What We Do | Behavioral Analysis

Services Provided

Comprehensive ABA Services for ages 18 months to 22 year olds

There is not a single answer to a specific question about your child that can be given without an assessment first being conducted. Every situation requires careful consideration of the potential multiple factors involved and detailed planning to pinpoint the most important behaviors to either increase or decrease. Through my extensive experience, ability to change methods on the fly if something is not working, and my ability to adapt materials and resources in order to meet your child where they learn best, your child will grow and exceed expectations at Sunrise.

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Formal Assessments

Formal assessments in Applied Behavior Analysis are structured tools used to evaluate an individual’s behaviors, skills, and learning potential. These assessments help to develop tailored treatment plans with individualized treatment goals and ensure interventions are based on measurable data.

Stands for "Functional Behavior Assessment"

Identifies the purpose or function of problem behaviors (e.g., escape, attention, sensory), helping to create effective interventions.

Assessment Age Range: All individuals will receive an FBA during the initial assessment process.

Besides the previously listed assessments, there are a variety of other tools that could potentially be used dependent on the individual's specific set of skills and deficits.

Younger Population: VB-MAPP (Focus on language, social, and academic skills), or CARS (Focus on maladaptive behaviors, social interaction, and communication skills)

Older Population: AFLS (Focus on basic living, home, school, and community skills), or CSA (Focus on assessing functional life skills)

1:1 Direct ABA Therapy

The primary goal of 1:1 ABA therapy is to increase functional skills and reduce problematic behaviors by using highly individualized, evidence-based strategies. It’s often conducted in short sessions, but the frequency and duration can vary based on the individual’s needs.

Referred to as D.T.T.

Highly structured teaching method where the therapist provides a prompt (e.g. verbal prompt would be "clean up") and rewards individual for attempts or correct responses

Trials are always associated with an individualized reward system that promotes both effort and accuracy, such as a token board or point system.

Frequent breaks are given so that the individual does not become overwhelmed and motivation can remain high for more difficult tasks.

The therapist may use prompts to help the individual perform a desired behavior

Prompts can range from hands-on via physical redirections to less intrusive prompts such as verbal or visual cues.

There will ALWAYS be a focus to move away from more restrictive prompt to less restrictive prompts (e.g. requiring a physical prompt to only needing to see a picture) as to ensure maximum independence for the individuals.

Also known as Natural Environment Teaching or N.E.T.

Loosely structured teaching method where the therapist follows the lead of the individual and delivers instructions based on that individuals actions (e.g. child starts rolling cars and therapist attempts to have child go "vroom vroom")

Teaching skills in more natural settings, like at home or during play, so the individual can generalize what they've learned to real-life situations.

Positive reinforcement is when something is added to the environment in order to increase a specific behavior, such as giving stickersto a child to increase the amount of time a child sits in a chair appropriately.

When Positive Reinforcement is applied correctly (immediate, specific, and varied), it is more effective long-term at causing behavior change than punishment.

Positive reinforcement has been shown through research to builds Self-Esteem, fosters Independence, and strengthens relationships

Parent Training

Parent training in ABA involves teaching parents how to implement behavior interventions and strategies at home to support their child’s development. The goal is to empower parents to support their child’s progress and maintain a positive, structured environment at home.

There will be weekly hourly meetings between the BCBA and legal guardians, and the components of ABA will be reviewed and discussed.

Parents/Guardians spend the most amount of time with individuals who need ABA, and it is crucial that the parent has a broad understanding of what ABA consists of.

Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, is the primary form of therapy done between the therapist and client, and requires consistency beyond therapy sessions.

Social Skills Groups

Social skills training in ABA focuses on teaching individuals, especially those with autism, how to interact appropriately with others in various social situations. The goal is to improve social interactions, build relationships, and increase independence in social environments.

Teaching Non-Verbal skills like making eye contact, sign language, using pictures (PECS), and using AAC devices (iPad, GoTalk, etc.) to communicate with peers.

Teaching Verbal Skills such as taking turns in conversation, using appropriate greetings, tacting, and verbalizing wants and needs appropriately.

BCBA Supervision

Comprehensive BCBA supervision will be provided to ensure high-quality 1:1 therapy delivered by Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). Our supervision model emphasizes effective treatment implementation, skill-building strategies, behavior-reduction procedures, and compassionate, client-centered care. Through direct observation, performance feedback, and ongoing collaboration, we support RBTs in delivering consistent, meaningful progress for each client. Supervision is available both in person and through secure telehealth sessions.

Sunrise Autism will provide weekly direct observations of the Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTS) in order to provide feedback and ensure the highest quality of ABA is being delivered.

Direct observations will allow the BCBA to give real-time and post-session feedback, helping therapists refine their skills to meet professional standards.

Direct observations ensure the therapists are not just learning ABA in theory, but that they are applying ABA correctly in real-world settings with expert guidance.

BCBAs will review cases on an on-going basis to ensure that progress is being made by the client and if not, make clinical decisions to modify the treatment plan as necessary.

Sunrise Autism firmly believes that if progress is not being achieved, it is never at the fault of the client, but rather the treatment plan being implemented.

Reviewing the case involves checking in with the RBT, analyzing the data, and updating goals to ensure progress is consistently being made.

There will be 3 ways to help therapists prepare for sessions and for the BCBA to provide feedback:
- Company Trainings
  - Weekly Trainings covering a comprehensive list of ABA terminology
- Real-time feedback
  - Feedback will be provided during Direct Observations from the BCBA, either in-person or, if appropriate for the client, via Zoom.
- Post-Session Feedback
  - RBT's will be scored on their performance using a supervision feedback form and will be used as monthly reviews to help build ABA skills

Therapists (RBTs) at Sunrise Autism will receive on-going training to ensure they are complying with all BCBA standards and aware of any current changes. (Trainings will be held to review any revisions)

For those RBTs looking to obtain their BCBA certification, Sunrise Autism will provide supervised fieldwork hours, both direct and indirect hours, as part of your employment.

For indirect hours, there will be opportunities to engage in research (specifically application of Virtual Reality) and potentially present at ABA conferences held throughout the year.

Data Collection

In ABA, data is the foundation of progress. By tracking behaviors and skills, we can see what's working and more importantly, what is not working. We can adjust teaching strategies moment to moment, add and subtract programs as necessary, and celebrate minor milestones along the way towards independence.

Here are a few examples of how we collect data for Skill Acquisition:
- Permanent Product
  - How? We measure the results of a task, like completed homework or cleaning up room.
  - Why? Lets us track independence in daily living social skills and academic skills.
- Task Analysis
  - How? We break down skills that require many steps, like brushing teeth, into smaller steps and track progress on each one.
  - Why? Ensures children learn complex life skills step by step.
- Percentage of Correct Responses
  - How? We measure the percentage of correct attempts against the total number of attempts.
  - Why? Allows us to track progression and regression for all skills.

Here are a few examples of how we collect data for Behavior Management:
- Frequency Recording
  - How? We count how many times a behavior happens (e.g. cursing or hitting others)
  - Why? Helps us measure growth in communication, social skills, or reducing problem behaviors
- Duration Recording
  - How? We track how long a behavior lasts (e.g. tantrum)
  - Why? Helps us see improvements in attention span or decreases in challenging behaviors
- Interval Recording
  - How? We check if a behavior occurs or does not occur during a specific time interval
  - Why? Helps us check if a behavior is occurring more or less certain specific time periods.

Guides Treatment Decisions
- Data helps guide treatment plans to fit every client's unique needs.
- If something is not working, data quickly shows us so we can adjust teaching strategies.
Measures Progress Objectively
- It ensures all decisions made in therapy are evidence-based, scientific, individualized, and effective.
- Data shows whether or not your child is learning new skills or reducing challenging behaviors.
Deeper Understanding of Behavior Patterns
- Helps us understand WHY behaviors are happening.
- This helps us teach positive alternatives and prevent future challenges.
Supports Collaboration with Parents
- Parents will be able to see real, objective evidence of their child's progress.
- Parents can see real changes over time and feel confident in the therapy process.

Data will be collected and stored using 2 main methods:
- Online Data Collection Program
  - An ABA practice management software will be utilized in order to create goals, collect data, update goals/targets, and keep the data stored.
  - This software can be utilized by smartphones, giving ease of access to both RBTs and families
  - Families will be able to view progress and prepare any questions they may have for the BCBA.
- Paper and Pen Data/Folders
  - Program Sheets will be created for each client for easy data collection by the RBT
  - Individual folders will be created for each client, where data sheets and program materials will be stored and accessed by the RBT

Virtual Reality

At Sunrise Autism, we are committed to leveraging modern technology to help every learner thrive. One way to achieve this will be to incorporate evidence-based virtual reality (VR) tools to enhance learning, engagement, and real-world skill development. VR allows clients to safely practice social interactions, daily living skills, and emotional regulation in immersive, customizable environments. Guided by our BCBAs, VR sessions create meaningful opportunities for repetition, confidence-building, and generalization—all within a fun, supportive therapeutic experience.

Enhanced Skill Practice
- VR environments allow clients to rehearse social skills, safety scenarios, and daily living tasks in a safe, controlled, and repeatable setting.
Increased Engagement
- Immersive VR experiences help boost attention, motivation, and participation, making therapy more enjoyable and effective.
Real-World Generalization
- By simulating real-life situations, VR supports smoother transitions from practice to real-world application.
Data-Driven Supervision
- BCBAs can monitor progress, adjust programs, and provide precise feedback using detailed data collected within VR activities.

Who can participate?
- VR sessions can be adjusted for sensory needs, skill level, and therapeutic goals, allowing people with varying needs to access VR as a therapeutic tool. A brief assessment will be conducted to see who can participate.
Does VR replace traditional ABA?
- No. The programs utilized in VR are designed to enhance—not replace—direct instruction and real-world practice.
How can I find out more about VR?
- The application of VR in ABA is a newer concept, however there are some companies ahead of the curve. Check out Floreo.com to see examples of programs created for VR and to learn more about how it all works.

Social Skills Training
- VR creates realistic social scenarios—such as conversations, classroom settings, or community interactions—allowing clients to practice skills with guidance from a BCBA.
Daily Living & Safety Skills
- Clients can rehearse everyday tasks (crossing the street, grocery shopping, navigating public spaces) in a safe, controlled environment before applying them in real life.
Emotional Regulation & Coping
- VR environments can simulate calming spaces or mild stress-inducing scenarios, helping clients learn coping strategies, self-regulation techniques, and emotional awareness.

Community Outings

Community outings give clients the opportunity to practice real-world skills in everyday environments with the support of their BCBA and therapy team. These outings help build communication, social interaction, safety awareness, and independence by applying ABA-based strategies outside the clinic or home. Whether visiting a store, navigating a park, attending sensory-friendly events, ordering at a restaurant, etc., community outings create meaningful opportunities for growth, confidence, and successful generalization of learned skills.

Social Skills
- Ordering Food at Restaurant, Practicing Greetings with Cashiers and Peers, Conversational Skills with Others, Practicing Self-Advocacy, etc.
Life Skills
- Grocery Shopping, Riding Public Transportation, Visiting a Park or Museum, Attending Movies, Navigating Community Routines, etc.
Safety Skills
- Using Crosswalks, Following Directions in Public, Interactions with Law Enforcement, Fire Drills, Recognizing Safe vs. Danger Situations, etc.

Transportation
- Families will be asked to provide their own transportation to and from Community Outings. In the future, Sunrise Autism will be able to provide transportation for all families to and from Community Outings.

Safety Concerns
- Planned Community Outings will take all safety factors into consideration. For example, any outings to a park would be held at an enclosed location away from public streets to ensure extra safety for clients who may attempt to leave the area.

Real-World Skill Building
- Helps clients practice communication, social behaviors, and daily living skills in natural environments.

Generalization of ABA Skills
- Supports the transfer of learned skills from clinic/home settings to real-life situations.

Increased Independence & Confidence
- Builds familiarity and comfort with community settings, improving safety and self-advocacy.

Services Provided

Formal Assessments

1:1 Direct ABA Therapy

Parent Training

Social Skills Groups

BCBA Supervision

Data Collection

Virtual Reality

Community Outings

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Sunrise Autism

Where Each Day is a New Beginning

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