Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for Children and Families

Applied Behavior Analysis, often called ABA, is an evidence-based approach that helps children build communication, social, emotional regulation, and daily living skills. At Laurel Life, ABA is provided as part of Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS), allowing children to receive individualized support in the places where they live, learn, and interact every day.

ABA may support children with autism, developmental delays, communication challenges, difficulty with routines, sensory needs, or behaviors that interfere with learning and daily life.

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What Is ABA Therapy?

Applied Behavior Analysis is a structured approach that helps professionals understand behavior, identify what may be influencing it, and teach new skills in a supportive way.

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ABA focuses on meaningful behavior change. This may include helping a child communicate more clearly, manage emotions, follow routines, build independence, or reduce behaviors that make daily life more difficult.

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At Laurel Life, ABA services are individualized to reflect each child’s strengths, needs, goals, and environment.

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To better understand how ABA fits into Laurel Life’s behavioral health services, read: What Is ABA Therapy and How Is It Used in IBHS?

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Who ABA Can Help

 

ABA may benefit children and adolescents who need support with:

• Communication and language skills

• Social interaction and play

• Emotional regulation

• Transitions and changes in routine

• Attention and participation

• Daily living and adaptive skills

• Behaviors that interfere with learning, safety, or relationships

• Autism spectrum disorder or developmental delays

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For a closer look at how ABA can support children with autism, developmental delays, communication needs, and daily living skills, read How ABA Therapy Supports Children with Autism and Developmental Delays.

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For families who are unsure whether their child may need more structured support, Laurel Life also offers Intensive Behavioral Health Services for children and adolescents who need help in the home, school, daycare, or community.

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Skills ABA Can Support

 

ABA intervention can help children and families build meaningful skills over time. Depending on the child’s needs, ABA may focus on helping children:

• Increase language, communication, play, and social skills

• Decrease challenging behaviors that interfere with learning or daily life

• Reduce ritualistic or self-injurious behaviors

• Increase attention and participation

• Improve adaptive and daily living skills

• Build independence across everyday routines

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The goal is to help children use these skills in real-life settings, not just during therapy sessions.

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How ABA Works at Laurel Life

 

ABA services begin with an assessment to better understand the child’s strengths, needs, behaviors of concern, and daily environments.

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As a first step, the Behavior Analyst or Behavior Consultant-ABA may complete a Functional Behavioral Assessment, also called an FBA. This assessment helps the team understand why certain behaviors may be happening and what skills may need to be taught.

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Based on the assessment, the clinician develops an individualized treatment plan. This plan may include goals related to communication, coping, social interaction, independence, emotional regulation, or daily routines.

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Progress is reviewed regularly, and the treatment plan is updated as the child grows, develops new skills, and demonstrates new areas of need.

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ABA Treatment Team

 

ABA services are delivered by a team of trained professionals who work together to support the child and family. Services may include support from a Behavior Analyst, Behavior Consultant-ABA, Assistant Behavior Consultant-ABA, and Behavioral Health Technician-ABA.

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Behavior Analyst

 

The Behavior Analyst is a board-certified professional who specializes in ABA treatment. The Behavior Analyst may serve as the lead clinician on the treatment team and focuses on assessment, data collection, treatment planning, and monitoring progress.

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Behavior Consultant-ABA

 

The Behavior Consultant-ABA is a master’s-level clinician who develops and revises the individualized treatment plan and assessment. Their work may include data collection, behavioral skills training, modeling interventions, observing behavior change strategies, and collaborating with the treatment team.

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To learn more about this role, read What Does an ABA Behavior Consultant Do? 

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Assistant Behavior Consultant-ABA

 

The Assistant Behavior Consultant-ABA works with the Behavior Analyst and/or Behavior Consultant-ABA to collect data, update the treatment plan and assessment, model interventions, and provide support to the treatment team.

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Behavioral Health Technician-ABA

 

The Behavioral Health Technician-ABA provides direct one-on-one support with the child. They help teach, model, and support the transfer of skills to the child and treatment team, including parents, guardians, school staff, daycare staff, and other natural supports.

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Where ABA Sessions Take Place

 

ABA sessions take place in the child’s natural environments, such as the home, school, daycare, or community. This allows children to practice skills in the places where they are most needed.

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Each child’s ABA services are based on their individual prescription and treatment plan. The frequency of ABA sessions depends on the child’s needs, goals, and recommended level of care.

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ABA, IBHS, and Sprouts at Laurel Life

 

At Laurel Life, ABA is provided as part of Intensive Behavioral Health Services, also known as IBHS. This allows children to receive behavioral support in real-life environments such as the home, school, daycare, and community.

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ABA is also an important part of Sprouts, Laurel Life’s ABA-focused kindergarten readiness program in Chambersburg. Through Sprouts, young children can practice communication, social interaction, emotional regulation, classroom routines, and daily living skills in a supportive early learning environment.

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Families interested in early childhood support can learn more about Sprouts Kindergarten Readiness Program.

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Funding and Eligibility

 

At Laurel Life, ABA is provided as a form of Intensive Behavioral Health Services funded through Pennsylvania Medical Assistance. Individuals must be enrolled in PA Medical Assistance to qualify.

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Additional coverage through commercial insurance varies by plan. Please contact Laurel Life to determine if we accept your insurance.

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Helpful ABA Articles for Parents and Caregivers

 

Understanding ABA can help families feel more confident when choosing support for their child. These articles explain how Applied Behavior Analysis works, how it is used within IBHS, and how ABA can help children build meaningful skills in everyday life.

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Learn More About ABA

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What Is ABA Therapy and How Is It Used in IBHS?
Learn what ABA therapy is, how it supports behavior change, and how ABA is used as part of Intensive Behavioral Health Services.

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How ABA Therapy Supports Children with Autism and Developmental Delays 
Explore how ABA can help children strengthen communication, emotional regulation, social interaction, independence, and daily living skills.

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What Does an ABA Behavior Consultant Do?
Learn how an ABA Behavior Consultant supports children and families by identifying behavior patterns, developing treatment strategies, and monitoring progress.

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Related IBHS Resources

 

What is IBHS? A Guide for Parents and Schools
Understand how Intensive Behavioral Health Services support children in the home, school, daycare, and community.

 

Signs Your Child May Benefit from IBHS
Review common signs that a child may need more structured behavioral support.

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What Happens Before, During, and After an IBHS Referral 
Learn what families can expect during the IBHS referral, assessment, and treatment planning process.

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How Can We Help?

 

If you are interested in learning more about ABA services at Laurel Life, our team can help answer your questions and guide you through the form below.​

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Operations Report 2022-2023 (002).pdf - Google Drive​​

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