Our Mission: Create Opportunities for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and their Families to Participate Fully in the Community

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is “a systematic approach for influencing socially important behavior through the identification of reliably related environmental variables and the production of behavior change techniques that make use of those findings. Practitioners of behavior analysis provide services consistent with the dimensions of ABA. Common services may include, but are not limited to, conducting behavioral assessments, analyzing data, writing and revising behavior-analytic treatment plans, training others to implement components of treatment plans, and overseeing the implementation of treatment plans.” – Behavior Analyst Certification Board

What does BCBA stand for?

Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Visit the Behavior Analyst Certification Board website at www.BACB.org for more information.

Does the Behavior Analyst make diagnoses regarding mental health concerns?

No. The behavior analyst determines the function of the challenging behavior(s). For example, the function answers the question "what purpose does the challenging behavior serve for the individual?". There are common functions that are well studied in the behavior analytic literature and a functional assessment determines the function of the challenging behavior. However, because the behavior analysts at DDRC are well versed in mental health symptoms co-occurring with developmental disabilities, recommendations for further assessment to the appropriate professional will be made.

What if the Behavior Analyst never observes the behavior? Can treatment recommendations still be provided?

Yes. While we always strive to observe the behavior directly, if the target behavior never occurs during an observation, recommendations can still be provided based on the information obtained during the intake assessment and through record review such as incident reports, behavior data taken from school, family and other sources.

How is this service funded?

Behavioral supports are funded by Medicaid, private pay, and Jefferson County Mill Levy.

Page Last Updated: 2017-09-27