What Is Total Care ABA?

Discover the power of Total Care ABA for personalized autism therapy. Unlocking potential with collaborative care.

June 3, 2024

Understanding Total Care ABA

Total Care ABA is an organization that specializes in providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy and autism services to children in need. Their mission is to help children on the autism spectrum thrive and succeed. The team of therapists at Total Care ABA is dedicated to delivering the highest level of care and support to their clients.

Total Care ABA Services

Total Care ABA offers a range of ABA therapy services to cater to the individual needs of children with autism. These services include:

Benefit checks: Total Care ABA helps families navigate the insurance process by conducting benefit checks to determine coverage and eligibility.
Consultations: They provide expert consultations to assess the unique needs of each child and develop personalized treatment plans.
Family support: Total Care ABA understands the importance of involving families in the therapy process. They offer comprehensive support and guidance to families, ensuring they are actively involved in their child's progress.
Center-based ABA therapy: Total Care ABA provides center-based therapy in a safe and structured environment. This setting allows children to interact with their peers and receive therapy from highly trained professionals.
At-home ABA therapy: For families who prefer therapy in the comfort of their own homes, Total Care ABA offers at-home ABA therapy. This allows for a more individualized and convenient approach to treatment.
In-school ABA therapy: Total Care ABA recognizes the importance of integrating therapy into the school environment. They provide in-school ABA therapy to support children with autism during their academic journey.

These services are designed to address the unique needs of each child and help them reach their full potential.

Collaborative Approach

Total Care ABA follows a collaborative approach when working with families and clients. They understand that navigating the world of autism care can be complex and overwhelming. Therefore, they aim to simplify the process by collaborating with families at every step.

Total Care ABA offers support in dealing with insurance companies, ensuring families have access to the premier therapy services their children need. They also help families find the right support and resources, making the journey as smooth as possible. Additionally, Total Care ABA understands that therapy sessions need to be scheduled around real-life commitments, and they strive to accommodate families' schedules to ensure therapy is accessible and convenient.

By adopting a collaborative approach, Total Care ABA aims to provide comprehensive care and support to children in need of ABA therapy. Their commitment to working closely with families sets them apart and ensures that the therapy process is tailored to each child's unique needs.

ABA Therapy at Total Care ABA

Total Care ABA is committed to providing personalized and evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to help individuals reach their fullest potential. Whether it's a child in need of assistance or an adult seeking self-improvement, Total Care ABA offers comprehensive services tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual.

Personalized Treatment Plans

At Total Care ABA, highly qualified Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) conduct thorough initial assessments to develop personalized treatment plans for children. These plans take into consideration the specific needs of each family and the child's unique skill set. By tailoring the therapy to the individual, Total Care ABA ensures that each child receives the most effective and targeted interventions to support their development.

Parent Training

Total Care ABA recognizes the crucial role parents play in the success of ABA therapy. That's why they offer comprehensive parent training programs. These programs equip parents with the necessary tools and knowledge to integrate therapy goals at home and support their child's progress. By actively involving parents in the therapeutic process, Total Care ABA maximizes the effectiveness and consistency of treatment, leading to better outcomes for the child.

In addition to personalized treatment plans and parent training, Total Care ABA provides benefit checks to help families understand their available resources, insurance coverage status, and any additional costs involved in the therapy process. This transparency ensures that families have a clear understanding of the financial aspects of ABA therapy and can make informed decisions about their child's care.

By offering personalized treatment plans and empowering parents through training, Total Care ABA aims to create a collaborative and supportive environment that promotes the growth and development of individuals receiving ABA therapy.

ABA Therapy Settings

ABA therapy, or Applied Behavior Analysis therapy, can be delivered in different settings based on the individual needs and preferences of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The two primary settings for ABA therapy are center-based therapy and in-home therapy.

Center-Based Therapy

Center-based therapy involves conducting ABA therapy sessions in a specialized center or clinic. These centers are designed to create a structured and supportive environment for children with ASD to receive therapy. Trained ABA therapists work with individuals or small groups of children in a controlled setting.

Center-based therapy offers several advantages. First, it provides a dedicated space equipped with various resources, tools, and materials specifically designed for ABA therapy. This allows therapists to create a structured and tailored environment to address the unique needs of each child.

Furthermore, center-based therapy facilitates social interaction and peer learning opportunities. Children can interact with and learn from their peers who may be going through similar challenges. This setting also allows for group activities that focus on social skills development, fostering communication, and encouraging positive behaviors.

In-Home Therapy

In-home therapy, as offered by Total Care ABA (Total Care ABA), involves ABA therapists conducting individual sessions at the child's home. This setting ensures personalized attention and care for the child in their familiar environment.

In-home therapy offers several benefits. First and foremost, it allows for therapy sessions to be conducted in a setting where the child feels comfortable and safe. This can lead to a more relaxed and effective learning experience.

Additionally, in-home therapy provides opportunities for ABA therapists to work closely with parents and caregivers. They can observe and address specific challenges that may arise within the home environment. By collaborating with parents, therapists can develop strategies to generalize learned skills and behaviors from therapy sessions into real-life situations.

Both center-based therapy and in-home therapy have been shown to be effective in improving social skills, communication skills, and adaptive skills while reducing maladaptive behaviors in children with ASD. The choice of therapy setting depends on the unique needs and preferences of the child and their family. It is important to consult with professionals to determine the most suitable setting for ABA therapy.

Benefits of ABA Therapy

ABA therapy, also known as Applied Behavior Analysis therapy, is widely recognized as one of the most effective treatments for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This evidence-based approach has been extensively researched and endorsed by organizations such as the American Psychological Association and the U.S. Surgeon General. Let's explore the research findings and the role of parental involvement in ABA therapy.

Research Findings

Numerous studies have demonstrated the positive impact of ABA therapy on individuals with autism. One landmark research study conducted by O. Ivar Lovass, Ph.D., in 1987, showed that 90% of children substantially improved following intensive ABA therapy. Remarkably, 47% of these children progressed to the point of becoming indistinguishable from their peers [2].

Furthermore, research has consistently shown that ABA therapy leads to improvements in communication skills, social interactions, adaptive behaviors, and cognitive abilities. The therapy focuses on breaking down complex skills into smaller, manageable steps, allowing individuals with autism to learn and generalize these skills more effectively. The positive outcomes of ABA therapy extend beyond the therapy sessions and have a lasting impact on individuals' daily lives.

Role of Parental Involvement

Parental involvement is a vital component of ABA therapy and plays a significant role in the success and development of children with autism. Research consistently shows that caregiver involvement in ABA therapy is associated with better outcomes for children with autism.

When parents actively participate in the therapy process, they gain a deeper understanding of the principles and techniques used in ABA therapy. This enables them to implement consistent strategies at home, reinforcing the skills learned during therapy sessions. Parental involvement also helps create a more supportive and inclusive environment for the child, promoting their overall well-being.

ABA therapy providers, such as Total Care ABA, recognize the importance of parental involvement. Highly qualified Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) conduct initial assessments to create personalized treatment plans for children, considering each family's needs and the child's skill set [1]. They also provide parent training sessions to equip parents with the knowledge and skills necessary to support their child's progress outside of therapy sessions.

By actively engaging in their child's ABA therapy journey, parents can play a significant role in maximizing the benefits of the therapy and promoting their child's growth and development.

Through extensive research and the invaluable contribution of parents, ABA therapy has proven to be a highly effective and beneficial intervention for individuals with autism. Its evidence-based approach and emphasis on individualized treatment plans and parental involvement make it a cornerstone in supporting the development and well-being of individuals with autism.

Becoming an ABA Therapist

For those interested in pursuing a career in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, there are specific educational and certification requirements to consider. ABA therapists play a vital role in providing support and interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. Let's explore the necessary steps to become an ABA therapist.

Education and Certification

To become an ABA therapist, a bachelor's degree in psychology, education, or a related field is typically required. While various degrees can lead to a career in ABA therapy, a psychology degree is particularly beneficial due to its foundation in behaviorism principles, which underpin ABA therapy [4].

Certification as an ABA therapist involves completing a certification program approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). There are different certification options available, including the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certifications. Each certification has specific requirements related to education, training, and exams.

The time it takes to become an ABA therapist can vary depending on educational background and career goals. Individuals with a psychology degree can start gaining experience as a behavior technician while working towards the BCBA certification. On the other hand, those without a bachelor's degree may require additional years for education and supervised experience. The duration can range from two to six years.

Career Path and Costs

The field of ABA therapy has experienced significant growth in recent years. According to a study by the BACB, there was a 1,942% increase in demand for BCBAs and a 1,098% increase in demand for BCaBAs between 2010 and 2018. The demand for BCBAs increased by 127%, and by 184% for BCaBAs from 2017 to 2018.

When considering the costs of becoming an ABA therapist, it's important to factor in the certification programs and related expenses. The RBT certification program can range from $400 to $2,000, while the BCBA certification program can cost over $10,000. Additional expenses, such as textbooks, exam fees, and continuing education, should also be considered. However, financial assistance and incentives may be available from employers or specific programs.

Embarking on a career as an ABA therapist can be a fulfilling and rewarding path. With the increasing demand for qualified professionals in the field, pursuing the necessary education and certification can provide opportunities for growth and make a positive impact on the lives of individuals with autism and their families.

Preschool Programs for Autism

Preschool programs for autism play a crucial role in providing early intervention and support for children on the autism spectrum. These programs are designed to meet the unique needs of children with autism, creating a nurturing environment that promotes learning and social interaction. By enrolling in a preschool program, children benefit from structured and play-based learning experiences that help develop essential skills in communication, social interaction, and behavior management [6].

Importance of Early Intervention

Research has shown that early intervention is key to improving the long-term outcomes of children with autism. Starting intervention at a young age, such as through enrollment in a preschool program, can have a significant impact on a child's cognitive, communication, and adaptive skills. Preschool programs for autism provide a structured environment that focuses on teaching and reinforcing skills necessary for everyday life. They also support families by providing access to resources and therapies crucial for their child's development.

Selecting a Preschool

When selecting a preschool for a child with autism, parents should consider several key factors. The experience and qualifications of the staff are essential. The teachers and support staff should have a strong understanding of autism spectrum disorders and be trained in evidence-based practices for supporting children with autism [6].

Here are some important factors to consider when selecting a preschool program for a child with autism:

Staff Qualifications: Ensure that the teachers and support staff have the necessary qualifications and expertise in working with children with autism. Look for programs that have a team of professionals trained in applied behavior analysis (ABA) or other evidence-based interventions.
Curriculum and Teaching Approaches: Understand the curriculum and teaching approaches used in the preschool program. Look for programs that offer a structured and individualized approach to meet the specific needs of children with autism.
Support Services and Therapies: Inquire about the support services and therapies offered within the preschool program. These may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, and ABA therapy. Access to these services can greatly enhance a child's development.
Communication with Parents: Many preschool programs for autism offer regular communication about the child's progress. This may include progress reports, parent-teacher meetings, and opportunities for parent involvement in the child's education. Additionally, look for programs that provide parent training sessions on strategies to use at home and access to support groups or counseling services.

Preschool programs for autism typically work with children between the ages of 2 and 5, although some programs may accept children as young as 18 months or work with children up to age 6. These programs usually run for a few hours each day, several days a week, offering half-day or full-day sessions.

By selecting a preschool program that aligns with the unique needs of their child, parents can provide early intervention and support, setting a strong foundation for their child's future development.