Opening up New Opportunities with Pediatric Therapy in Spanish!

If you've searched online for information about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), you've probably seen conflicting opinions.

Some families describe ABA as life-changing. Others have questions after reading recent news stories or social media discussions about the field.

At MetroEHS, we believe parents deserve clear, honest information.

What Is ABA Therapy?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based therapy that helps children develop skills that improve their daily lives.

Depending on a child's needs, ABA may focus on:

• Communication
• Social interaction
• Play skills
• Safety awareness
• Emotional regulation
• Independence
• Daily living skills

The goal of ABA is not to change who a child is.

The goal is to help children gain skills that allow them to communicate, participate in their communities, and live as independently as possible.

Why Has ABA Received Negative Press?

Recent media coverage has raised concerns about billing practices and quality issues within parts of the industry.

Like any healthcare field, there have been instances where providers failed to meet professional standards.

However, these stories often fail to distinguish between unethical providers and the thousands of clinicians who deliver ethical, evidence-based care every day.

Families should know that poor practice is not the same thing as ABA itself.

What Does High-Quality ABA Look Like?

High-quality ABA is:

💥 Individualized

Every child receives goals based on their unique strengths, needs, interests, and family priorities.

💥 Data-Driven

Clinicians continuously measure progress and adjust treatment plans based on results.

💥 Family-Centered

Parents are active members of the treatment team.

💥 Play-Based

Modern ABA often incorporates games, preferred activities, peer interactions, and natural learning opportunities.

💥 Focused on Meaningful Outcomes and Success!

Success isn't measured by how many hours a child receives.

Success is measured by improvements in communication, safety, independence, social participation, and quality of life.

A discharge plan should always be discussed in any therapeutic service. ABA shouldn’t be a life-sentence for anyone. Make sure that you have a discharge plan in place from the moment you begin therapy.

Is ABA Regulated?

Yes.

ABA is one of the most highly regulated autism services available. Treatment plans require clinical oversight, supervision by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), ongoing documentation, ethical standards, and regular review processes.

Quality providers continuously evaluate progress and reduce or discontinue services when goals have been achieved.

What Should Parents Look For?

When evaluating an ABA provider, ask:

• How are goals selected?
• How is progress measured?
• How often does the BCBA supervise treatment?
• How are parents involved?
• How does the provider collaborate with other therapists?

The best providers welcome these conversations.

Why MetroEHS Believes in Integrated Care

💥 Children do not develop skills in isolation.

💥 Communication affects behavior.

💥 Sensory processing affects communication.

💥 Motor skills affect participation.

That is why MetroEHS brings together ABA, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy under one collaborative, clinically integrated, model.

When therapists utilize clinical integration, children benefit from coordinated goals, shared expertise, and a more complete understanding of their needs.

The Bottom Line

Parents should absolutely ask questions about ABA.

They should expect ethical care, measurable outcomes, and meaningful progress.

But families should also know that ABA remains one of the most extensively researched and evidence-based interventions available for many children with autism when delivered appropriately.

The conversation should not be whether ABA is good or bad.

The conversation should be: What does high-quality ABA look like, and how do we ensure every family has access to it?

At MetroEHS, we believe children deserve individualized, compassionate, evidence-based care that celebrates who they are while helping them build the skills they need to thrive.

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Q: What is the RBT certification?

A: RBT certification is a paraprofessional certificate that is in the behavioral analyst field, and you work under the BCBA or BCABA treating and providing services to our kids.

Q: What are the requirements?

A: What it takes to become an RBT here at MetroEHS is you must be 18 years old, a high school diploma, you need the 40 hours of training, and then take a competency test with the supervisor, and then you apply at the BACB website, and take a test, and become an RBT.

Q: What does the training consist of?

A: The RBT training consists of like an interactive and comprehensive 40-hour training that you work in a small group or one on one with other technicians or your BCBA. You’re out in the clinic, hanging out with the kids, learning and watching how they run programs. That could be at the table time or out in natural environment and once you understand the new words in the ABA field, you take your competency test and take the test at the website.

Q: What is the competency test?

A: The competency test is when the supervisor comes out the clinic with you and they watch how you run programs, they interview you, ask questions about the terminology and it’s pretty much just one on one time or you and the supervisor and your client to make sure you understand the terminology and what you’re actually doing and it’s highly encouraged to actually take your RBT test within 90 days of your 40 hour training. It is free of charge. You take the test at the BACB website.

Apply now!

Q: How do I maintain my credentials?

A: To maintain my credentials as an RBT here at MetroEHS, I track all my supervision hours, and I retake my competency test at the year mark or year anniversary of my RBT testing date.

Q: What are the benefits if earning an RBT certification?

A: MetroEHS offers two benefits for becoming an RBT. One is a raise and two, once you become an RBT, you have more opportunities to move up the ladder and become admin or fun stuff.

Are you concerned about your child’s toe walking habits? Toe walking, a common concern for parents, can sometimes be associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Understanding the connection between toe walking and autism is crucial for early intervention and support.

What is Toe Walking?

Toe walking refers to a walking pattern where a person walks on their toes or the balls of their feet without their heels touching the ground. While occasional toe walking in toddlers is common, persistent toe walking beyond the age of two may indicate an underlying issue.

The Connection with Autism

Toe walking is often observed in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While not all toe walkers have autism, studies suggest that many children with ASD exhibit toe walking behavior. Children with Autism often have higher sensory seeking behaviors, and being up on their toes gives them deep sensory input through their feet and in their contracted calf muscles. This connection can lead to more targeted interventions and support from therapists and parents.

How Can a MetroEHS Physical Therapist Help?

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in addressing toe walking in children, especially those with autism. A skilled physical therapist can:

• ‍Assess the Underlying Causes: A physical therapist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to identify any underlying factors contributing to toe walking, such as muscle tightness, sensory issues, muscle weakness, or lack of range of motion.‍
• Develop Individualized Treatment Plans: Based on the assessment, the physical therapist will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs. This plan may include stretching exercises, strengthening activities, balance training, or different sensory inputs.‍
• Educate and Empower Families: MetroEHS Physical Therapists work closely with families to educate them about toe walking and provide strategies for home exercises and activities to support their child’s progress.

Toe-walking can impact your child long-term if left untreated:

Toe walking will impact your child’s overall body positioning, posture, and muscles. With toe walking, because of these impacts, it will also change the load of the body’s joints and likely cause chronic pain as the individual ages. It is common for toe walkers to lose range of motion in their ankles, preventing them from being able to reach their heels to the ground and causing their Achilles tendon to shorten. In more severe cases, if the Achilles tendon shortens too much, the only way to regain that length is with a surgical lengthening.

Take the First Step Towards Support

If you’re concerned about your child’s toe walking or suspect they may have autism, early intervention is key. Schedule an evaluation with a qualified physical therapist who specializes in pediatric care. Together, we can help your child take confident steps towards improved mobility and independence.