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Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is an evidenced-based approach to understanding and changing behavior. By determining the function of behaviors, a behavior analyst identifies ways to modify the environment and teach new skills to improve an individual’s health and safety, ability to communicate, and family relationships. ABA services can be provided in home, in office, or via telehealth depending on client need.
Our services consist of behavioral skills assessments, functional behavior assessments, direct services provided by a Behavior Technician, supervision of direct services by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and consultation and training provided to families and caregivers.
We focus on addressing the core diagnostic criteria associated with an ASD diagnosis, specifically increasing communication skills, teaching social skills, and decreasing challenging behavior. Additionally, our staff work to help clients grow their skills in the areas of activities of daily living, self-care and personal hygiene, play and leisure skills, safety skills, tolerance skills, and community integration skills.
We use the principles of ABA to effect meaningful changes in behavior through the analysis, design, implementation, and evaluation of environmental factors. Core components to the use of ABA include direct observation, measurement, and functional assessment of the relationship between behavior and the environment. We use the information gathered through these methods to alter specific variables within the environment to produce helpful changes in behavior.
NFS is an ACE provider, offering monthly Journal Club CEU events and quarterly Expert Speaker CEU events. Please see Upcoming CEU Events below for details and registration information!
Journal Club
Journal Club is a monthly CEU offering where participants read a recently published scholarly article and then participate in a live and interactive discussion session. The discussion session includes interpretation of relevant article details, visual inspection of graphs, analysis of results and findings, and conversation surrounding clinical implications that can be incorporated into everyday practice. Article topics vary from month to month. 1 General BACB CEU available per session.
Expert Speaker Series
Expert Speaker Series is an ongoing CEU series where behavior analysts with various specialties, unique experiences, and valuable skill sets share their knowledge with participants. Topics vary from event to event. 2 BACB CEUs available per session. CEU type is determined by the subject of event.
Ethics Workshop
Ethics Workshop is a monthly CEU offering available to current NFS employees where a member of the ABA team provides an overview of a clinically challenging case through the lens of the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts. Participants engage in discussion to offer practical solutions and support ethical decision making on the case going forward. 1 Ethics BACB CEU available per session.
Learn more about which ABA services are offered in your state and make a referral today.
ABA services in Rhode Island are available to individuals from 2 to 21 years of age who present with behaviors and characteristics consistent with autism spectrum disorder. Rhode Island ABA services can be provided in-home or via telehealth, based upon client need.
Offered in Massachusetts
Social skills groups are offered virtually to current Massachusetts ABA clients and eligible new participants. Fill out a request form today to learn more about this service!
Arts & Crafts Social Group is a virtual space where the clients of all ages can work on their social skills while indulging in various arts and crafts projects. Each group will offer a structured yet relaxed environment where participants can engage in collaborative activities, share their artistic creations, and discuss techniques. The group will foster meaningful interactions and encourage the development of communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
The Girls Social Group is for girls between the ages of 10-16. Join us as we gather online through Zoom for an exciting and enriching social group experience! Despite the physical distance, the friendships are strong as we come together from the comfort of our own homes to connect, share, and grow. During our sessions, we explore a variety of engaging activities tailored to our unique interests while building skills in communication, friendship and problem solving. From lively discussions about our favorite books, movies, and music, to creative arts and crafts projects that unleash our imaginations, there’s never a dull moment in our group.
Gamer social group is for clients 13 and up with an interest in multiplayer online gaming. Participants will explore various family-friendly games together while building group communication skills, practicing good sportsmanship, and engaging in social problem-solving skills.
Teen social group is for participants between the ages of 15-18 years. This group focuses on facilitating appropriate peer interactions, handling conflict, engaging in conversations on preferred and non-preferred topics, and playing games together.
In our pre-teen social skills group, individuals learn to build and strengthen skills to interact appropriately with others their own age. In this group, participants will learn conversational, friendship, and problem-solving skills. Individuals in this group will develop these skills through a variety of teaching methods, including natural environment teaching, modeling, and role play.
Elementary age social group is targeted for children between the ages of 5-10 years old. In this group, participants learn a variety of skills which include conversational, turn-taking, friendship building, and direction following. In addition, the group also incorporates playing games, frequent movement breaks, hands on crafts, and simple recipe following.
The build social group is focused on building social skills through building activities like bricks, blocks, tiles and other fun building materials. We will share our favorite builds and future builds with one another visually and through conversation. A virtual build game will be provided during our session. This group embeds opportunities to practice reciprocal conversation skills, expand descriptive language, refine motor skills through imitation and/or instruction following, engage in imaginative play, and develop creative thinking skills. Build group is designed for children ages 8 to 12, but can be adapted for all ages. Let’s build together!
