Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is the science of behaviour. Behaviour Analysts use a set of principles to understand how behaviour is affected by the environment and apply these principles to help people learn. In therapy, these skills are broken down into small, manageable steps, and taught through the use of repetition. IBI is an evidence-based treatment, meaning there is extensive scientific evidence that indicates positive outcomes for children with autism and their families.

Although there are many different types of therapies for children with autism, research has indicated that for many children, ABA is associated with the best outcomes. ABA therapy is beneficial for children with a wide range of diagnoses, as it uses scientific principles to break down skills and practice them over time. Behaviour Analysts also collect data during teaching, in order to monitor a child’s progress. This allows a team to make changes to programming to develop the best teaching approach for each individual child. ABA therapy is currently endorsed by the Surgeon General, the American Psychological Association, and the National Institute of Mental Health.

In your home, 1:1 therapy sessions involve a therapist and child working on individualized programs. This can happen in structured settings (e.g., at a table) as well as in the natural environment (e.g., playroom, backyard, kitchen). Parents are always welcome to join sessions. Your child will have their own bin of programs and materials for learning. Therapists will work to develop a relationship with your child by bringing things your child is interested in and engaging in fun activities.

Once therapists have developed a strong relationship with your child, assessments will take place. These will be carried out by Senior Therapists/Clinical Supervisors to determine your child’s strengths and needs and help guide programming goals. The results of your child’s assessments will be written up in a parent-friendly report. For more information, see the blog post here

CoField has a long-standing relationship with many schools in both TVDSB and LDCSB. We are welcome to join meetings with parents to help advocate on your child’s behalf, however, ABA therapists are not currently allowed to work with a child in their classroom. If a school team is willing, CoField may be invited to come in for a one-time observation within the classroom to gather information for your child’s home program. CoField can support parents in having input into the creation of their child’s IEP, as well as help advocate for its implementation.

If a therapy program is being run in a daycare setting, we want to make sure that any skills learned are being transferred to the home. CoField schedules monthly team meetings with families and other professionals to share progress and set goals. Regular photo, video, and text updates are provided to parents to see their child’s progress. We strongly encourage the inclusion of family coaching alongside ABA therapy to help transfer learned skills and strategies to home.