards change. It is the beginning of intentional, personalized treatment that can truly return dividends in your child's life. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
