ABA therapy is a caring, evidence-based way of helping children build the skills that matter most — communication, social connection, daily routines, and confidence. At Rising Stars, ABA is never one-size-fits-all. We draw from a full toolkit of proven approaches and match the right ones to your child, so learning feels natural, encouraging, and fun.
What ABA Therapy Really Is
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the study of how children learn, and how thoughtful support can make positive skills easier and more rewarding. In practice, that means breaking big goals into small, achievable steps, celebrating progress, and weaving learning into play and everyday moments. The goal is always growth, independence, and joy.
We Start by Getting to Know Your Child
Before therapy begins, our Board Certified Behavior Analysts use trusted assessment tools to understand your child's strengths, interests, and goals. Tools like the VB-MAPP, the ABLLS-R, and the AFLS act like a roadmap of skills, helping us see where your child shines and where a little support will go a long way. We may also look at everyday independence using measures like the Vineland.
The Teaching Approaches We Use
Because every child is different, we blend several evidence-based approaches and choose what fits best. Natural Environment Teaching builds skills through play and daily routines. Discrete Trial Teaching offers clear, structured practice of new skills one step at a time. Verbal behavior strategies and, when helpful, picture-based systems like PECS give children powerful ways to communicate.
We also use play-based, child-led methods such as Pivotal Response Treatment to build motivation, and warm, developmental approaches like the Early Start Denver Model for our youngest learners. Encouragement systems and step-by-step task breakdowns help new skills stick at home and at school.
Skills That Matter at Home and School
Your child's program focuses on real-life skills: communicating wants and needs, playing and connecting with others, following routines, building self-help and daily-living skills, and getting ready for the classroom. Parents are partners throughout, with coaching so progress continues between sessions.
A Plan That Grows With Your Child
We track progress with data in every session and review goals regularly, so the plan keeps pace with your child. As skills grow, we adjust the approaches we use and set new goals together. Everything we do is grounded in research and tailored to your child as an individual.
Evidence-Based, and Built Around Your Child
The best ABA blends science with warmth. We choose methods backed by research, match them to your child's learning style, and deliver them with patience and care. If you would like to see what this could look like for your family, reach out for a friendly, no-pressure conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ABA methods do you use?
We blend several evidence-based approaches — Natural Environment Teaching, Discrete Trial Teaching, verbal behavior strategies, Pivotal Response Treatment, and more — and match them to your child's strengths and goals.
How do you decide which approach is right for my child?
We start with a thorough assessment using trusted tools like the VB-MAPP and ABLLS-R, then choose the methods that best fit your child's learning style, interests, and goals.
Is ABA therapy play-based?
Often, yes. Much of our work happens through play and everyday moments, which keeps learning fun, natural, and meaningful for your child.
Do you use picture or communication systems?
When it helps, yes. Tools like PECS can give children a powerful way to communicate while they continue building spoken language.
Will my child's program change over time?
Absolutely. We review progress regularly and adjust the approaches and goals as your child grows and gains new skills.
Janel is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with 7+ years of experience. She earned her bachelor's in Psychology from Florida International University and her master's in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University.
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