What Is Applied Behavioral Analysis?
About Autism
When someone, like a friend or teacher, suggests that your child may have autism, or if you have your own concerns, it’s common to be filled with questions….we are here to answer your questions
Contact Us
Common Questions:
Autism, also called autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a condition that lasts throughout a person’s life. It affects the brain and how it develops, so it’s considered neurological and developmental. Signs of autism usually show up before a child is 2 years old. Autism can impact an individual’s ability to learn, communicate, behave, and interact with others socially.
The cause of autism is not known for certain, but research suggests that both genetics and environmental factors may play a role. Autism can affect children of any gender, race, ethnicity, or economic background.
Autism can be identified and diagnosed as early as 18 months of age or even younger. However, a diagnosis is generally more reliable when the child is 2 years old or older. It is important to note that many children may not receive a diagnosis until they are older, including during their teenage years or even as adults.
About 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism (CDC ADDM Network, 2020).
Autism signs vary, but some common ones are:
Social Communication and Interactions:
- Doesn’t respond to name (by 9 months)
- Struggles to adjust behavior in social situations
- Little or inconsistent eye contact
- Doesn’t share interests with others (by 15 months)
- Doesn’t join or notice other children playing (by 36 months)
Restricted or Repetitive Behaviors:
- Gets upset with minor routine changes
- Lines up toys or follows repetitive patterns
- Repeats words/phrases or echoes others
- Engages in repetitive motor movements like hand flapping or spinning
Other Related Characteristics:
- Speech and listening skill delays
- Unusual eating and sleeping patterns
- Unexpected emotional reactions
- Too much or not enough levels of fear
Autism lasts a lifetime, but early treatment makes a difference. Studies reveal that behavioral approaches and starting treatment as early as possible can result in the best outcomes.
About ABA
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy is an effective method to help individuals learn important skills and reduce challenging behaviors. It is commonly used for autism treatment but can benefit people with various conditions.
Comprehensive vs Focused Treatment ABA Therapy
Paragon Autism Services, LLC offers both comprehensive and focused treatment models. Comprehensive ABA therapy services and focused ABA therapy services are two different approaches to treatment. Here’s a comparison:

Comprehensive ABA Therapy Services
Scope
Covers a broad range of skill areas and targets various domains like communication, socialization, behavior reduction, academics, and daily living skills.
Intensity
Involves a higher number of direct therapy hours per week (30 to 40 hours plus indirect supervision and caregiver training) for more consistent and frequent intervention.
Duration
Provided over an extended period, ranging from several months to years.
Individualization
Treatment plans are highly personalized based on individual strengths, challenges, and goals, with ongoing adjustments based on assessment and data analysis.
Collaboration
Involves collaboration with family, school personnel, and other service providers for a coordinated approach.

Focused ABA Therapy Services
Scope
Concentrates on specific skill areas or behaviors, concentrating on current challenges or barriers.
Intensity
This typically involves fewer therapy hours per week (10 to 25 hours), focusing on specific goals in a concentrated manner.
Duration
Often implemented for a shorter period, but it depends on the complexity of the goals and progress made.
Individualization
Treatment plans are highly personalized based on individual strengths, challenges, and goals, with ongoing adjustments based on assessment and data analysis. However, these treatment plans are typically centered around current challenges or barriers.
Collaboration
Collaboration with stakeholders still occurs, but the focus is more concentrated on the targeted goals.
Which therapy should I use?
Both comprehensive and focused ABA therapy services have their advantages and are chosen based on the individual’s needs, goals, and available resources. The decision between the two approaches depends on the assessment of needs and desired outcomes of the intervention. However, research has consistently shown that comprehensive ABA therapy tends to yield the greatest long-term benefits for individuals receiving treatment. The intensive and comprehensive nature of this approach, which includes targeting multiple skill areas and providing a higher number of therapy hours per week, contributes to its effectiveness.
Several studies have demonstrated that individuals who undergo comprehensive ABA therapy for an extended period experience significant and lasting improvements in various domains of functioning. These improvements often extend beyond the duration of therapy, leading to enhanced independence, better quality of life, and increased success in academic and social settings.

Quick Links

Let’s Talk.
Let us know how our team can help support you! Contact us with any questions or to apply for services in Virginia.
Contact Info
Follow us on Social: