About Our Program

Applied Behavior Analysis

(ABA)

 Program Description

The ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) program at Westfield Public Schools is a behavior analytic preschool through eigth grade program for students with autism and related disorders.  The program targets academic skills, adaptive skills, social skills, basic learning skills, and builds the ability to benefit from group instruction.  The program also aims to reduce any challenging behaviors that may be present.  Educational decisions are made based on each student’s individual performance as measured by objective criteria.  This classroom collaborates with related services to meet the student’s needs.  

Students in this program work either one-on-one, in dyads, or triads based on their educational needs, and also work towards participating in “large” groups of 5-8 students.  Strategies used include: shaping, chaining, discrete trial instruction, natural environment teaching, peer modeling, reinforce pairing, and differential reinforcement among others.  

Communication skills are a priority and are addressed through both speech and picture exchange systems depending on individual need.  All modes of communication are taught using a Verbal Behavior based curriculum, as well as running parallel to the school curriculum.  Behavior reduction plans are formulated based on functional assessments and rely on antecedent interventions, replacement skills, and reinforcement-based strategies whenever possible.  Data collection and data analysis is a cornerstone of this program.  

The program is staffed by a lead teacher and multiple paraprofessionals.  Additionally, a behavioral consultant is embedded in the program and visits the classroom regularly, and related service providers work with the students as based on their IEP.  Home visits with teachers/staff are available.

-Paraprofessionals work directly with students implementing individualized educational and behavior plans.

-The classroom teacher trains and observes assistant staff in their implementation of educational programming.  The classroom teacher works with students as needed to complete assessments, evaluate current programs, help develop curriculum and create behavior interventions.  Additionally, the classroom teacher uses student data to evaluate student progress to make curricular decisions.

-Related therapy staff work directly with students, either individually or in groups, as specified in the student’s IEP.  Additionally, related therapy staff create programming for assistant teachers to implement and measure in their absence.

-The behavior consultant uses observation, interview, data review, and direct work with students to further refine classroom programs and strategies.  The behavior consultant works closely with classroom teacher, and prioritizes responding to teachers requests for support. Additionally, the behavior consultant conducts parent meetings and parent training.