ABA Therapy at Life Track Wellness MN
At Life Track Wellness MN, we provide applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, a gold standard approach for helping children with autism learn.
Our clinically excellent programming is delivered in a bright and engaging environment where your child can play, grow, and begin to meet milestones.
Life Track Wellness MN has a variety of Autism Care options:
Center-based therapy
In this playful and interactive setting, children can accomplish their goals and learn communication skils alongside their peers in a school-like environment.
In-Home Therapy
We provide play-based learning in a home setting. Children work 1:1 with a clinician who teaches them how to apply what they're learning to real-life situations.
What is ABA therapy?
Applied behavior analysis uses behavioral principles to help children with autism develop new skills and make positive changes in their lives. At ABC, we use play-based teaching methods that have been proven through research to unlock growth and learning for children on the spectrum. ABA at ABC involves one-on-one sessions where therapists use positive reinforcement to teach and model behaviors. They work with each child to break down new skills into manageable steps. ABA therapy is a fun and interactive experience for children and their families!
Through ABA therapy, children can learn new skills such as communicating, socializing with peers, taking turns, demonstrating patience, and being flexible if a change in their routine occurs. To do this, we use two ABA training methods at Action Behavior: Natural Environment Testing (NET) and Discrete Trial Training (DTT).
NET uses a child's natural surroundings to teach desired skills and behaviors. This technique can help children apply what they're learning to real-life situations, which makes the lessons more relevant and effective. NET is set in a large, engaging play space where children lead the way. Therapists work alongside them, one-on-one, to demonstrate appropriate play, name recognition, sharing, and motor skills.
DTT is an ABA technique that breaks down new skills into small, manageable steps. Each step includes a prompt, response, and reward. This process is repeated until the child learns the new behavior or skill. DTT is set in a personalized space and involves floor play, table work, matching, and other activities.
What behaviors does ABA therapy target?
ABA therapy helps children with autism develop new skills, change their behaviors, and improve their relationships. Families work closely with their child's Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to determine specific target behaviors and therapy goals.
A target behavior is a specific behavior or habit that is "targeted" to be changed. For example, if a child has trouble sharing toys, the target behavior might be to share toys with friends. This approach focuses on encouraging positive behaviors instead of just discouraging negative ones.
ABA therapy can help children develop and improve the following:
Communication Skills
Verbal language, nonverbal communication
School readiness skills
Imitation, matching, categorizing
Reduction of certain behaviors
Aggression, elopement, self-injury, property destruction
Social Skills
Initiating conversation, responding to questions from peers, engaging in interactive play
What behaviors does ABA therapy target?
ABA therapy helps children with autism develop new skills, change their behaviors, and improve their relationships. Families work closely with their child's Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to determine specific target behaviors and therapy goals.
A target behavior is a specific behavior or habit that is "targeted" to be changed. For example, if a child has trouble sharing toys, the target behavior might be to share toys with friends. This approach focuses on encouraging positive behaviors instead of just discouraging negative ones.
ABA therapy can help children develop and improve the following:
Increase the use of spoken words to request a toy from five to 10 times per day.
Initiate playing with peers at least three times during the day.
Follow prompts during a handwashing routine in four out of five opportunities.
Identify 10 new common household objects by name.
Does ABA therapy mean my child is "stuck" at a table all day?
No way! At Life Track Wellness MN, we create an exciting environment for learning. While sitting at a table may be a developmental goal for school readiness, there are so many other skills to learn and fun to have.
Our centers feature designated "Eats and Crafts" spaces, which are used daily for creative and engaging activities. Circle Time, another daily highlight, brings therapists, BCBAs, and children together to sing, laugh, and learn. Children can also explore our sensory rooms, which are expertly designed to offer opportunities for trying new things and building essential visual processing and fine motor skills.
Is ABA therapy effective?
Yes! Many research studies have shown that children who receive two or more years of early intensive behavioral interventions, such as ABA therapy, make significant progress in multiple areas of their lives. ABA therapy continues to be one of the only evidence-based approaches to helping children with autism.
Learn more about the evidence that drives what we do.
How are parents involved in ABA therapy?
Yes! Many research studies have shown that children who receive two or more years of early intensive behavioral interventions, such as ABA therapy, make significant progress in multiple areas of their lives. ABA therapy continues to be one of the only evidence-based approaches to helping children with autism.
Learn more about the evidence that drives what we do.
What does a typical day of ABA therapy look like?
Before therapists begin working on a child's specific goals, they want to make sure the child is comfortable in their new environment. The first few ABA therapy sessions are al about establishing rapport, figuring out a child's favorite toys and games, and what makes them laugh.
At Life Track Wellness MN, each team is structured with one BCBA supervisor and nine RBTs. The RBTs will deliver therapy as directed by the BCBA for up to eight children. This caseload is much smaller than other ABA therapy centers!
We believe it's important to always have an extra set of hands on deck to ensure the highest level of care and attention for the children we serve.
This is what a typical day of ABA therapy may look like:
You bring your child to the center in the morning. During the check-in process, you meet your child's therapist in our lobby. Your child is in capable hands!
After the therapist welcomes your child, they head to the assigned room or play area for the first therapy session of the day. A typical session may include helping your child develop skills such as asking for a toy, matching pictures, cleaning up after themselves, or learning how to wash their hands after snack time.
Your child will "rotate" to one of the other therapists on the child's therapy team to maximize skill generalization. This means they will learn how to apply what they're learning in therapy to different places, like at home or school.
Your child will "rotate" to one of the other therapists on the child's therapy team to maximize skill generalization. This means they will learn how to apply what they're learning in therapy to different places, like at home or school.
At the end of each day, caregivers pick up their children at the designated time. Your child's safety is our priority, and we check IDs for any person picking up who is not on our approved list.
How expensive is ABA therapy?
ABA therapy is covered by most private health insurance plans, and Life Track Wellness MN is in-network with the largest health insurers in the country. However, health insurance can be tricky to navigate. Our insurance specialists will check your insurance eligibility and handle the paperwork on your behalf. Allow us to do the heavy lifting so that you can focus on what truly matters - supporting your child.
Learn more about the insurance plans we work with and how we can help make ABA therapy affordable for your family.