Inner Circle ABA Glossary
ABA therapy comes with many acronyms and terms that can feel confusing and overwhelming, but not anymore! Explore common ABA terms and language that you may hear throughout your child’s ABA therapy journey at Inner Circle.
A
AAC: Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Methods of communication used to assist individuals with speech impairments, including devices and picture systems.
ABA Therapy: Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy
ABA therapy is a research-based therapy approach that helps children with autism and other developmental disorders learn important new skills while working through everyday barriers, social difficulties, and challenging behaviors.
Effective ABA therapy is not a “one size fits all” approach and should never feel as such. In order to achieve a truly individualized treatment plan, a BCBA will customize the intervention to each child’s skills, needs, interests and preferences. This means that an ABA program for one child may look completely different from another child’s.
ABC: Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence
A model for understanding the function of behavior by identifying what happens before, during, and after it occurs.
ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act
A civil rights law prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities in public life.
ADL: Activities of Daily Living
Includes many different behaviors involved in taking care of oneself, including using the bathroom, washing, dressing, eating, etc.
ADD: Attention Deficit Disorder
Characterized by symptoms such as inattentiveness and impulsivity.
ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Similar to ADD but also includes hyperactivity and excessive movement.
ADI-R: Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised
A diagnostic interview used for autism spectrum disorders and treatment planning.
ADOS-G: Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-General
A standard tool for assessing autism spectrum disorders across various age and developmental levels.
AIT: Auditory Integration Therapy
Therapy designed to improve auditory processing and sensitivity.
Antecedent:
The events or circumstances that happen before a behavior.
ASD: Autism Spectrum Disorder
A developmental disorder with challenges in social interaction, communication, and restricted or repetitive behaviors.
B
BCBA: Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Highly trained professionals who specialize in behavior analysis and apply their expertise to assess, analyze, and address behavioral challenges.
BCBAs have completed graduate-level education requirements in the field of applied behavioral analysis and a minimum of one thousand hours of field work. After meeting the education and experience requirements they must pass a comprehensive exam administered by the Behavioral Analyst Certification Board (BACB). They must adhere to a code of ethics outlined by the BACB which emphasizes maintaining professional conduct, protecting client rights and confidentiality, and providing effective treatment. Additionally, BCBAs must engage in ongoing professional development to maintain their certification.
Behavior:
Any action that can be observed and measured.
BIP: Behavior Intervention Plan
A plan detailing targeted behaviors, goals, and strategies for behavioral change.
BSP: Behavior Support Plan
Outlines strategies to address challenging behaviors, including preventative measures and responses.
C
Chaining:
A teaching method used to help individuals learn complex tasks by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable steps.
Consequence:
An event that immediately follows a behavior.
D
DTT: Discrete Trial Training
A structured ABA teaching method breaking down skills into small, teachable steps.
E
Echoic:
A verbal imitation where one repeats what another person says.
EIBI: Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention
ABA principles applied in structured programs targeting early childhood development, effective for young children with autism.
Elopement:
When a child leaves a safe area without permission.
F
FBA: Functional Behavior Assessment
Assessment process to determine the behavior’s purpose and guide creating an intervention plan.
FBI: Fluency-Based Instruction
Instructional method using timed practice to increase correct response rates and ensure mastery.
Fine Motor Skills:
Coordination and movement of the smaller muscles of the body.
G
Gross Motor Skills:
Skills using the larger muscle groups like sitting, walking, jumping, etc.
I
IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
A law ensuring services for children with disabilities nationwide.
IEP: Individualized Education Plan
A tailored document for each public school child eligible for special education.
IFSP: Individualized Family Service Plan
Guides early intervention services for young children with developmental delays and their families.
Intraverbal:
Verbal behavior that involves responding to questions or conversations without direct prompts.
J
Joint Attention:
Includes meeting the gaze of another, gesturing, and sharing experiences with peers.
M
Mand or Manding:
A type of verbal behavior that involves making requests or commands.
Modeling:
In behavior therapy, modeling involves demonstrating a desired behavior for an individual to observe and imitate.
N
NET: Natural Environment Training
A teaching model integrating learning opportunities into daily activities for engaging and effective learning.
O
OT: Occupational Therapy
Therapy to help individuals develop or regain daily living and working skills.
P
Pairing:
Associating a person or item with a positive experience to increase preference or cooperation.
Parallel Play:
Occurs when two or more children are playing near each other, but they do not interact.
PECS: Picture Exchange Communication System
A form of AAC using picture cards for communication.
PT: Physical Therapy
Therapy service aimed at developing and enhancing physical abilities and motor skills.
R
Reinforcement:
A consequence that follows a behavior and increases the likelihood of the behavior occurring again.
RBT: Registered Behavior Technician
A paraprofessional practicing under the direction and supervision of a BCBA to provide behavior analysis services.
S
School Readiness:
School readiness prepares children for success in school by teaching skills that help them navigate school situations and environments with independence and confidence.
SLP: Speech-Language Pathologist
A professional diagnosing and treating communication and swallowing disorders.
Social Skills Teaching:
Helps children learn social and communication skills through positive interactions and social experiences guided by behavior analysis principles.
Stimming: Self-stimulatory behavior
Often involving repetitive movements or sounds, common in individuals with autism.
T
Tact or Tacting:
Verbal behavior that involves labeling objects, actions, or events.
Transitions:
Changing from one activity to another.
Clinic design features
The right environment can make all the difference in a child's therapy journey.
That's why we've created a welcoming and supportive space where your child can thrive. We've carefully designed our centers with features that are tailored to meet the needs of your child while also maximizing learning opportunities.
Sensory-friendly spaces
Play areas
Gross motor exploration
School readiness classroom
Parent observation rooms
What is ABA?
ABA therapy is an evidence based therapy that uses behavioral science to helps teach new skills and behaviors in a fun and positive way. It can be amazing because it is specifically designed for each child’s individual needs, strengths and learning styles.
Your questions answered
CLOSED
What is ABA?
ABA therapy is a research-based therapy approach that helps children with Autism and other developmental disorders learn important new skills while working through everyday barriers, social difficulties and challenging behaviors.
A Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will develop a unique treatment plan for your child through formal assessment as well as through an in-depth interview with you and/or your family. A therapist (Registered Behavior Technician) will work with your child one-on-one or in small groups to teach a variety of skills and positive behaviors such as communication, social awareness, positive peer interactions, academic engagement, self-care skills, play skills and more.
ABA therapy is also proven to be effective in working through behaviors such as tantrums, bed-wetting, feeding problems, aggression, self-injury, and other destructive or dangerous behaviors.
Effective ABA therapy is not a "one size fits all" approach and should never feel as such. In order to achieve a truly individualized treatment plan, A BCBA will customize the intervention to each child's skills, needs, interests and preferences. This means that an ABA program for one child may look completely different from another child's.
The goal of ABA therapy is to help your child learn new skills and be able to do more things on their own.
What services do you provide?
How much does ABA therapy cost?
We are dedicated to helping you navigate the sometimes-challenging world of insurance. Prior to starting services, we will verify that your child’s insurance covers ABA therapy and determine any out-of-pocket cost that you may be responsible for. The cost of ABA therapy can vary as each insurance plan has different coverage and benefits.
What insurance plans are accepted?
We make every effort to accept as many insurances as possible. Listed below are the insurance companies that we are currently accepting (in network with), however please note that if your child’s insurance is not listed, there is still a possibility that we can work to get coverage for your child through out of network benefits or enrollment in state programs.
Insurances Accepted (subject to change):
- Aetna
- Cigna
- UHC/UMR/Optum
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Anthem
- AR Medicaid (Arkansas)
- AR Medicaid Passe Groups-Arkansas (Empower, AR Total Care, CareSource, Summit Community Care)
- Soonercare (Oklahoma Medicaid)
- Qualchoice
What are your hours of operation?
We provide services Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
We currently offer a variety of scheduling options that are designed to meet the unique needs of each family.
- Full Day: 8am-5pm
- ½ Day Morning: 8am-12pm
- ½ Day Afternoon: 1pm-5pm
Are there any requirements to start ABA services?
The diagnostic report must include scored assessments that support a diagnosis of Autism and in some cases, additional primary care documentation is also required.