Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the process of analyzing and manipulating environmental variables (or the context of behaviors) to increase desired behaviors and decrease problematic behaviors. These manipulations are what we refer to as antecedent and consequent manipulations. The results of these manipulations on the behaviors of interest (skills or behaviors targeted for reduction) are graphed and progress recorded. A child’s progress informs treatment. If progress is not being made, a program is revised to help improve acquisition. In ABA, the learner is always right and competent. If a child is not making progress it is a program that is failing them and it is time to go back to the drawing board.
Our program offers a center-based full day program to individuals with autism. Programming includes goals in communication, social skills, self-help skills, and other pivotal skills that increase learning opportunities and decrease the need for a more restrictive learning setting. Community outings and experiences are an integral component of the program. Students will be provided with one community outing per month to generalize skills taught within the structured environment. New Heights utilizes a variety of teaching techniques based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. Language, play, social, academic, self-help, and vocational skills are taught using research-based teaching strategies. New Heights also provides parent training and support in a variety of ways, including hands on training in home and community, as needed.
