Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a science of learning and motivation in which the underlying principles of behavior are applied to real life situations to promote socially significant behavior change. Practitioners of ABA focus on creating an environment where learning can occur efficiently, allowing for lasting, positive results.

Hammond Associates provides services to individuals of all ages, utilizing the principles and practices of ABA. Our clients come to us with a variety of diagnoses including developmental disabilities, mental health, autism and related disorders.

We are proud to be able to meet our clients where they are and offer our services in the home, clinic, school, and community.

Examples of skills targeted during ABA treatment can include
(but are not limited to):

Communication/
Social

  • Requesting
  • Greetings
  • Departures
  • Responding to name
  • Functional communication
  • Receptive and expressive language
  • Social skills

Behavioral

  • Reducing problem behaviors (i.e. physical aggression, self-injury, elopement)
  • Classroom management
  • Self management
  • Safety skills

Daily Living

  • Feeding
  • Dressing
  • Toileting
  • Hand washing
  • Street crossing
  • Tooth brushing
  • Hygiene

 

Independent Living

  • Job skills
  • Money/credit card use
  • Public transportation
  • Phone use (i.e. calling, texting)
  • Meal prep
  • Creating schedules
  • Time management

Applied Behavior Analysis Services

Home Based Services

As part of our quality home-based services, one of our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) meets with your family to complete an intake evaluation. This assessment typically consists of:

  1. Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)
  2. Interviews with family members and / or guardians
  3. Observations of your child in your home and community

Following the intake evaluation, the BCBA creates a treatment plan, behavior management plan, programming and data collection materials which will be reviewed with your family.

During our services, a trained Behavioral Health Professional (BHP) works directly 1:1 with your child for a scheduled amount of time. The BHP addresses the treatment goals and objectives during each of their sessions while collecting data to share with you and the BCBA.

Throughout our services, we will have ongoing reviews to ensure program success and adjust plans as your child continues to make progress and grow.

 

School Based Services

Hammond Associates offers school districts, private schools, and preschools ABA services designed to support students throughout the school day. This support allows students to access their education in the least restrictive environment.

During the intake process for school-based services, a Hammond Associates’ Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) completes an initial intake evaluation. This assessment typically consists of:

  1. Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)
  2. Teacher/staff interviews
  3. Classroom observations
  4. Data collection and analysis

Once we have completed our initial evaluation, our BCBAs create a customized treatment plan, behavior management plan, programming and data collection materials. We review all materials with the caregivers, school staff members and other appropriate parties to promote a whole team approach before treatment begins.

A Behavioral Health Professional (BHP) works directly 1:1 with students for the duration of their school day. The BHP addresses treatment goals and objectives while collecting daily data. The BCBA continually analyzes the data, monitors programming, supervises BHPs on a weekly basis, and collaborates with the school team and caregivers to ensure success.

 

Consultation

School Based Consultation

Hammond Associates has contracted with Child Development Services (CDS), public school districts and private preschools to provide Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) consultation in compliance with the student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP). These services are designed to support individuals as well the classroom to allow them access their education in the least restrictive environment. The BCBA typically completes a Functional Behavior Assessment and then makes recommendations on future programming to the IEP team. Recommendations can include a behavior management plan, teaching strategies, and environmental changes designed to encourage desired behavior, all to help the child thrive in their environment. Staff training is ongoing throughout and staff will learn to help prevent problems from occurring, respond appropriately when problems do occur, teach skills to meet the child’s needs, and collect objective data to report to the team.

Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)

An FBA is a formal assessment used to identify underlying variables that maintain interfering behaviors. The process can include: record reviews, interviews, observations, data collection, and experimental analysis. Based on the findings, a functional hypothesis is formed and appropriate intervention recommendations are created. These recommendations are designed to reduce the effectiveness of the interfering behaviors and teach the individual to use more socially appropriate ways to satisfy their wants and needs.

Hammond Associates’ team will complete an FBA as part of a comprehensive plan available with most of our services. Occasionally, IEP teams will request an FBA as a means to make decisions on services for a student. It is preferable that those completing the FBA are also those that are responsible for overseeing the implementation of recommendations.