Applied Behavior Analysis

We recognize that, for some autistic children, adolescents, or adults, learning certain new skills may be difficult. Applied behavior analysis (ABA), in concert with the other therapeutic approaches we use at North Star, can help these individuals make gains. In these cases, treatment incorporates a systematic approach in which identified skills are broken down into small steps that are taught gradually using data-driven procedures. We aim to respect the dignity of the individual and the culture of the family when considering our approaches. Nearly all of our clinicians are board certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) who have researched and published on the compassionate use of ABA in our field.

We offer services in person and, where appropriate, via telehealth to best meet the needs of your family in a safe and supportive environment.

Skill Development

We offer time-limited, center-based ABA for skill development, to address common challenges that might arise for autistic children, adolescents, and adults. Our goal is to teach skills that create barriers to independence for the individual. Our approaches with children incorporate naturalistic strategies and play to maximize engagement with the children we serve. Short-term home-based services are available to families who live locally to help support the development of skills at home. Where appropriate, we are also able to join families in the community to develop independence in various settings. Areas we address include:

Language and conversation development
Play skills
Toilet training
Mealtime behavior, including food tolerance and consumption
Sleep difficulties (bedtime routines, difficulties falling/staying asleep, bedtime anxiety)
Tolerance of medical/dental procedures, haircuts, or other community challenges

Challenging Behavior

If your child engages in challenging behavior like tantrums or aggressions at home, caregiver training may help teach you skills to feel confident in managing those challenges. We provide training using applied behavior analysis (ABA), demonstrated through research to be effective in addressing child behavior and decreasing caregiver stress.

Working closely with your therapist, you will learn to identify the reasons for your child's behavior, problem solve ways you can use to reduce the likelihood of challenging behavior, and learn to teach new skills to your child. Some of the topics covered during the course of parent training may include the following:

Preventing escalation of behavior
Developing daily schedules
Reinforcing the behavior you want to see
Teaching communication
Teaching new skills

Caregiver Training

Caregivers are central to the support that we provide at North Star Family Autism Center. In both skill development and treatment of challenging behavior, we collaborate closely with families to ensure that the goals and treatments we select align with family values and culture. We consider caregiver training vitally important to the work that we do in ABA, and include it in our treatment plans. Expect to regularly participate in your child's treatment at North Star as we strive to work as a team to best support your child. Some ways you might participate include:

Collaborating with the clinician on goal development
Identifying clinician strategies that are best-fit to your family
Practicing new parenting skills during sessions with your child
Collecting information about what you observe of your child at home
Trying out new parenting approaches at home and sharing the results with the clinician

Skills Assessment

For parents of children who have a recent diagnosis of autism, identifying goals and treatment approaches can be daunting. Paired with psychoeducation about autism, we can provide an assessment of developmental skills that can be used to guide your child's education and treatment at our center, or future services your child receives from ABA agencies or special education. Assessment tools may include:

Assessment of Basic Language and Learning
Verbal Behavior Milestones and Placement Program-Revised