FAQ
Sonoran Learning & Behavioral Services FAQs
Where is the Sonoran clinic located?
What does the Sonoran team specialize in?
Our clinicians specialize in pediatric Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. We are proud to be known for our highly personalized, compassionate, effective work that has successfully graduated and transitioned learners into a school setting with improved social skills, emotional regulation, and overall independence.
Does Sonoran offer virtual services?
We do not offer any individual ABA therapy services virtually, but we do offer online coaching for parents of children with behavioral challenges through Black Diamond Behavior Consulting. If you live in Arizona, Idaho, Utah, or Wyoming, we would still love to support you in your parenting journey through Black Diamond.
What ages do you work with?
We work with children from 1 year of age through preteens.
What makes Sonoran LBS different from other ABA therapy providers?
Sonoran Learning & Behavioral Services’ leadership has provided North Phoenix and the surrounding area with top quality ABA therapy services since 2013. We believe in an individualized approach that creates a tailored and personal experience, putting our services above many more generalized therapy services. To achieve this goal, Sonoran LBS uses a variety of assessments, interventions, and curricula that will best fit each individual’s needs.
About ABA Therapy
What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy?
ABA therapy is a type of therapy that improves social skills, communication, reading, and academics as well as adaptive learning skills, such as fine motor dexterity, hygiene, grooming, domestic capabilities, punctuality, and job competence. It’s often used in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but can be applied to any human behavior. ABA techniques can be used in structured situations such as a classroom lesson as well as in everyday situations such as family dinnertime or the neighborhood playground. The goal is to increase behaviors that are helpful and decrease behaviors that are harmful or affect learning.
What is a behavior analyst and what do they do?
Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) are Master’s level clinicians who are trained in Applied Behavior Analysis. BCBAs conduct skills assessments and functional behavior assessments to determine the needs of an individual. They also create skill acquisition programming and behavior intervention plans if necessary for treatment. Data collection and visual analysis is an important component of one’s responsibility as a Behavior Analyst, as decisions are driven by the data. Data is what assists a Behavior Analyst in making decisions regarding treatment on whether to continue or revise an intervention. Lastly, BCBAs supervise Registered Behavior Technicians and an individual’s progress throughout treatment.
Resources: https://www.bacb.com/bcba/
How can ABA therapy help my child?
Here are some ways ABA therapy can support your child:
Improved Communication Skills: Help your child understand and use language more effectively, which can improve their ability to express their needs and reduce frustration.
Social Skills Development: Through role-play and guided interaction, ABA therapy can enhance your child’s social skills, helping them interact more effectively with peers and adults.
Behavioral Changes: ABA therapy can reduce harmful or disruptive behaviors by encouraging positive behavior and teaching your child how to control impulses. It can also help your child adjust to changes in routine or environment.
Academic Progress: ABA therapy can aid in academic progress by teaching children skills like focusing, following instructions, and completing tasks.
Independence: By teaching self-care skills such as dressing, grooming, and feeding, ABA therapy can enable your child to be more independent.
Parent Training: ABA therapy is not just for the child; it also equips parents with strategies and techniques to continue therapy at home, reinforcing the learned behaviors.
Every child is unique, and the benefits they gain from ABA therapy can vary. Work with a qualified ABA therapist to create a personalized plan and address your child’s specific needs.
When should my child start ABA therapy?
There a lot of factors to consider when making the decision to start ABA therapy, but experts generally recommend starting as early as possible. Most children with autism begin ABA therapy between the ages of 2 and 6, some even as early as 18-30 months old. Starting therapy early can lead to significant improvements in cognitive and behavioral skills, but each child is unique and may benefit from starting at different ages based on individual needs and circumstances.
Of course, ABA therapy doesn’t need to be a lifelong commitment. How long a child is in therapy will vary depending on their progress and specific needs.
How much ABA therapy is necessary?
The clinical recommendation or dosage of therapy is determined by the outcome of assessments conducted by a BCBA. Recommended hours can vary based on individual needs and the goals of the family or caregivers.
Will insurance cover ABA therapy?
Most insurance plans do cover ABA therapy, but you should check with your provider to make sure. At Sonoran Learning & Behavioral Services, we accept most major insurance carriers and private pay. Contact us for more information.
What does a typical day in ABA therapy look like?
ABA therapy can take place in various settings, including the child’s home, a therapy center, or even a school. Here’s a general idea of what a typical day might look like:
- Arrival and Transition: The day begins with the therapist greeting the child and transitioning them into the therapy environment.
- Skill Building Activities: The bulk of the day is spent on various activities designed to build skills in areas like communication, social interaction, self-care, and academics.
- Data Collection: Throughout the day, the therapist will collect data on the child’s behaviors and responses to treatment goals.
- Breaks: Regular breaks are scheduled to allow the child to rest and process what they’ve learned.
- Parent/Caregiver Training: Depending on the program, the day may include a session where the BCBA provides training on techniques to use at home, or addressing any concerns.
- Wrap-Up: The day ends with playing and pairing before the child leaves for the day.
About Our Services
How involved can parents and caregivers be in therapy at Sonoran?
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to be as involved as possible! Every individual’s treatment incorporates caregiver training to ensure the generalization and maintenance of learned skills beginning from day one of service.
What is the time commitment for therapy?
The time commitment for our therapy services will be determined after your child’s initial assessments with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. For Comprehensive ABA Therapy, the time commitment is usually 25-40 hours a week. For Focused ABA Therapy, it’s usually 10-25 hours per week. See our list of services for more details.
How many different providers/technicians will my child see? Do they stay with the same therapist?
Sonoran LBS treats each case with a collaborative approach. Each child has a primary Behavior Analyst assigned to their case. Throughout treatment, the primary Behavior Analyst may consult with other Behavior Analysts within Sonoran LBS to gather a second opinion on programming and goals. This allows each child’s treatment and programming to contact different perspectives and expertise to ensure the best quality care possible.
The number of Registered Behavior Technicians assigned to each case depends on the individual needs of the learner and how many hours of treatment each child receives. Sonoran LBS wants to make sure the Registered Behavior Technician is a good fit for each child. To accomplish this, Sonoran LBS makes schedules a month at a time and is continuously evaluating fit for each technician on every child’s case.
What does your assessment look like?
Sonoran LBS completes a direct and indirect assessment at the time of intake. This means that parents meet with a Behavior Analyst to complete the intake paperwork and indirect assessment. Simultaneously, Sonoran LBS staff complete a direct assessment with the learner to gather information on skills and areas for improvement. Then, they will complete an assessment and treatment report to write up goals for the learner. Sonoran LBS utilizes a variety of assessments based on each child’s individual needs.
Where does your ABA therapy take place?
Sessions often take place at one of our offices for increased opportunities to target social, play, group and classroom skills. Sessions can take place at home, in the community, or at school under specific circumstances.
Is your therapy all 1:1?
The majority of therapy is 1:1 unless we are targeting specific skills such as play, communication, group, or social skills.
I’m interested in Sonoran’s ABA therapy. How soon can my child start?
Your child could start receiving Sonoran’s services 2-3 weeks from right now. Here is our typical onboarding timeline:
- Fill out the client interest form.
- A team member will connect with you in 1-2 business days.
- We’ll schedule an initial in-office assessment to get to know you and your child (typically 1-2 weeks out).
- We write up an assessment and treatment report that includes a clinical recommendation for hours per week that is medically necessary. Then we create a therapy schedule and meet to review the report and schedule with you. This can take up to 10 business days. After review, we work with you to select a start date for services.
- The report will be submitted to insurance for authorization if applicable (authorization approval can take up to 10-15 business days).
- Your child starts their learning journey at Sonoran LBS!
Do you offer any resources or help for parents, like a support group, coaching, etc.?
Yes! We are happy to offer 1:1 coaching options for parents through Black Diamond Behavior Consulting. If you live in Arizona, Idaho, Utah, or Wyoming, we would love to connect with you.
