Our Team
Our Team
Resources & Frequently Asked Questions
Ontario Autism Program (OAP)
As the Ontario Autism Program is constantly changing, navigating through the different options of funding can be daunting and confusing. We can help guide you through the uncertainty that comes with changes in funding. We work with you to make the most of your child’s funding.
ABA stands for Applied Behaviour Analysis. It is a scientifically based intervention that uses principles of behaviour to modify and improve behaviour in a variety of areas, including, but not limited to, communication, social skills, self-regulation, and academics. ABA focuses on teaching skills by breaking down goals into teachable steps, providing positive reinforcement for desirable behaviour, and working on generalizing and maintaining skills to various settings, with other people, and novel contexts.
Today’s ABA At NOCS, we take a person-centered approach that is promoted by Dr. Gregory Hanley, a leader in the field of ABA. Hanley’s approach to providing ABA Therapy is evidence-based and focuses on creating preferred learning contexts to encourage engagement and participation. The overall goal of today’s ABA is to achieve “HRE” with all learners, which stands for “Happy, Relaxed, and Engaged”. Our focus is to learn by listening, creating joy, empowering, and while teaching!
EIBI stands for Early Intensive behavioural intervention and is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that is highly structured and rooted in principles of ABA. EIBI is defined by an intensive treatment, provided for a minimum of 20 hours per week. Research has identified learners under the age of 6 experience greater impact with this mode of treatment as compared to older learners.
Behaviour therapy is based on the principles of Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA). Using evidence-based best practices, we can help people develop skills to succeed in the home, community and school setting.
Our Behaviour Therapy program targets and develops skills in various areas, including:
Communication and conversational skills
Pre-academic and academic skills
Activities of daily living (e.g., toileting, feeding, sleeping)
Gross and fine motor skills, imitation skills, play skills, and visual perceptual skills
Areas of support may also include an assessment of problem behaviours (e.g., behaviours that interfere with learning or impact an individual’s health) and developing a behaviour support plan focused on reducing/replacing challenging behaviour.
Northern Outreach and Clinical Services (NOCS) believes in teaching individual’s skills in the environment they’re expected to use their skills. Through a family-centred approach, we work in partnership with families to better understand their circumstances and assist caregivers with treatment planning needs. Under the supervision of a Registered Behaviour Analyst (RBA), ABA Therapists are extensively trained to provide direct services to children, youth and their families using evidence-based ABA principals. We provide centre-based services for children that require more specialized services that mandate a more controlled environment, such as those focused on managing extreme challenging behaviour (aggression, self-injury). In such instances, centre-based services are provided on a short-term basis and an emphasis to transition the learner into a community-based program.
The number of recommended hours depends on each learner’s individual needs and goals. A Registered Behaviour Analyst (RBA) will complete a pre-screening consultation to discuss these needs, identify priorities, and provide a recommendation for service hours. Following this meeting, an individualized service quote will be provided.
What is the Weekly Minimum for Direct Behaviour Therapy?
NOCS requires a minimum of 4 hours per week of direct behaviour therapy for learners participating in programming at our centre, and a minimum of 6 hours per week for community-based services (e.g., school, home, or other settings).
To ensure the clinical integrity of treatment and ongoing support, NOCS requests a minimum 6-month commitment from families. Treatment blocks are typically offered in 6-month or 12-month intervals.
At NOCS, we prioritize supporting caregivers throughout the course of treatment to ensure learners are set up for the best possible outcomes. What if Financial Resources Don’t Support 4 Hours per Week?
If families are unable to commit to a minimum of 4 hours per week of direct behaviour therapy, NOCS offers consultative services in the form of caregiver coaching. This model provides guidance and strategies for caregivers to support their learner’s goals within the home and community.
In an effort to help families, Autism Ontario is providing a hub for active Autism Service Providers. Northern Outreach and Clinical Services is on the Autism Service Providers list and our clinical team is on the approved OAP provider list.