Applied Behavior Analysis
At DINO, we use ABA – an evidence-based approach – to support children facing various developmental or behavioral challenges (including autism, ADHD, anxiety, ODD, etc.).
Our goal is simple: to empower your child to build meaningful friendships, develop positive coping skills, gain independence, and truly thrive.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a therapy approach rooted in the science of learning and behavior. Think of it as understanding why behaviors happen and using proven, positive strategies to help children learn valuable new skills while reducing behaviors that might hinder their progress or happiness.
Every child is unique, so ABA at Dino looks different for everyone! We create completely individualized plans. But one essential ingredient you'll always find? Fun!
We firmly believe that children learn best when they feel connected, safe, and are genuinely enjoying themselves. Building a strong, trusting bond between your child and their therapist is our top priority – it opens the door to learning and growth!
At DINO, we make sure sessions are fun and built around your child’s interests. Whether it's Play-Doh, dinosaurs, or video games, we use what your child loves to teach new skills naturally. Building a strong, positive connection between your child and their therapist is key – it makes learning happen!
What does ABA look like here?
Expert Support, Right at Home
In-home ABA allows us to work directly on skills and behaviors within your family's daily routines. Our skilled therapists partner with you, offering flexible session times (weekdays, daytime, after school) to make therapy convenient.
During sessions, we focus on your child's unique needs, which may include:
Reducing Challenging Behaviors: Addressing tantrums, aggression, difficulty following directions, running off, and other behaviors causing concern.
Building Tolerance & Coping: Helping your child learn to accept "no," wait patiently, handle transitions, and manage frustration positively.
Improving Communication: Enhancing both understanding and expressive language skills.
Increasing Independence: Targeting self-help skills (dressing, toileting, chores), safety awareness, organization, and problem-solving.
Expanding Positive Experiences: Developing play and leisure interests, and enhancing social interactions.
Strengthening Foundational Skills: Improving imitation, listening/compliance, and fine/gross motor abilities.
Empowering Parents: Providing education and training to help you support your child's progress effectively.
Taking Skills into the World
At DINO, we believe that ABA therapy shouldn't be confined to just one setting. Our community-based services use naturalistic ABA approaches to help your child practice and master important skills right in the real-world environments where they live, learn, and play.
Skills for Thriving in the Community
Social Interaction & Group Skills: Joining in activities, sharing, taking turns, understanding social cues, playing cooperatively.
Community Safety & Awareness: Staying close to caregivers, navigating parking lots safely, understanding community rules, being aware of surroundings.
Communication on the Go: Asking for help appropriately, ordering items, interacting with peers and community helpers.
Independence & Flexibility: Following directions in distracting environments, making choices, solving problems as they arise, handling new people and places.
Managing Emotions & Behaviors: Developing coping strategies for frustration or unexpected events in public settings.
Why Practice Skills in the Community?
Real-Life Success: It ensures skills learned in therapy (like communication or waiting) are actually used effectively at the park, preschool, or store.
Builds Confidence: Helps children feel more comfortable and capable navigating different places and social situations.
Promotes Inclusion: Supports meaningful participation in activities alongside peers and community members.
Addresses Setting-Specific Challenges: Works on behaviors or skills needed for particular environments, like following group instructions at daycare or staying safe in a busy playground.