Our Approach
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) uses the principles of behavioral psychology to teach socially significant skills to individuals, and it has decades of research showing its effectiveness for improving communication, daily living skills, challenging behavior, and other important areas of life functioning for individuals with ASD and other developmental disabilities.
1. Interest Form
Please complete entire ABA Interest Form via the link (includes insurance verification) in order to begin the process for ABA services.
2. Take A Tour
Upon receiving your ABA Interest Form and Insurance Verification, a member of our team will contact you in order to set up a time to tour our facility and meet with our team to determine if we are the right fit for you.
3. Parent Interview
Our staff (BCBA) will schedule a one-hour interview to discuss your child’s medical history, skill development, behavior issues, and goals prior to the Behavior Assessment. Prior to the interview, our staff will provide you with additional surveys/assessments to complete if necessary.
4. Behavioral Assessment
Our Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will conduct a 4–6 hour assessment of your child using the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP) and other behavior assessment tools. Insurance will cover a portion of the assessment fee; the remainder will be due upon the day of assessment. (Private pay clients will be charged an assessment fee.)
During your child’s assessment, a parent/guardian will meet with the Director of Operations to complete enrollment paperwork & review Enrollment packet including all policies for parents/child.
5. Individualized Treatment Plan
Based on the assessment, our BCBA will create an individualized treatment plan based on your child’s needs. All treatment plans are authorized by your insurance prior to treatment.
6. Review the Assessment Plan
Parents will meet with the BCBA to review the treatment plan. Official start dates and schedule will be determined at this meeting.
7. Feedback
Parents will meet with the BCBA to review the treatment plan. Official start dates and schedule will be determined at this meeting.
Is the Unumb Center a School?
The Unumb Center is not a school, it is a non-profit ABA Therapy Center. Our hours of therapy are from 8:30-3:30. The state of SC requires children between the ages of 6-21 to be enrolled in a home school; public or private school.
How do I know if my child is making progress?
The child’s assigned Program Manager (BCBA/BCaBA) will meet with the caregiver(s) at least once monthly. The purpose of these meetings is to empower parents with knowledge and tools needed to successfully apply ABA techniques at home. This helps to generalize acquired skills, alleviate parental stress, and enhance outcomes for children. Your child’s progress will naturally be discussed in these meetings, and you can always access your child’s data through our data collection platform.
Do you provide after hours communications?
Our practice does NOT provide 24-hour crisis availability. In an emergency, when you are unable to reach us or cannot wait for a returned phone-call/email, please contact the proper emergency room or 911.
How is my child’s number of hours of service determined?
We provide services for the number of hours determined needed for each child as a medical necessity. This will be determined by the BCBA during the assessment. Your child’s schedule will be determined following the assessment & must be adhered to.
Will my child have the same plan as each other child?
Your child will not have the same plan as any other child. While ABA relies on established principles and techniques rooted in behavior science, it is designed to be highly individualized. Effective ABA programs are tailored by Program Managers (BCBA/BCaBA) to meet the unique needs, preferences, and goals of each person receiving services.
What causes autism?
According to the Autism Speaks website, there is no known single cause for autism, although the best available science points to important genetic components.” In the presence of a genetic predisposition to autism, a number of non-genetic, or “environmental,” stresses appear to further increase a child’s risk. The clearest evidence of these autism risk factors involves events before and during birth. It is important to keep in mind that these factors, by themselves, do not cause autism. Rather, in combination with genetic risk factors, they appear to modestly increase risk.”
What are the early warning signs of autism?
Though autism cannot be definitively diagnosed until around 18 to 24 months, research shows that children as young as 8 to 12 months may exhibit early signs. Parents should look for the following symptoms:
What are treatment options for autism?
Scientists agree that the earlier in life a child receives early intervention services, the better the child’s prognosis. All children with autism can benefit from early intervention, and some may gain enough skills to be able to attend mainstream school. As soon as autism is diagnosed, early intervention should begin. Effective programs focus on developing communication, social, and cognitive skills.
