Child learn with therapist at Siskin Children's Institute Child learn with therapist at Siskin Children's Institute

Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy

Serving the greater Chattanooga and Nashville, TN areas.
Also providing services in Ringgold, Dalton, Marietta, and Kennesaw, GA.

What is ABA Therapy?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is an evidence-based form of therapy that focuses on increasing positive and helpful behaviors while also decreasing unwanted behaviors. It can help increase language and communication skills, improve focus, memory, and academic performance, and enhance social skills with peers and adults. ABA is oftentimes a primary tool when working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. ABA therapy is customized to meet the needs and goals of each child. Our ABA therapists will work with each family to help develop these goals and strategies based on the child’s interests and skills in order to increase positive and helpful behaviors.

Our Therapy Program How Does it Work?    FAQs

Autism Service Providers
Applied Behavior Analysis Services Director
Chattanooga Clinic

Our ABA Therapy Program

Our ABA therapy program is ideal for children 18 months old to 12 years of age.

Our team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT) will work with each child and their family to develop an ABA program to meet the needs of that individual child. While we offer clinic-based options, we usually recommend in-home ABA therapy. Watch our Q&A Video with our lead BCBA in Chattanooga, Jane White, to learn more about ABA Therapy for children diagnosed with autism.

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ABA FAQs

What kind of skills do you work on with children?

Our ABA therapists work on functional communication during routines, in a child’s natural environment, and during preferred activities with the goal of increasing communication.

How long has ABA been recognized as an effective therapy?

ABA has been widely researched since the 1960s and is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics as an evidence-based, effective therapy for children with autism.

What kind of behaviors does ABA target in children?

ABA focuses on increasing functional skills with the goal of increasing a child’s independence. ABA also focuses on increasing social skills while allowing the child to participate in school and community settings.

I have a referral from my child’s physician. What now?

You and your child will come to our clinic for an assessment. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will talk to you about your concerns, behaviors that your child is engaging in, and your child’s skill level. The BCBA will then assess your child’s skills.

What do you look for during the ABA assessment of a child?

We look at their ability to communicate, their social skills, and behaviors they have which may prevent them from participating in school or community activities.

Do therapy sessions occur at Siskin or in the home?

Siskin primarily offers in-home ABA therapy. However, we work with children in their natural environment, including their school. We also offer services in our clinic. However, we work primarily in the child’s home because that’s where most of the learning for the child can take place.

What should a family consider when selecting an ABA program?

When choosing an ABA program, parents should decide if they prefer home-based services or clinic-based services. They should also decide on the number of hours they feel comfortable with their child receiving based on the BCBA’s clinical recommendation.

How many hours of therapy a week can a family expect?

Therapy typically takes 20-30 hours a week based on research showing that this amount of hours leads to the most effective outcomes, but it really just depends on the child’s skill level, the behaviors and behavioral concerns, and what’s going to work best for the family.

At what age should I start thinking about ABA therapy?

ABA therapy can be effective for children of any age. It is not limited to young children. The therapy may look different depending on the age of the child and the goals that they’re working on.

What makes the Siskin ABA program unique?

Our applied behavior analysis therapists really gear the program around each child’s needs, the family’s concerns, and their goals for therapy. We want to work with the families in a way that works best for them and will be most beneficial for the child.

Learn about what Autism Speaks says about ABA Therapy.

How does it work?

ABA takes a research approach to therapy based on proven theories of learning and behavior. Therapists who use ABA understand how human behaviors are learned and how they can be changed over time. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst evaluates the child, identifies goals with caregivers, develops and oversees the therapy programming to meet the goals set for the child. A board certified BCBA can also provide training to parents to help address a child’s behavior to help the child learn new skills at home.

For the greatest results, ABA requires close and continuous monitoring and evaluation to support continued progress toward goals. To provide the best ABA services possible, our therapists and other health professionals work within settings such as schools, homes, and community centers to evaluate and modify therapy as it progresses.