Applied Behavior Analysis Program

Program launching June 2008

Background

The Applied Behavior Analysis Program is a highly specialized program focused on providing behavioral therapy to individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities who display challenging behaviors using an applied behavior analysis (ABA) approach. 

While challenging behaviors can be observed among typically-functioning individuals, the prevalence among individuals with developmental disabilities is more than three times greater.  In addition, the occurrence of these behaviors can greatly interfere with academic, adaptive and social functioning.  Over the past 2 ½ decades, applied behavior analysis has been demonstrated to be the most effective approach to increase adaptive behavior and decrease inappropriate behavior in this at-risk population.

General Overview

The Applied Behavior Analysis Program provides ABA-based, empirically validated assessment and treatment services that address severe problem behaviors such as

• self-injurious behavior,
• physical aggression, and
• property destruction. 

Initially, functional behavior assessment(s) are conducted to identify the variables maintaining the problem behavior(s).  These results subsequently guide the development of individualized behavioral interventions focused on decreasing the problem behavior while increasing appropriate and adaptive behavior.  Throughout the assessment and treatment process objective behavioral data (i.e., direct observation) are collected by trained clinicians in the clinic, home, and/or school.  The evaluation of treatment efficacy is conducted using single-subject designs and continuous examination / visual inspection of the data.  All behavioral assessments and interventions are empirically based.

Services

On average, each service last for approximately 16 weeks, though less or additional time may be needed.  The frequency of visits is generally greater during the initial weeks of each service and systematically decreased over time.

Behavioral Consultation

Provides consultation to parents, teachers, and residential facilities for children with emerging or minimally disruptive behavior problems. Descriptive analyses are conducted to develop hypotheses regarding the variables maintaining problem behavior.  This service is provided in the home, residential setting, school, and/or at WIHD.

Behavioral Treatment

Provides individualized analog/experimental behavioral analyses, intervention, and training services for children with behavior problems (e.g., self-injurious behavior, physical aggression, property destruction, etc.) on a weekly basis from 2 to 6 hours per week. This service is provided in the home, residential setting, school, and/or at WIHD.

Intensive Behavioral Treatment

Provides individualized analog/experimental behavioral analyses, intervention, and training services for children with severe behavior problems (e.g., self-injurious behavior, physical aggression, property destruction, pica, etc.) that pose an imminent risk for injury.  Clients receiving the intensive service participate in behavioral therapy sessions 2-4 days per week for 2-3 hours per visit. This service is provided at WIHD.

Director:	David E. Kuhn, Ph.D., BCBA
Email:	DKuhn@wihd.org
Director:	Stephanie A. Contrucci Kuhn, Ph.D., BCBA
Email:	SContrucciKuhn@wihd.org
Phone:	914.493.8185
Staff:	Program Staff

Back to top