What is ABA?
ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis.
ABA focuses on helping individuals (commonly with Autism) acquire socially important skills such as communication and independent living. This ranges from developing initial speech skills to teaching perspective-taking and empathy. ABA is also used to reduce maladaptive behavior focusing not just on decreasing a behavior but replacing the behavior with new ways of communicating.
ABA is most often used to help individuals with Autism (as is the case at Western) though it is important to know that ABA can also be used to address issues outside of this diagnosis and in a variety of settings. For example, ABA is used to increase productivity in corporate work places, as well as support rehabilitation programs within prison systems.
Is ABA the only option for my child? How do I know ABA is right for my family?
There are multiple therapies for children who have disabilities. ABA is one of the few therapies that is "evidence based", meaning that there have been years of scientific research documenting its success and fine-tuning the procedures.
ABA commonly focuses on increasing communication and independent living skills as well as decreasing maladaptive behaviors such as non-compliance, demand avoidance, and refusal.
The following resources outline the different options for therapy, as well as treatments that are considered evidence-based and not evidence-based
What services/programs do you offer in your ABA Clinic?
Our ABA Clinic houses three programs described below. Services are provide Monday thru Friday for 15-30 hours per week, depending upon a child needs. We currently do not provide in-home services on their own. We do provide in-home services and parent training as part of these services:
Early intervention: Located at our Tualatin clinic, this service helps children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old who struggle with language development, independent skills, daily living skills, social skills, feeding, and behavior problems.
Intensive Behavior Unit: Also housed in our Tualatin office, this program is designed for children and teens for reducing severe problem behaviors (aggression, self-injury, property destruction) and increasing communication and independence skills.
This facility is specially equipped to safely handle severe behavior. The program is best suited for individuals with social, behavioral, and/or language challenges that make it difficult to leave the home or attend school full time.
After School Program: Currently on hold due to COVID-19.
Meet the staff
For a list of our staff, please click here
All of our Case Managers are BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analysts) and LBAs (Licensed Behavior Analysts). Our BCBAs have all successfully completed their 1500 hours supervision and passed their certification exam and are licensed to work in the state of Oregon. All of our BCBAs have multiple years of experience working in ABA and bring a daily energy and excitement to their work with clients.
What insurances cover ABA services?
Most private insurances in Oregon now cover ABA services. We are currently serving families on the following health plans: Kaiser, Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield, Health Share (Oregon Health Plan), Oregon Medicaid Fee for Services (also known as DMAP), Cigna, Providence, and Optum.
How do I start services?
We currently have a short waitlist for all of our programs that ranges from 1-6 months. If you are interested in being added to the waitlist or to speak with someone about our program, contact our Referral Coordinator at OR-ABAServices@LifeStance.com, call our location at 503-612-1000 option 6, or complete the "Contact Me" form on our website.
