Richard B. Funk Center For Great Expectations

The Richard B. Funk Center for Great Expectations provides Applied Behavior Analysis services for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy

• ABA therapy is an evidence-based approach designed to understand, increase, or decrease behaviors.
• Recognized as the leading standard of care for children with autism.
• Focuses on teaching and reinforcing socially significant behaviors while reducing maladaptive behaviors.
• Uses a compassionate, comprehensive, and individualized approach to treatment.

Individualized Treatment Planning

• At The Center for Great Expectations (CGE), each child receives a highly individualized treatment plan.
• Programs and goals are tailored to the unique strengths and needs of each child.
• Treatment plans are developed and overseen by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
• Targeted skill areas may include:
• Socialization
• Functional communication
• Learner readiness
• Developmental milestones
• Other age-appropriate skills

Family and Collaborative Care

• Family involvement is an essential component of ABA therapy.
• Caregivers meet regularly with the BCBA to:
• Review progress
• Learn strategies
• Support skill generalization across settings
• BCBAs may collaborate with other professionals, including:
• Speech therapists
• Occupational therapists
• Teachers
• Other members of the child's care team
• Collaboration helps ensure a multidisciplinary approach to care.

Assessment and Treatment Recommendations

• A BCBA conducts an initial assessment to determine whether ABA therapy is appropriate.
• The assessment includes:
• Caregiver interviews
• Direct observation in the clinic setting
• Following the assessment, the BCBA develops a treatment plan based on the child's:
• Strengths
• Needs
• Goals
• Treatment recommendations may include:
• Focused Intervention: Targets one or two priority skill areas with fewer therapy hours.
• Comprehensive Intervention: Addresses a broader range of goals and typically involves 20 to 30 hours of therapy per week.

Age Range and Service Locations

• TATB CGE serves children with autism from infancy through school age.
• The ABA clinic primarily provides early intervention services for children ages 0 to 12 years.
• Services may continue beyond age 12 for current clients when clinically appropriate.
• ABA services may be provided in a variety of settings, including:
• Clinic
• Home
• School
• Other community settings, as clinically appropriate.