What is ABA?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based therapy that supports children with autism and other developmental differences in building meaningful skills.

ABA focuses on increasing helpful behaviors, reducing behaviors that interfere with learning, and strengthening communication, social interaction, emotional regulation, and independence.

At Kinnect, ABA therapy is individualized, structured, and family-centered.

1. Evidence-Based Practice: ABA is grounded in decades of research and is widely recognized as an effective intervention for individuals with autism and related developmental differences. Treatment decisions are guided by measurable data and ongoing progress monitoring.

2. Behavior Modification: The core of ABA involves identifying and modifying behaviors. This includes increasing positive behaviors (such as communication and social skills) and reducing negative behaviors (such as tantrums and aggression) through reinforcement strategies.

3. Individualized Approach: No two children are the same. ABA programs are tailored to each child’s strengths, challenges, and family priorities. Goals are developed collaboratively with caregivers and supervised by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs).

4. Skill Development: ABA therapy supports the development of:

• Communication and language skills
• Social interaction
• Emotional regulation
• Daily living and independence skills
• Play and school-readiness abilities

6. Behavior Support: ABA helps children replace behaviors that interfere with learning with functional, appropriate alternatives through structured teaching and positive reinforcement strategies to develop new habits for long-term success.

5. Data Collection and Analysis: Continuous monitoring and data collection are vital components of ABA. By systematically measuring progress, our therapists can make informed decisions and adjust interventions to maximize effectiveness to ensure meaningful, measurable growth.

•  Assessment & goal-setting: We begin with a comprehensive review of your child’s strengths, challenges and family priorities.
• Individualized interventions: Based on assessment, we design a personalized plan incorporating discrete trial training (DTT), natural environment teaching (NET) and verbal behaviour (VB) strategies.
• Family involvement: Caregivers receive training and support so that skills learned in therapy can be reinforced in everyday routines at home.
• Progress monitoring: Programs are continuously reviewed and adjusted based on data, progress, and family feedback.

Kinnect offers a structured Medicaid ABA program with the following format:

• Center-based services only
• 3 hours per day
• 12-week program
• No after-school or long-term Medicaid services

Following completion of the 12-week program, families receive weekly virtual parent coaching for 6 months to support continued progress at home. To learn more about Insurance and payment information for ABA therapy, speech therapy, and private pay services at Kinnect in Port Orchard and Fife click below