ABA Therapy - Northern Virginia
Achieve Beyond Provides Autism Therapy in Northern Virginia
Achieve Beyond is the leader in ABA therapy services for children diagnosed with varying levels of autism. Serving Virginia and the greater Washington D.C. area, 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 VA 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 ABA Programs in Virginia and the Greater Metropolitan Area of Washington D.C.?
Achieve Beyond 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. Our pediatric Autism and Behavioral services can be provided in your home, community, and out of our clinic located in Fairfax. We are currently in network with Anthem, BC/BS, Anthem, Carefirst, Anthem Federal Employee Plan, Beacon Health Options, Cigna, Humana, (Tricare), Optum, United HealthCare, United Behavioral Health. We also offer affordable self-pay rates if necessary. For questions please call our Virginia office at (703) 237-2219 or email at metrodc@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 Virginia and the Greater Metropolitan Area of Washington D.C. the Best Choice for ABA Therapy for My Child With Autism?
Achieve Beyond is thrilled to offer its services in Virginia and Washington D.C., and our Fairfax location ascribes to a client-centered approach that is rooted in a blend of evidence-based practice and clinical experience. Virginia and Washington D.C. Clinical Director Gina M. Ballone, MS, BCBA, LBA, ABA Clinical Director has been working in the field of ABA since 1998. She first gained experience working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder during her undergraduate studies at Florida State University. Upon completion of her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, she decided to pursue her Master’s degree in Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis. As an ABA therapist in Miami, she was appointed to be the Behavior Analyst to consult at the Miami Children’s Hospital, Dan Marino Center. In 2012, Gina joined Achieve Beyond as the Clinical Director of ABA Services at its Virginia/DC Metro location. She is passionate about using Skinner’s Analysis of Verbal Behavior to teach language and communication skills to individuals.
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. Visit our speech therapy Virginia page.
We are proud to offer flexible hours and at-home and in-clinic, and community care. Please contact our Virginia office at (703) 237-2219 or email at metrodc@achievebeyondusa.com for more information.
