Applied Behavior Analysis
WHAT:
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a type of therapy focused on modifying behavior through the utilization of a scientific approach to learning. The goal of ABA is to improve helpful behaviors such as social skills, communication, memory, activities of daily living (ADLs), while reducing challenging behaviors that may be harmful or negatively affect the person in treatment or their family.
WHO:
Research indicates that Applied Behavior Analysis can be used for anyone, however, Unlocked Potential focuses on the use of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for youth involved with the agency who are between the ages of 4 - 21, majority of whom have a diagnosis on the Autism Spectrum, but, can also include youth who have a diagnosis of Down's Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, or any other Intellectual or Developmental Delay and who's insurance approves the service.
WHEN:
Sessions occur during a mutual agreed upon schedule between the family and the ABA Staff. Due to children's school schedule, sessions generally occur afterschool, evenings, and weekends.
WHERE:
Unlocked Potential provides ABA therapy services in the families' home as well as the local community to the child and family (as clinically appropriate).
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Unlocked Potential may also offer School Based ABA services. Please click here, for more information.
WHY:
Families often choose Applied Behavior Analysis as a more direct approach to modifying behaviors. The approach tends to be more intense than other therapies while focusing on behavior. Learning skills involves repetition, analyzing data to visualize improvements, and updating programming to accommodate mastery and progression. Additionally, a large part of ABA is teaching skills to the family and other natural supports to help maintain gains long term.
HOW:
Unlocked Potential currently accepts the following insurances and methods of payment:
NJ FamilyCare/Magaged Care Organization Horizon NJ Health
United Healthcare (Optum)
Aetna Better Health of NJ
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WellCare New Jersey
Amerigroup
See Below for "Getting Started with a "Managed Care Organization"
PerformCare/Children's System of Care
Bergen's Promise (Bergen County CMO)
Hudson Partnership (Hudson County CMO)
Circle of Care (Passaic County CMO)
Caring Partners of Morris & Sussex (Morris/Sussex County CMO)
Partnership for Children of Essex (Essex County CMO)
Families and Community Together (Union County CMO)
Coordinated Family Care (Middlesex County CMO)
Tri County Care Management Organization (Somerset, Hunterdon, Warren CMO)
Ocean Partnership (Ocean County CMO)
MonmouthCares (Monmouth County CMO)
Capital County Children's Collaborative (Mercer County CMO)
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See Below for Getting Started with an "Care Management Organization
Alternate Payment Methods
Private Pay Contract
School Reimbursed Contract
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See Below for Getting Started with an "Alternate Payer"
Once Unlocked Potential has an authorization from the insurance company, the child will be assigned to a Board Certified Behavior Analyst within the agency (BCBA) to start services. The first action taken to initiate services would be the completion of a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and the initial Behavior Support Plan (BSP).
This process takes about 3-5 weeks and includes the collection of information through observations of the child, interviews with the caregivers and other professionals who may work or have worked with the child, and the review of any documentation provided.
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From the information collected, the Behavior Analyst would create a report identifying and defining the target behaviors then create an initial plan of action with recommendation for ongoing services, if appropriate.
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If the plan is approved from the insurance company, a Behavior Technician would be assigned for the approved number of hours and the BCBA would continue on to oversee the ongoing services.