What is ABA Therapy?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy plays a vital role in helping children with autism and related disorders, offering a structured and compassionate approach to support and foster their development. As an early intervention treatment for preschool-aged children, it can help your child reach their goals and provide a long-lasting, positive impact for future success.

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What is ABA Therapy?

ABA therapy is a research-based approach that focuses on applying principles of learning and behavior to bring about measurable and meaningful change in children with autism and related disorders. Through the use of positive reinforcement and breaking down complex skills into smaller, manageable tasks, ABA creates a supportive environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

How Does ABA Therapy Work?

At the core of ABA therapy lies a comprehensive understanding of the unique needs and abilities of each child. Through careful evaluation and analysis, Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) assess each child’s skill level and challenges in areas such as communication, play, self-help, behavior, and social interaction. From there, they develop an individualized treatment plan that uses evidence-based techniques to help the child achieve their defined goals.

Depending on your child’s needs, ABA programs can be full-time or part-time. Full-time programs typically take place 6-8 hours each weekday and part-time programs take place 2-5 hours. Your BCBA will recommend the program that will have the greatest impact.

Benefits of ABA Therapy

ABA therapy offers a range of benefits that can transform the lives of children with autism and related disorders. It is highly effective and has been shown to significantly improve communication, behavior, and independence. Some of the key benefits of ABA therapy include:

 

  • Decreased problem behaviors like tantrums and aggression

  • Improved communication, social interaction, and play skills

  • Enhanced self-help and independent living skills like dressing, toileting, and brushing teeth

  • Improved coping skills for anxiety and stress

  • Strengthened relationships between children and parents, siblings, and peers

  • Increased quality of life for the entire family

Our ABA Programs and Services

Wellspring Learning Centers provides elevated ABA services for preschool-aged children. From comprehensive ABA to toilet training, we help in the learning process of a variety of skills. By utilizing evidence-based techniques, incorporating positive reinforcement, and designing personalized treatment plans, we strive to create a nurturing environment that fosters your child's growth and development.
Comprehensive Therapy
Focused Therapy
Feeding Therapy
Toilet Training
Parent Guidance

Our Testimonials

Praise for Our People and Programs

At Wellspring Learning Centers, we value feedback from our families and other professionals in the field. Through their testimonials and stories, we gain insights into the positive changes our ABA therapy programs bring to the lives of children and families affected by autism and related disorders. Hear first-hand how our ABA programs can help make a difference in your child’s life.
Jessica is organized and friendly and is an amazing RBT and Office Administrator. I love how she cares for her learners by always staying calm during problem behavior, treating them with respect, and providing positive options.

Nancy G.

Everyone I've talked to on the Wellspring team has been friendly, yet professional. When I think of ABA therapy in Nashville, Wellspring is the first name I'd recommend.

Casey L.

The Wellspring leadership team is super dedicated to creating the best ABA learning experience in Nashville. They invest in their people, their centers, and their parents to create fun, trust, and progress.

Cara E.

Elysia is a remarkable individual with the rare combination of dedication, knowledge, and interpersonal skills that allow her to flourish with the families and clients she works with.

Christine J.

Wendy creates an effective learning environment in the center that not only helps the children but that they really enjoy. She is extremely passionate about assent-based approaches to ABA learning and the importance of activity scheduling, circle time, and structured independent workstations.

Taylor A.

Gerardo is a phenomenal clinician and excellent BCBA. He demonstrates true enjoyment every day in his practice of ABA and takes advantage of every learning opportunity to teach new skills or shape the clinical repertoire of his team. He is an excellent leader, mentor and collaborator and never misses a chance to lead his team to clinical excellence.

Viviana G.

We recently visited Wellspring and met with both Eric and Gerardo. They were both welcoming and enthusiastic to meet with us. This new clinic was absolutely stunning and very well thought out for both function and therapeutic success. Each room serves a purpose and focuses on specific goals a learner might have in their programming. Their enrollment process and parent support is excellent. We are excited to be able to use Wellspring for therapeutic matching for our clients!

Rachael F.

Our Next-Level ABA Centers

Wellspring Learning Centers is dedicated to redefining the ABA experience by creating next-level ABA centers in Tennessee. Our centers are designed to provide an immersive environment, complete with premium furniture, engaging playscapes, and age-appropriate toys. Our interactive setting gives children the opportunity to learn and have fun simultaneously. See firsthand how we are changing the ABA standard.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Discover answers to frequently asked questions about ABA therapy.

Yes, ABA therapy is often covered by insurance, but the amount depends on the specifics of your plan. We are in-network providers for a number of major insurance providers. Contact us to check your coverage and start the reimbursement process.

Yes, ABA therapy has been shown to have significant long-term benefits for children with autism and related disorders. It is also the gold standard treatment for autism and is endorsed by many providers as well as national pediatric organizations.

ABA therapy utilizes a range of strategies and techniques, including positive reinforcement, natural environment training, shaping, discrete trial training, and prompting. Techniques are catered to a child’s level, interests, and needs.

No, ABA therapy is not harmful. It is a research-backed intervention that has been proven to be safe and effective for children with autism and related disorders. The intentions of ABA therapy are to foster positive behavior, communication, and independence skills. ABA staff are highly professional, compassionate, and experienced professionals. Our staff and clinical methodology are aligned with the most current ethical practices, we do not endorse exclusionary or restraining. Instead we rely on teaching functional communication and alternative positive behaviors.

The duration of an ABA program depends on a number of factors, including the severity and type of disorder. When enrolled in a program, BCBAs will develop individualized treatment plans and evaluate progress on a regular basis to make adjustments when necessary. For best results, ABA therapy must be consistent and incorporated at home.

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Get Started With ABA Today

Complete our online form to begin your child’s enrollment in one of our ABA programs and a clinical leader will get in touch soon to schedule a consultation.