Frequently Asked Questions

Autism Spectrum disorder is a developmental disorder that affects an individual’s behaviours, ability to communicate and social aspects of life. Autism arises in all ethnic, racial and socio-economic groups. Autism is commonly detected and diagnosed at a young age. However, it can at times not be detected until adulthood. Autism is considered a spectrum disorder as there are vast variations in the effects on different individuals. Autism affects all individuals differently which is why implementing personalized treatment plans is of great importance. As those with ASD reach different stages of life, their experiences on the spectrum change. 

Applied behaviour analysis is a scientific evidence-based behaviour therapy method that has been used since the 1960s to help individuals with autism and related developmental disorders. ABA therapy can be adapted to meet the needs of each unique individual. It can be implemented on a one-on-one basis or through group instruction. ABA can be applied across many settings and teaches skills that are useful in everyday life.

Individuals affected by autism often struggle with social and interpersonal relationships, communication, sensory development and functional life skills. ABA therapy aims to increase language and communication skills. It is used to improve attention and memory, encourage social skills, assist in academic learning and decrease problem behaviours. 

The Board-Certified Behaviour Analysis designs and directly oversees the individualized treatment program for each child. Assessments are used to identify your child’s unique and specific needs to determine the services required to effectively treat your child. 

We specialize in treating children with ASD and related disorders aged 2 – 13 years of age.

Yes, we qualify for OAP funding /Access OAP and the Ministry of Children programs. We are
accepted by insurance companies that cover therapy services such as ABA therapy or any
services provided by a Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA). It depends on your
individual insurance provider and plan. Please reach out to your insurance provider for
clarification on coverage.

Our centre is located at 1589 Fanshawe Park Rd. E, London, ON N5X 3Z9

We offer home-based services in London and the surrounding areas as well as in multiple cities such as Tri area, Oakville, Hamilton and Windsor.

Yes, we provide services in many areas surrounding London, Ontario. We have many qualified instructor therapists available in areas within a 2-hour radius of the London area.

This varies based on the child’s needs. Typically, the BCBA and team working with your child will evaluate your child’s needs on an ongoing basis. Overall, the goal is to help you and your child be equipped and empowered so that intervention is no longer required.

Although ABA therapy is most often used for helping children with autism, it is the only evidence-based scientific strategy considered an effective treatment for individuals with ASD, there are many other supportive services such as Occupation therapy and physiotherapy, we usually refer the family to those services if needed.

A BCBA will perform the initial assessment to evaluate your child’s needs and create an individualized behaviour plan. From there an Instructor Therapist conducts therapy sessions to implement the programs assigned in the individual plan. The assessment is an ongoing
process to identify progress and improvement of the skills.

Your child may work with multiple ITs over the duration of their therapy services. This provides an opportunity for your child to learn to respond positively to multiple people.

We accept e-transfer, debit, credit cards, cash or cheque.

Reach out to be informed about our competing price rate.

Services may be covered by your extended health insurance, WSIB, or auto insurance. Ask your insurance provider about your level of coverage.

It is your responsibility to verify coverage for the services provided. Fees must be paid regardless of insurance coverage.

There currently is no cure for autism spectrum disorder. However, it is possible to manage symptoms and promote independence in individuals with autism.

ABA Therapy is the only scientific evidence-based treatment that has been proven effective in enhancing individuals’
lives.

ABA therapy is a wide variety of scientific techniques that its principles can be helpful in all life domains. Such as education, health care, and sports settings. ABA Can be considered under healthcare services and it is essential in treating individuals with ASD and intellectual
disorders.

ABA Therapy is distinct from Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy. Although, these therapies are complementary in nature. ABA Therapy addresses all behaviours of concern and can develop areas such as communication skills, social skills, play skills, toilet training, academic skills and more.

ABA Therapy is not meant to replace academic schooling but is crucial in facilitating learning and preparing children for school’s behavioural expectations and independence.

ABA therapy can be more important than schooling in some cases as receiving ABA treatment prepare the child’s skills for regular education and proper participation with peers and following teachers’ instructions.

The choice between Home & Centre-based ABA therapy depends on various factors such as the individual needs of the child, family preferences, & the availability of resources. Home-based ABA therapy offers the advantage of targeting skills in the child’s natural environment, allowing for better generalization of skills. On the other hand, Centrebased ABA therapy provides a structured environment with access to a variety of resources & peers for social interactions. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what works best for the child & family.

Speech therapy primarily concentrates on enhancing communication skills, encompassing language, articulation, and fluency. In contrast, ABA therapy employs behaviour analysis principles to teach a broad spectrum of skills and diminish challenging behaviours. While speech therapy primarily addresses communication deficits, ABA therapy adopts a comprehensive approach, targeting not only communication but also social skills, adaptive behaviours, and academic skills, thus achieving similar outcomes but in a more functional manner.

Providing a sufficient number of therapy hours over an extended period, typically a minimum of 6 months, ensures consistent & intensive intervention, which us crucial for achieving meaningful progress. The duration & intensity of therapy are based on the individual needs and goals, as determined through ongoing monitoring of progress

Supervision hours are necessary to ensure the quality & effectiveness of ABA therapy services. Supervisors oversee the implementation of treatment plans, provide guidance to therapists, & monitor progress. Regular supervision helps maintain fidelity to the treatment model & ensures that interventions are tailored to the individuals needs.

Reassessment is essential to evaluate progress, identify areas of improvement, & adjust treatment goals & strategies accordingly. It allows for ongoing monitoring of the effectiveness of interventions & ensures that ABA therapy remains tailored to the individuals changing needs over time.

ABA therapy can be effective in addressing eating & sleeping problems by targeting underlying behaviour patterns & teaching appropriate skills & routines. Behaviour analysists can assess the functions of these behaviours & develop targeted interventions to promote positive changes in eating & sleeping habits

A child may struggle in school due to various factors such as academic challenges, social difficulties, or behavioural issues that may not adequately be addressed in the school setting. ABA therapy focuses on addressing individualized goals & teaching skills that can improve academic performance, social interactions, & environment regulation which may contribute to better success in the school environment. After therapy and one-on-one teaching, transitioning into small group activities can help the child become more prepared for the school environment.

Through ABA therapy, your child will have the opportunity to learn various communication methods, including PECS, Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, pointing, gesturing, and sign language. While initially non-verbal, with consistent practice and reinforcement of communication skills, some individuals may transition to verbal communication if they have the potential and readiness for it. ABA therapy focuses on developing proper communication methods tailored to the individual’s needs and preferences, which can lead to significant progress in communication abilities over time.

Starting with a minimum number of hours & gradually increasing them over time can be a reasonable option based on individual needs & response to treatment. However, it is important to ensure the level of intensity is sufficient to achieve meaningful progress & address the child’s goals effectively.

If your child is resistant to using PECS, it’s important to pair the communication tool with its function and purpose. Initially, desirable items can be provided when using PECS to build trust and association with effective communication. Over time, as proper communication skills develop, problem behaviours may decrease, and there may be an increase in functional, quality communication across different settings. Working closely with your ABA therapist can help identify strategies to overcome resistance and foster acceptance of PECS as a valuable communication tool.

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In ABA therapy, Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) play a crucial role in assessing the learner’s needs, developing individualized behavioral plans, supervising progress, providing parent coaching, and collaborating with other professionals. Senior Therapists (STs), highly trained in ABA and working towards certification, provide expertise and support in therapy sessions. Instructional Therapists (ITs) directly implement the individualized plan, collect data, and regularly report progress to the supervisor.

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ABA therapy stands as an evidence-based discipline backed by scientific research, establishing it as the premier treatment for individuals with autism. While families may explore alternative therapeutic methods, prioritizing evidence-based interventions remains imperative. Presently, ABA therapy stands as the sole proven treatment for autism, offering tailored and structured interventions aligned with the individual’s specific needs and objectives.

Parents/Guardians play a crucial role in ABA therapy by actively participating in the treatment process, implementing strategies at home, & reinforcing skills learned during therapy sessions. Collaboration between therapists & families is essential or promoting consistency & generalization of skills across settings.

The primary purpose of parent coaching is to empower parents with the knowledge and skills needed to promote their child’s progress and generalize learned behaviours across different environments. It aims to strengthen the parent-child relationship, foster consistency in intervention strategies, and support the family unit.

ABA therapy focuses on behaviour analysis principles to teach new behaviours, reduce unwanted behaviours, and enhance overall functioning, including communication skills. On the other hand, occupational therapy (OT) primarily emphasizes the improvement of fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing, and activities of daily living. While both ABA and OT may address communication and articulation skills, ABA’s approach is more comprehensive and functional , targeting a wide range of behaviours and skills through behaviour analysis principles. OT tends to focus more specifically on physical and functional skill development

The long-term effectiveness of ABA therapy in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is supported by research demonstrating sustained improvements in adaptive skills, social interactions, and reductions in challenging behaviours over time. Early intensive ABA therapy has been associated with significant gains in independence and functioning into adulthood, with continued progress observed even years after completing therapy. Additionally, ABA therapy emphasizes the generalization of learned skills across various settings, leading to increased independence and success in daily life. While further research is needed to fully understand its long-term impact, current evidence suggests that ABA therapy plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life for individuals with ASD.

We offer thorough training for our instructor therapists in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) to ensure effective implementation of interventions. Our program covers ABA principles, ethical guidelines, behavioural assessments, techniques like discrete trial training and natural environment teaching, data collection and analysis, communication, crisis management, and ongoing professional development. This comprehensive training equips our therapists to provide quality ABA therapy to individuals with autism and other developmental challenges.

During an assessment for ABA therapy, you can expect a comprehensive evaluation of your child’s strengths, challenges, and developmental needs. This includes initial discussions about your concerns, direct observations of your child’s behaviour in various settings, and the use of standardized assessment tools tailored to their age and abilities. Collaborative discussions with you will guide the assessment process, and you’ll receive feedback on the findings, along with recommendations for intervention. The assessment aims to gather information to develop an individualized behaviour plan focused on supporting your child’s development.

The process of developing treatment plans commences with a comprehensive evaluation of the individual’s strengths and areas of concern. Utilizing these insights, we formulate a personalized plan, establishing specific goals and implementing strategies to attain desired results.

The recommended number of hours is determined by individual needs and objectives. Our team collaborates with families to identify the most suitable therapy duration for each individual.

No, an official diagnosis is not always required for a child to receive ABA therapy services. However, eligibility for funding or insurance coverage may be contingent upon having a formal diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or a related developmental condition. It’s important to note that while a diagnosis may not be mandatory for receiving ABA therapy, it can facilitate access to financial assistance and support services . ABA Therapists & BCBA’s cannot provide an official diagnosis