An Introduction to ABA Services at Life Connections

The Overview:

Life Connections provides evidence-based, individualized Applied Behavior Analysis to individuals with an autism diagnosis in Bettendorf, Cedar Rapids, Clinton, Dubuque, and Muscatine.  Treatment is provided in clinic-based settings that provide an enriching and engaging environment.  

Applied Behavior Analysis is the “gold standard” treatment for autism that increases positive behaviors while decreasing challenging behaviors.  ABA treatment focuses on teaching communication skills, social interaction behaviors and play.  

Life Connections ABA clinics treat individuals with autism from diagnosis through teen/young adult years with a focus on ensuring the individual can live the life they want.  Specific treatment plans may contain social communication goals, imaginative play goals, using verbal or technological communication and functional living skills.  Each treatment is tailored to the client’s needs and family priorities.  Treatment sessions range in intensity and duration based upon the client’s assessment.

Life Connections also focuses on ensuring generalization of skills learned in clinics to the home and community settings.  In some instances, staff work with a client in their home or their natural community environment to teach and transfer skills.  We want to ensure that the skills taught in the clinic are applicable to the client’s everyday life.  Families are scheduled to attend meetings with staff a minimum of once a month or more as needed and requested.  This focus on the “whole child” ensures that the client can continue to learn and practice skills every day. 

The Life Connections Difference:

ABA staff are highly trained to provide a variety of interventions and strategies designed to elicit and reinforce positive behaviors.  And they do it while having fun!  Clients engage in a variety of environments such as play, sensory, table work, music, gross motor and of course, snack!  The treatment plan is written by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and monitored closely to ensure progress.  The daily treatment is implemented by a Behavior Technician/Registered Behavior Technician  who is 1:1 with the client and consistently takes data on every goal to inform the treatment plan. 

Applied Behavior Analysis has recently been under scrutiny in the news and social media where some have expressed concern that ABA creates ‘robots.’  More than 30 years of research has proven that ABA is more effective in teaching critical skills to individuals with autism than any other treatment.  And like other therapies such as speech, occupational therapy and even medication, ABA should not be a ‘one-size-fits-all’ treatment and may not be the right treatment for an individual with autism.  The assessment process helps determine whether ABA is necessary and would be effective. 

“I became a BCBA because I have 3 sons with varying levels of Autism and needed to figure out how to be their mom,”  said Alyson Beytien, BCBA, MS_Autism, LBA and Director of Autism Services for Life Connections.  “ABA treatment made a significant difference in my boys’ ability to communicate and interact with others.  For more than 20 years I have seen the positive impact of ABA on client’s and their families.  I have seen the positive impact we can have on families by supporting them in their priorities and dreams for their child.  It is incredibly rewarding to watch a child become more communicative and independent with treatment.”

Alyson Beytien BCBA, MS-Autism, LBA

Because Life is All About Connections

Life Connections provides in-home Behavioral Health Intervention services, Therapy services, autism (ABA) services and Children’s Mental Health waiver services in our 13 office locations and approved schools across Iowa. Life Connections was founded in March of 2009 with the intent to serve the children and families of Cedar Rapids and surrounding cities.

Life Connections is a highly professional and caring counseling and behavioral health provider. We offer a wide array of services to treat mental health issues. For our Applied Behavioral Analysis New Client Form, click here.

For more information, please call 319-409-6922. 

Resources:

• National Suicide Prevention Hotline 800-273-8255

• Crisis Text line text to 741741
• The Trevor Project – for LGBTQ+ young adult community 866-488-7386

• Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network 800-656-4673