The TLC Philosophy

From the effects of the techniques we use to the training services we provide for therapists, parents & guardians involved with the client, TLC heavily relies on data collection to ensure that all our clinical decisions are evidence-based and relevant to the current findings of behavioral science.

The Learning Curve

Our Philosophy is rooted in 3 core principles -

1. Ethics

Our team consists exclusively of licensed individuals, ensuring that our practice adheres closely to the ethical standards set by international ABA Licensure boards

2. Evidence Based

Our clinical decisions are all rooted in evidence-based practices and aligned with the latest findings of behavioral science.

3. Advocacy

We are committed to delivering a service that fosters independence and promotes self-advocacy among our clients.

What is ABA?

Applied Behavior Analysis(ABA) therapy is an effective evidence based treatment for children and have showed to improve intellectual abilities, communication skills, expressive language skills, receptive language skills, IQ, adaptive behavior and socialization (Makrygianni et al, 2018).

ABA therapy aims to improve the behavioral deficits and excess displayed by a neurodiverse child to :

Increase their independence.
Increase their opportunities to access learning environments.
Improve their and their family’s quality of life.

Examples of Behavior Excess :

Self-Injurious Behaviors (head-banging, self-biting, eye-poking)
Property Destruction
Aggressive Behaviors (biting others, kicking others, hitting others), etc.

To address Behavior Deficits and Behavior Excesses, ABA therapy utilizes several behavior principles such as reinforcement, motivating operations, and the ABC (Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence) contingency.

Examples of Behavior Deficits :

Inability to Maintain Attention
Social Skills (unable to take turns or share)
Verbal Repertoires (unable to request, and label)
Classroom Readiness Skills (unable to sit for an extended amount of time or follow instructions)

What does ABA therapy involve?

1. Referral

A child is referred to the ABA clinic by a School, Pediatric Neurologist, Child Psychiatrist or Developmental Pediatrician

2. Assessment

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) conducts assessments on the client and determines behavior deficits and behavior excess (via assessment tools such as the Verbal Behavior Milestone Assessment and Placement Program, Promoting Emergence of Advanced Knowledge training program, Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills)

3. Intervention Plan

The BCBA creates an individualized intervention plan based on the results of the assessment, the needs of the parent and the preference of the client (Includes detailed procedures, data collection system and mastery criteria)

4. Treatment

Treatment is conducted by Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT) and regular follow ups are conducted by the BCBA to ensure that the intervention is effective. During this stage, multiple changes to the intervention may be made to the intervention plan based on the data collected by the RBT.

Once the mastery criteria has been achieved, depending on the needs of the client, the next intervention plan can be made.

Currently, there are two licensing boards based in USA that are regarded as the gold standard when it comes to ethical and professional guidelines. The two licensing boards are Behaviour Analyst Certification Board(BACB) and the Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Credentialing Board (QABA).

ABA therapy requires licensed individuals in every part of the service delivery to ensure accountability, competency, effectiveness of therapy, ethical practice, and the best possible outcome for the client.

The Benefits of ABA Therapy on Neurodiverse Children

ABA therapy addresses behavior deficits and excess of children based on the principles of behavior analysis.

Slide to read a brief list of Behavioral Excesses and Behavioral Deficits and the corresponding research showing the effectiveness of ABA therapy in addressing these behaviors.