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Determining Learning Goals

FirstSteps’ Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) treatment program utilizes behavior analytic principles to teach your child new skills and reduce behavior challenges.

Generally speaking, your child’s behavior (remember, behavior means everything a person does) may be sorted into three categories, which serve as a starting point for intervention:

Well-Developed Behavior

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Target Behavior

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Barriers to Learning

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A smiling toddler on a mat playing with colorful blocks
Well-Developed behavior is skill or behavior that is considered "on target" if it is within the range of those exhibited by same-age peers. Target behaviors already in your child's repertoire will not be a focus of intervention, though always will be reinforced.
Two toddlers playing with a toy train set.

Target behavior are emerging skills and/or behavior that are currently developing at a different pace compared to many same-age peers and may make it harder for the child to navigate daily activities independently across environments. These skills are the focus of treatment intervention.

Examples of frequently observed target behaviors that we address are:

  • Language & Communication
  • Play Skills
  • Social Skills
  • Motor Skills
  • Self-Care & Adaptive Behavior
Two children with glasses looking at each other and smiling against a bright blue background

Barriers to learning are challenging behavior that interfere with new learning. They are typically particular behaviors intense in either frequency or duration. As such the focus of intervention is to replace these behaviors with new pro-social skills.

Examples of frequently observed barrier behavior that we help our children overcome:

  • Tantrum Behavior
  • Aggression
  • Self-Injury
  • Stereotypy
  • Rigidity | Rituals
  • Pica

Thus, at FirstSteps, we will first identify your child’s interests, preferences, and strengths. We will take the time to understand WHY they engage in particular behaviors that are of concern (often it is to communicate!) and HOW we can replace that behavior with a new skill to serve the same function. By understanding the WHY, we are able to teach your child new ways to express their needs in a manner that makes their lives easier and facilitates the development of positive social relationships.