About ABACUS

We believe that learning is maximized through the effective application of scientifically validated teaching techniques, delivered within a natural, developmental framework that honors each child's individuality - and with parents as true partners in intervention.

Typically, children learn through modeling, play, and interaction and exchanges with the environment in which they are raised. We believe this should be no different for a child with autism or other developmental delays. Our approach is neuroaffirming: we start from the understanding that autistic and neurodivergent ways of thinking, communicating, and engaging with the world are valid, not problems to correct. Our goal isn't to make children look or act a certain way, it's to help them build the skills they want and need to access more choice, connection, and joy in their own lives.

That means our teaching is assent-based: we actively watch for and respond to each child's willingness to engage, and we treat their communication, verbal or otherwise, as meaningful input into the session, not something to work around.

We seek to help every child reach their potential by enabling them to benefit maximally from interaction with their natural environment - specifically with caregivers. To achieve this, our program is designed to empower parents as catalysts for their child's learning and progress.

Our Mission:

At ABAcus, we support children with behavioral needs, and their families, in learning, socializing, and leading enriched lives through meaningful behavior change. We are dedicated to working with families using a collaborative, naturalistic approach.

What is ABA?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientifically validated approach to understanding behavior and how the environment affects it. ABA is used to help many different kinds of learners acquire many different skills – from communication to decreasing problem behaviors.

ABA is most frequently associated with Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) as it is the only research-proven treatment effective at reducing problem behaviors, increasing socially significant behaviors, and teaching new skills for individuals with ASD. However, the teaching methodologies of ABA can be effectively used with all individuals.

ABA uses principles of learning to make change. Positive reinforcement is one example. When a behavior is followed by something positive, that behavior is likely to be repeated. Through decades of research, the field of ABA has developed many techniques for increasing useful behaviors and reducing undesired behaviors. At ABAcus, we use a naturalistic, developmental approach drawing largely from methodologies such as the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), Pivotal Response Training (PRT), and Natural Environment Training (NET).