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 Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA), 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 will greatly depend on the learner’s needs and your family’s goals for services. After we complete the initial meeting (free of charge), we schedule a 1-hour consultation appointment where one of our BCBAs® or Lead Therapist's will meet your family and your child. At this meeting we will discuss needs, goals, and provide a recommendation of hours. An individual service quote is then provided. What is the weekly minimum hours of Direct Behaviour Therapy? NOCS requires a 2-hour minimum per week of direct behaviour therapy services for learners entering our program. At Northern Outreach and Clinical Services (NOCS), we ask for a 3-month minimum commitment from families to ensure the clinical integrity of treatment and on-going support can occur. Treatment blocks are conducted in 3-month, 6-month or 12-month timeframes. It is important to NOCS the Caregivers feel supported throughout the course of treatment and learners are set up for the best outcomes. What if financial resources don’t support 2 hours of direct behaviour therapy per week? If families are unable to sustain into our direct therapy program for at minimum of 2 hours per week, we offer consultative services in the form of caregiver coaching.

To access the OAP funding your child must: have a diagnosis of autism (given by a qualified professional) be under the age of 18 years old live in Ontario Currently, children are eligible for: waitlist to receive funding OAP - behaviour plan (legacy) OAP - childhood budget (5K/20K, depending on your child's age) OAP - interim one-time funding (5K/20K, depending on your child's age) OAP - needs based *NEW* to be trialed in March 2021. To register for the OAP, families must complete and submit this Ontario Autism Program Registration Form. You can also call 1-888-444-4530 to speak with someone for more information.

To a certain degree, it depends on the type of funding you receive, but OAP funding can be generally used purchase: Services Autism related services (including direct therapy, family training, assessments, consultations), Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Respite services. Materials & Equipment Anything that would benefits your child’s learning, as approved by your child’s ABA team (i.e. your child’s clinical supervisor, Board Certified Behaviour Analyst). In addition, families are able to purchase a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet/iPad or a smartphone to help their child. The clinical team at NOCS has been advised to provide a letter of recommendation from a professional (BCBA) to indicate the purchase is necessary for program goals.