Autism Services CT

Achieve Beyond Provides Autism Therapy in Connecticut

Achieve Beyond is the leader in Connecticut for autism services and ABA therapy that is specifically tailored for children diagnosed with varying levels of autism. Serving both Fairfield and New Haven Counties, our therapists are experts in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which is one of the most effective therapies for redirecting and encouraging positive social behaviors and verbal development in children with autism.

What is Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)?

Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is the application of the principles of learning theory to improve socially significant behaviors. It is a well-researched, evidence-based approach that focuses on using the principle of reinforcement to create meaningful changes that promote independence and improve the quality of life for individuals. Relied upon since the 1960s to assess and treat children with autism, ABA therapy is scientifically validated in its effectiveness and continues to be the leading therapeutic treatment for children who struggle with the barriers of language development, behavioral issues, and social skills. By examining behavior as a function of its antecedents (events occurring before a behavior) and consequences (events occurring after a behavior), BCBAs, or Board Certified Behavior Analysts are able to define and develop interventions that may dramatically improve quality of life and self-sufficiency.

What Types of Behaviors Does ABA Therapy Improve?

Research has shown that ABA therapy provides varying benefits to children and adults of all ages, no matter how early they begin treatment. Some of the benefits of our CT autism services include:

  • Improved sociability
  • Enhanced play skills
  • Better ability to imitate
  • Improved motor skills
  • Increased independence in life skills (toileting, eating, dressing, etc.)
  • Increased functional and effective communication
  • Improved personal connections (with family, caretakers, teachers, etc.)
  • Better adaptation to new situations, people, and environments
  • Increased attending skills Improved coping skills and flexibility

While ABA is used in many different areas, from brain injuries and elder care, to business management and behavioral medicine, it is mostly used to help children with autism. ABA therapy is essential to teach children to effectively communicate and lead more independent lives. Whether a child has little or no language skills, difficulty with self-care, self-stimulates (flapping, spinning, rocking, etc.), or exhibits aggressive or dangerous behaviors, ABA therapy is customized to address each child’s specific needs to optimize the best outcomes. ABA requires a team approach, where the behavior therapist, BCBA, caregivers, and surrounding community interact cooperatively to create and enact plans to meet the child’s changing needs from infancy to adulthood.

What Should I Expect from Achieve Beyond’s Autism Services & ABA Programs in Connecticut?

Achieve Beyond, Inc. provides ABA therapy to help children reach their full potential. Our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) work with the caregivers and children to assess each child’s strengths and deficits, then customize protocols that foster optimal development and learning. Every child, family, and situation is special, so the ABA therapy plan these specialists devise is comprehensive to match those needs. It is not a universal, or “one-size-fits-all”, approach to the treatment of autism. The BCBAs develop a plan of action for the child that involves his or her family and community. We offer in-home and community based ABA therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Our well-trained behavior therapists and RBTs provide 1:1 therapy and are supervised by a BCBA, who also conducts assessments and family training. We are in-network with most insurance companies and offer private pay options. For more information on our autism services, please contact our Connecticut office at (888) 261-1110 or at ctinfo@achievebeyondusa.com.

Our highly-trained Behavioral Therapists (BT) or Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT) work with the child on the plan designed by the BCBA in a highly-reinforcing and fun environment. They are supervised by the BCBAs and work with the family to encourage optimal learning opportunities. Some of the programs designed for children include:

  • Errorless teaching procedures to minimize frustration for a child
  • Functional Behavior Assessment to determine why problem behaviors occur
  • Functional Communication Training to replace problem behaviors with appropriate behaviors
  • Natural Environment Teaching (NET) to help a child adapt to new situations and environments

It is often recommended that a child receive consistent ABA therapeutic treatment to achieve the best outcomes. In addition, the most beneficial ABA therapy programs not only foster a child’s developmental needs, but engage parents and caretakers. When a child receives intensive ABA therapy, he or she may build confidence, form peer groups, learn healthy self-soothing, better communication, and improve academically.

Why is Achieve Beyond of Connecticut the Best Choice for My Child With Autism?

Proud to serve the Northeast region, Achieve Beyond’s Connecticut office ascribes to a client-centered approach that is rooted in a blend of evidence-based practice and clinical experience. Connecticut Clinical Director Tara Karen, M.S. Ed, BCBA, LBA is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who has worked in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis and Special Education since 2009. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from SUNY Stony Brook, a Master’s degree in Childhood education from Dowling College and completed her BCBA coursework at SUNY Stony Brook. In addition, Tara is a New York State certified teacher in Students with Disabilities Grades 1-6. Since coming to Achieve Beyond, Tara has lead a dynamic team of therapists who are dedicated to a hands-on method of teaching and using the natural environment to enhance social skills and generalization.

When autism red flags and developmental delays occur, they can often be disconcerting to families, which is why Achieve Beyond is dedicated to educating parents, teachers, and practitioners on the best practices for treatment. The ABA therapy at Achieve Beyond more than assesses and prescribes treatment for a child—it recognizes the differences and specific circumstances of every child’s case. Achieve Beyond will follow-up with your insurance company to verify eligibility, benefits, and co-pays if applicable for our at-home and community programs. In the event that ABA services are not covered by insurance, the staff based in our New Haven office will customize therapy packages to suit your family’s needs. Please contact our New Haven office at (888) 261-1110 or at ctinfo@achievebeyondusa.com for more information.