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Our Services
Wellspring specializes in behavioral intervention for young children with autism. Our expertise is in treating child behavior problems associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Asperger's Syndrome and other developmental disabilities. Child behavior disorders are manageable with the right treatment plan. Using effective learning strategies, positive behavior change can be achieved for any child that has issues with tantrums, aggressive behaviors, self-injury and much more. Once your child learns more appropriate ways of acting, you'll feel more confident in participating in outings or activities that include the whole family and your child will feel empowered, too.
What is the science behind what we do?
Wellspring treats autistic behaviors and other child behavior problems using a scientifically proven method, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), to teach children essential social skills and to decrease behavior problems. ABA is a systematic approach that promotes positive, healthy conduct in children while reducing and preventing undesired behaviors. Our staff will observe, identify, explain, and attempt to predict your child's behavior using functional behavior analysis. Autistic behaviors can vary in children and therefore it is it is crucial to assess each child as an individual. Once a child has been assessed, a child behavior modification plan can be put into place.
Hundreds of published research studies have documented the effectiveness of ABA as among the most reliable treatments applied to children diagnosed with autism and other developmental disorders. It is the only recommended treatment methodology by the:
- U.S. Surgeon General
- Association for Science in Autism Treatment
- New York State Department of Health
Research studies have shown numerous benefits to enrolling a child into an ABA program as early as possible. The earlier your child receives services, the better the results will be over the long term. This approach has been proven to generate behavior change that lasts. Behavior modification for children can be achieved with the right approach.
Summary of Our Services
School-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Group Parent Training
Functional Behavior Assessment
In-home Parent Consultation
Behavior Respite
Home-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
One of our Behavior Analysts will work face-to-face with your child to promote positive behaviors and to reduce and prevent undesired behaviors. This is a highly-structured instructional program that uses what a child likes to teach them. Our Analyst will use your daily family routine to provide training to your child on how to best behave in everyday situations. This may include modeling, role playing, or various other learning methods.
How does this all work for my child?
For the initial consultation, your Behavior Analyst will gather information on problematic behavior and details surround that behavior - the frequency, where it occurs, when it occurs, etc. Your Behavior Analyst may meet with important people in your child's life, such as friends, babysitters, teachers, and relatives to get an understanding of how they behave within a variety of relationships. Also, they will schedule a time to observe your child to personally witness the problematic behavior.
Once they have gathered enough information, your Behavior Analyst will complete an entire behavioral assessment on your child's behavior. This assessment will include what factors influence the problematic behaviors and what factors are reinforcing them to continue. Based on the findings in the assessment, your Behavior Analyst will make recommendations and potential treatment strategies that will be reviewed with your family.
Once the treatment strategy has been agreed upon, your Behavior Analyst will draft a Behavior Invention Plan that outlines the approach to improve your child's behavior. As part of this plan, the Behavior Analyst will teach you techniques necessary to help ensure your child's success.
After the behavior plan starts, you will monitor any changes in your child. If you are not satisfied with the rate of improvement, your Behavior Analyst can revise the plan. Especially in the complex area of Autism, it is necessary to try several approaches to see what works best with your child and your family.
Behaviors that are considered harmful are the first priority in behavioral change. Below are some behavior problems Wellspring has experience in successfully decreasing.
Common Behavior Problems- self-injurious behavior
- aggression
- tantrums
- property destruction
- non-compliance
- elopement
After the behavior problems are reduced, the focus can shift to dealing with other aspects of behavior change, such as improving communication and social interaction.
Skills that can be acquired- self-help skills - (ex: feeding, toileting, dressing, grooming)
- social skills - (ex: accepting, eye contact, sitting and attention skills)
- play skills - (ex: turn taking, sharing, joining/initiating play, imaginary play, and games with rule)
- language development - (ex: conversation skills, following instructions, and requesting)
United States Surgeon General (1999). Mental health: A report of the Surgeon General. Washington, DC: Author.
Applied Behavior Analysis. retrieved from Association for Science in Autism Treatment Web site: http://www.asatonline.org/resources/treatments/applied.htm
New York State Department of Health, Early Intervention Program. (1999). Clinical practice guideline: The guideline technical report. Autism/ pervasive developmental disorders, assessment and intervention for young children (Age 0-3 Years). Albany, NY: Author.
