School-Age ABA Therapy
Early intervention sets the foundation for lifelong learning and growth. Our program is designed to support young children diagnosed with autism and behavioral disorders during their most critical developmental years. We combine the science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with a compassionate, child-led approach to help your child build essential skills in a way that feels natural and engaging.
What Does School-Age ABA Therapy Involve?
Our school-age ABA therapy programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of each child, focusing on developing essential skills for everyday success. Therapy sessions are structured to address a wide range of goals, including communication, social skills, adaptive behavior, and academic readiness.
Using evidence-based strategies, our highly trained therapists work one-on-one with children in environments that promote learning and positive reinforcement.
Building Skills for Academic and Life Success
The classroom environment requires a complex set of skills. Our therapy focuses on strengthening the abilities your child needs to thrive, including:
- Improved attention
- Classroom participation
- Organization
- Planning
- Flexible thinking
Beyond academics, we teach practical problem-solving, emotional regulation, and coping strategies that empower your child to manage daily routines and challenges with greater independence.
Collaboration With Schools and Teachers
We believe in a team-based approach. With your consent, our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) coordinate directly with your child's school, teachers, and other service providers. This collaboration ensures our goals align with their Individualized Education Program (IEP) and that the strategies we use are reinforced in the classroom.
By sharing progress summaries and providing insights, we help create a consistent and supportive network that improves your child’s success in any educational setting.
Individualized Behavior Support
Understanding the "why" behind a behavior is the first step toward creating positive change.
- Our clinicians conduct Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) to identify the root cause of challenging behaviors.
- From there, we develop a personalized Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) that is strength-based and proactive.
Instead of just managing behaviors, we focus on explicitly teaching and practicing effective replacement skills and coping strategies, giving your child better tools to navigate difficult situations.
Developing Real-World Skills
Learning extends far beyond the therapy room. We prioritize community-based instruction and practical training to ensure your child can thrive in any environment.
Our program focuses on:
- Real-World Application: Helping your child apply skills in settings like grocery stores, parks, and restaurants.
- Essential Safety: Teaching pedestrian safety and an understanding of personal boundaries.
- Daily Independence: Building autonomy through hygiene routines, completing chores, and managing homework.
Fostering Social Skills and Friendships
Meaningful social connections are vital for a child’s well-being. Our program provides structured opportunities for peer interaction, including social groups and paired sessions. Therapists guide children through the nuances of conversation, turn-taking, and understanding others' perspectives.
By developing friendship skills in a supportive environment, we help your child build confidence and find greater enjoyment in their social world.
Enhancing Communication and Self-Advocacy
A strong voice is a powerful tool. Our therapy works to expand your child’s functional language and conversational abilities. We also teach critical self-advocacy skills, empowering your child to ask for help, express their preferences, and navigate social and academic expectations on their own terms.
For children who use AAC devices, we provide support to ensure they can communicate effectively in any situation.
School-Age ABA Therapy FAQs
How is school-age ABA different from early intervention?
School-age ABA focuses on skills relevant to older children, such as advanced social skills, executive functions (planning, organization), academic support, and greater independence in community settings. While the principles of ABA are the same, the goals and methods are adapted for the developmental needs of a school-age child.
Will ABA therapy interfere with my child’s school day?
We design our therapy schedules to complement, not compete with, your child’s education. Our collaboration with schools is intended to support their learning during school hours.
My child's main struggle is making friends. How can you help?
We can create a specialized plan focused on social skills. This often includes structured social groups with peers where we teach and practice conversation, sharing, and understanding social cues. We focus on building genuine friendship skills in a way that feels natural and supportive for your child.
How do you measure success for a school-age child?
Success is measured by data and real-world observation. We continuously monitor progress toward specific, individualized goals aligned with your family’s priorities. Success might look like your child completing homework independently, joining a conversation at the playground, or managing their frustration in a healthy way. We provide transparent communication about their growth every step of the way.
Can this program help with my child's executive functioning skills?
Yes. A significant part of our school-age program is dedicated to building executive functions. We use ABA strategies to teach skills like planning long-term projects, organizing a backpack, staying on task, and adapting to changes in routine.
Get Your Child Comprehensive ABA Autism Therapy with Support from Specialists Near You
Our program is designed to nurture your child's independence, confidence, and essential life skills through evidence-based strategies and personalized support. Request an appointment online today or call Catalyst Behavior Solutions in Florida, Minnesota, South Dakota, Texas, and Utah at (866) 569-7395. We are committed to helping your child reach their full potential in every way.
