Applied Behavior Analysis
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific, evidence-based method that aims to understand and improve behaviors that matter to people. ABA studies how people and their environment interact and how the environment influences a person’s behavior (the reason behind a behavior). Behavior Analysts assess a person’s behavior, set realistic goals, and measure progress. At Agape ABA Services, we use ABA to teach new skills, boost performance in different areas, and reduce unwanted and challenging behaviors.
What do we focus on in ABA Therapy?
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Teach new skills, such as communication, social, play, self-help, and independent living skills.
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Transfer skills to different environments (e.g., from ABA center to home, school and community)
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Replace unwanted behavior with socially appropriate behavior (e.g., hitting, eloping, property destruction, tantrum).
Socially Significant Behaviors
Everything we do is a behavior, but some behaviors are more important and beneficial than others. Socially significant behaviors are those that have a meaningful impact on the independence, autonomy, and quality of life for the individuals with disabilities and their families. These behaviors are valued by both the individual and their individual community, helping to achieve personal goals and needs while ensuring a support network.Â
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Signification Focus Areas:
Legal Trouble: Behaviors like theft or fire starting.
Physical Harm: Behaviors that can cause injuries or death.
Learning Disruption: Behaviors that prevent learning, such as screaming during lessons.
Independence: Behaviors that impede independence due to physical or mental disabilities.
Social Relationships: Behaviors that interfere with positive and safe pro-social interactions and relationshipsÂ
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We focus on changing behaviors that are harmful or disruptive, not just annoying, meaning we train engagement not eye contact. Clients are people first and need to grow and explore their environments safely and respectfully. Our goal is to shape behavior over time, allowing individuals to be themselves while achieving optimal behavior levels based on their environment.
Agape utilizes a clinical version of the multi-tiered approach. Think of it as a well-oiled machine where everyone has a crucial role. We have done away with lanes and silos, and created a field we are working together in to promote our clients, families, and teams success.
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We structure our roles, teams, and organization, with one goal in mind, the trainer of trainers model. No one is as smart as the room, so we bring the room to the conversation. The tiered support structure for training, implementation, and intake, ensure that we have a cross trained team ready to take on any challenge. Additionally, this ensures that we are able to staff consistently and provide growth opportunities to staff. ​
Multi-tiered Approach
​​Our tiered trainer of trainers support model, goes from individuals to teams to make sure that there is someone to support every member of the community. The saying goes "its takes a village to raise a child" and to support a child, means supporting their community.
Our Clinical Director is at the helm, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Case Managers (Levels 1-3) are the backbone, managing client cases and making sure plans are implemented effectively. Clinical Supervisors, Senior Behavior Technicians (SBTs), and Behavior Technicians (BTs) work together to provide hands-on support and guidance to our clients.
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We also have three dynamic teams that keep everything humming. The Implementation Team focuses on rolling out programs and making sure they’re executed flawlessly. The TACT Team is all about training—supporting staff, handling client intake, and running parent programs. And the Family Team? They’re dedicated to working with families to achieve their goals and provide the support they need. With continuous training, clear communication, and a collaborative approach, our multitiered support system ensures a comprehensive, client-centered, and community-supported experience.
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This system allows us to ensure high quality, individual led, and community informed programs.
Clinical Structure
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STRUCTRED
Structured learning uses ABA methods like discrete trial training to break down skills into small steps with immediate feedback. BTs and SBTs focus on behaviors that promote social and instructional growth.
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FUNCTIONAL
Functional learning promotes independence, social skills, and self-advocacy using natural environment training. BTs and SBTs teach skills in real-life contexts to boost motivation.
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GUIDED
Guided learning supports social skills during activities like recess and lunch. BTs and SBTs help clients practice social behaviors with prompts and feedback.
B.R.I.D.G.E
Behavioral Readiness & Integrated Development for Growth in Eduction
The B.R.I.D.G.E. program is a behavior analysis program focused on improving functional and behavioral outcomes, such as communication, socialization, independence, and self-regulation. It collaborates with teachers and school staff without replacing their roles. Using methods like Natural Environment Training, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Discrete Trial Training, the B.R.I.D.G.E. program promotes learner independence and autonomy. It supports not just students, but also parents, team members, and the community through ongoing behavior skills training. The program aims to enhance the educational experience by providing the necessary skills and support for success.
HOME SUPPORTS
While our services are clinic based, we understand the need for home support. That is why we have our parent team as part of our approach. We offer home supports in the form of specific program training for parents. These programs help supplement, ensure continuity, and build parents skills in ABA, Natural Environment Training by transferring instructional control from us to parents. We do this in a variety of ways depending on the needs of the individual child.
