Center-Based ABA Therapy: What are the Benefits?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is widely recognized as an effective treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). When delivered in a center-based setting, ABA therapy offers a structured and supportive environment that maximizes its benefits.

In this blog, we will explore the advantages of center-based ABA therapy and how it can positively impact children with autism and their families.

  1. Individualized Treatment Plans: Center-based ABA therapy begins with a comprehensive assessment of the child’s strengths, challenges, and specific needs. Based on this evaluation, highly trained therapists develop individualized treatment plans tailored to the child’s unique requirements. These personalized interventions allow for targeted progress monitoring and adjustments to ensure that therapy remains effective and beneficial.
  2. Specialized Learning Environment: ABA therapy centers are designed to create an optimal learning environment for children with autism. These centers typically have structured spaces equipped with educational materials and tools that facilitate skill development. By providing a controlled setting, center-based therapy minimizes distractions and helps children focus on learning essential life skills.
  3. Qualified and Trained Therapists: One of the significant advantages of center-based ABA therapy is access to a team of skilled and trained therapists. These professionals have extensive experience working with children on the autism spectrum and are well-versed in implementing ABA techniques effectively. Their expertise ensures that therapy sessions are productive and tailored to meet each child’s specific needs.
  4. Consistency and Routine: Children with autism often thrive in structured environments with consistent routines. Center-based therapy offers a predictable schedule, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals with ASD. The consistent routines create a sense of stability and security, leading to better engagement and improved learning outcomes.
  5. Social Interaction Opportunities: For many children with autism, social interactions can be challenging. In a center-based ABA therapy setting, children have the opportunity to engage with peers who may have similar challenges. This controlled social environment helps children build social skills, practice communication, and develop meaningful connections with others.
  6. Family Involvement and Support: Center-based ABA therapy doesn’t only benefit the child; it extends its advantages to the entire family. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to actively participate in their child’s therapy sessions and receive guidance from therapists on how to reinforce learning and behavioral strategies at home. This family involvement fosters a supportive and cohesive approach to the child’s development.

In conclusion, center-based ABA therapy offers a structured, supportive, and specialized approach to help children with autism reach their full potential. The individualized treatment plans, qualified therapists, consistent routines, and social interaction opportunities combine to create an ideal learning environment for children with ASD. 

As families actively participate in their child’s progress, the benefits of center-based ABA therapy extend beyond the center’s walls and into their daily lives. By embracing this evidence-based therapy, children with autism can unlock their potential and develop essential skills that will empower them to thrive in both their personal and academic lives.

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About the Author

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Dr. Mike Henderson, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA

Regional Operations Director

North Carolina

Mike Henderson, PhD, LBA, BCBA-D, is the Regional Operations Director at Cardinal Pediatric Therapies. With over two decades of experience in behavior analysis and organizational leadership, he focuses on mentoring teams and fostering a culture of collaboration, growth, and excellence in client care. Mike believes strong leadership and supportive systems are essential for helping clients, families, and providers succeed together.

Felicia Freeman

Clinic Manager

I am Felicia Freeman, the Clinic Manager for Cardinal Pediatric Therapies. I have been in ABA for several years now and am passionate about the community that we serve. I started out as an RBT, decided to go the administrative route, and worked my way up to managing clinics. I choose this field every day because I enjoy making a meaningful impact in the lives of our clients and building strong teams that change lives.

Amanda Dean, MA, BCBA, LBA

Johnston County, NC

Amanda graduated from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2018 with her Masters in Psychology. She proceeded to complete her graduate certificate in ABA and became a BCBA in November 2020. Amanda has a passion for behavior reduction, tolerance training and functional communication training. She enjoys spending as much time as she can with her 3 children and husband. When she’s not working, Amanda is very involved in her local Pop Warner Cheerleading program where she is the Assistant Cheer Director and a head coach.

Becky Fronheiser

Operations Director

Arizona

Becky has worked in behavioral health for 7 years. She joined Cardinal in the spring of 2024.  Becky is grateful for the opportunity to work with such a passionate group of people and looks forward to supporting families with their specific ABA needs.  In her personal time, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband, 6 kids and 4 grandkids and loves to travel and relax on the beach.

Matthew Wilkinson

Operations Director

Cary, NC

Matthew holds a bachelors degree from the University of Utah, Medical Degree from the Autonomous University of Guadalajara and an MBA from Western Governors University. He has worked in the pediatric field for the majority of his professional life and has a passion for helping bring the best care to children in need. He enjoys spending time with his wife and three children and day trips to the coast.

 

Trisha Iannotta Bieszczad, PsyD., BCBA

Triad, NC

Trisha is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with extensive expertise since 2016 in applying behavior analytic principles to improve the lives of children and adolescents. Her professional journey began with a doctoral degree in clinical psychology, emphasizing child and adolescent development. This foundation has equipped her with a deep understanding of psychological theories and practices, which she seamlessly integrates into her work as a BCBA. Outside of her professional endeavors, Trisha enjoys reading, spending time outdoors with her family & trying out new restaurants. Trisha’s dedication to both her career and personal interests reflects her commitment to continual growth and enrichment, both professionally and personally. Her multifaceted background allows her to approach each aspect of her life with a blend of expertise, enthusiasm, and a genuine appreciation for learning and exploration.

Tina Lee

Director of Finance

Tina Lee is the Finance Director for Cardinal with a variety of experience in the Healthcare Industry for over 13 years. She is compassionate and always eager to assist where she can. In the ever-changing Healthcare environment, Tina has played a vital role in putting processes in place to obtain high efficiency outcomes to help our clients get the care they need. Tina enjoys the outdoors and loves spending time with her family.

William Evans

Director of Outreach and Recruitment

William is a UNCW Graduate who started his professional career working in Marketing and Recruiting for a local technology company before looking for an opportunity to take those skills and help others. In his spare time he plays hockey, including annually for the North Carolina Autism Hockey Tournament, which is dedicated to the raising money and awareness for organizations helping local families with children diagnosed with autism.

Alice Okamoto, MA, BCBA, LBA

Chief of Staff

Alice has been with Cardinal for over 4 years and has worn many hats along the way!  Alice has a passion for working with clients and families as a unit, supervising behavior analyst trainees, and collaborating on strategic initiatives to ensure clinical efficiencies.  Alice‘s professional experience began with ABA in a school setting, and has worked in schools, homes, and clinics throughout the years while enjoying collaboration with related providers.  In her free time, Alice enjoys traveling, exploring parks with her dog, Oliver, and trying new restaurants. 

Darrin Miller

CEO

Darrin has dedicated his education and career to the field of behavioral health. As a licensed therapist and master’s in clinical counseling he works to create solutions that improve the lives of those impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder at a local, state, and national level. He strives to create a culture of caring and empathy while innovating solutions for improving families’ access to quality care as quickly as possible.