Behavior Therapy Associates provides comprehensive services for children through adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Asperger’s Syndrome, including all ages and levels of functioning.

Services include but are not limited to: initial evaluation and diagnosis, functional behavior assessments, educational treatment planning, individual and family therapy, development and supervision of a home program and/or school program, home- and school-based consultation, determination of the appropriateness of the individual’s program via independent expert evaluation, social skills interventions, supervision of ABA therapists, supervision of individuals seeking to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA), parent training, staff training, etc. Services are provided by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) and Licensed Psychologists.

All services are based upon principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and using a compassionate care approach; we utilize researched and scientifically-validated approaches to treating individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, including behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness strategies. Behavior Therapy Associates provides continuous evaluation, monitoring, and recommendations regarding each individual’s unique strengths and needs to ensure that programming is maximally effective.

We are happy to discuss the individual and unique needs of the child or adult to help determine the best steps to guide you.

We bring our many years of experience and training to each case to complete comprehensive evaluations to understand and assess each individual’s unique strengths and needs. Specific recommendations are provided based upon evidence-based practices. Diagnoses are provided or validated when appropriate. Families and School Personnel are provided with feedback in a very sensitive and supportive manner to help them move forward with addressing the child’s needs.

We understand the challenges that exist across school districts due to resources (budget limitations, staffing, training, materials, physical space, time) and incorporate this information when evaluating and treating individuals and their respective programs. Our goal and focus are to always act in the best interests of the individual student, recommending what is appropriate and necessary regardless of the referral source or who is the financially responsible party. We recognize the importance of a student making meaningful educational progress, developing appropriate goals and objectives within an Individualized Education Program (IEP), including attainable criteria for mastery, outlining strategies and supports to address the student’s needs, maximizing meaningful and beneficial time with typical-developing peers, and providing programming in the least restrictive environment.

Independent Expert Evaluations are provided to determine if the child’s educational program (school- and or home-program) is appropriate, if the child is making progress, and what modifications may be necessary. Such evaluations may be initiated following a referral from parents, school district personnel, attorneys, advocates, and/or following legal proceedings. Our integrity, objectivity, and professionalism are maintained regardless of the referral source. Issues of confidentiality, sharing the findings with other parties, anticipated results, and specific procedures are discussed in each case. When necessary, we may be asked to be included in mediation, due process or other legal-related proceedings. Our staff also has experience with facilitating a problem-solving approach among the parties involved in an attempt to minimize or avoid any of these legal proceedings.

Behavior Therapy Associates will develop an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program for an individual classroom and/or an individual child within the school and/or home setting to improve skill areas within any and all developmental areas, as well as to address challenging behaviors. We incorporate data collection procedures, develop operational definitions of target skills / behaviors, and monitor progress via graphs. Any staff member working directly with a child (e.g., ABA therapist, school-based paraprofessional, teacher, parent) can be trained to implement treatment procedures. ABA training will be provided on a 1:1 basis or, when necessary, a workshop will be provided to all staff members who interact with the child. When developing a school and home program, our primary goal is to help a child become as independent as possible within his or her own natural environment.

We will provide on-going consultation to both the school and home ABA programs and make appropriate treatment changes when necessary. This can include developing a new program or modifying an existing program. There is open communication between our professionals and the school district Child Study Team (i.e., personnel working on the child’s behalf) to promote consistency and treatment integrity. When a child is receiving both school and home ABA programs, there is an emphasis placed on parent training and addressing any areas of difficulty that the child may be experiencing during the school day.

Behavior Therapy Associates provides weekly social skills groups at our office and can help schools develop and implement comprehensive social skills programming in the school following best practices in the field. Our sister company, HI-STEP® also provides intensive summer treatment programming for social skills, which has provided Extended School Year (ESY) services for hundreds of children through the years. We also run an intensive weekend overnight program during the summer (Weekend for Improving Social Effectiveness – WISE). Additional services include individual psychotherapy and behavioral parent training to foster social skills. The goal of programming is to assist children to improve their social skills acquisition, performance, generalization and fluency (accuracy and speed).

Supervision is provided on an on-going basis to ensure ABA best practice. Any ABA therapist working directly with a child can be supervised by a qualified Behavior Therapy Associates BCBA. The BCBA will observe the ABA therapist interact with the child and provide constructive feedback to the therapist at the conclusion of the visit. Oftentimes, our staff will model appropriate interactions with the child to train the ABA therapist in various treatment procedures. Reliability data also are collected to promote treatment integrity.

We can provide supervision of individuals pursuing the requirement to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA). We are familiar with the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB) standards and regulations for supervision. Depending upon individual needs, supervision may include in-person supervision and/or distance supervision (e.g., telephone / video conferencing). Candidates are encouraged to review the BACB website, specifically the section on Supervised Experience for further information.

Behavior Therapy Associates conducts numerous workshops throughout the year on a variety of topics, including at least the following: Developing an ABA/Autism Classroom in District, Understanding and Treating Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Family Support for Individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, Parents and School Personnel Working Collaboratively, Best Practices for Social Skills Training, Functional Behavioral Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans, Behavioral Parent Training, Anxiety Disorders, Developing Play Skills, etc. Trainings are provided in various ways: local, national, and international conferences; local and state wide support groups; parent-teacher associations; to personnel at individual schools and throughout a school district; and in other forums depending upon your individual needs.

Video Consultation for Autism Spectrum Disorders

VCASD is a new online consultation service established by Behavior Therapy Associates which allows school personnel and families to consult with experts in Autism Spectrum Disorders using a computer from their office or home. Face-to-face contact in real time will eliminate traveling, the need for child care, and reduce associated costs. In addition, VCASD provides the possibility of observing the child in a natural setting such as the home and community. VCASD can be a one-time consultation or as part of a consistent treatment plan.

What equipment is needed?

A computer (desktop, laptop or notebook) or a mobile device with a microphone and video feature is needed in a private setting with few distractions.

What software is needed?

State of the art software that is HIPAA compliant is used. Clients enter a virtual office where security and privacy will be paramount.

Who will be providing this service through Behavior Therapy Associates?

Licensed Psychologists and Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) will provide this service and have extensive experience providing assessment, program development, and specific interventions directed at the full range of challenges for individuals with ASD.

What is the length of time for each consultation?

Each consultation typically will be for 30 minutes, although longer sessions can be scheduled as appropriate.

Do you provide consultation for any other issues/diagnoses?

Yes, we have experienced clinicians who are highly skilled in many areas, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, social skills deficits, anger management, oppositional defiant disorder, etc.

How do I schedule a VCASD session?

Contact Behavior Therapy Associates at 732-873-1212 or via email at info@BehaviorTherapyAssociates.com to discuss this further.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatment Services in South Jersey, Central Jersey, and North Jersey

Behavior Therapy Associates offices are located in Somerset, New Jersey. However, we continue to offer comprehensive services to those living throughout the state, including south Jersey, central Jersey, and north Jersey, including Atlantic County, Bergen County, NJ, Burlington County, NJ, Camden County, NJ, Cape May County, NJ, Cumberland County, NJ, Essex County, NJ, Gloucester County, NJ, Hudson County, NJ, Hunterdon County, NJ, Mercer County, NJ, Middlesex County, NJ, Monmouth County, NJ, Morris County, NJ, Ocean County, NJ, Passaic County, NJ, Salem County, NJ, Somerset County, NJ, Sussex County, NJ, Union County, NJ, and Warren County, NJ. South Jersey locations include at least the following Cherry Hill, Camden, Gloucester, Pennsauken, Voorhees, and Winslow.

For those who are unable to visit in-person, we suggest inquiring of Behavior Therapy Associates’ telehealth services serving all of New Jersey and other states through PSYPACT.