Welcome to Behavior Therapy Specialists of Illinois and Missouri!

Providing Center, Home-Based ABA and Speech Services

We are committed to helping children and adults with Autism and other related disabilities achieve to their greatest potential through the use of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). We invite you to explore our website and learn more on how we can be a benefit to your child, family, and the community!

What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?

Applied Behavior Analysis is a scientifically validated approach to understanding behavior and how it is affected by the environment. In this context, “behavior” refers to actions and skills, and “environment” includes any influence - physical or social - that might change or be changed by one’s behavior. Since the 1960’s, therapists have been applying behavior analysis to help children with autism and related developmental disorders. Early techniques often involved adults directing most of the instruction, however, some allowed the child to take the lead. Through the decades of research, the field of behavior analysis has developed many techniques for increasing useful behaviors and reducing those that may cause harm or interfere with learning. On a practical level, the principles (how learning takes place) and methods of behavior analysis has helped many different kinds of learners acquire many different skills. One such principle is Positive Reinforcement. When the desired behavior is followed by some sort of reward, the behavior is more likely to repeated. Techniques used within ABA can be used in structured situations, such as a classroom lesson or “everyday” situations such as family dinnertime or the neighborhood playground. Therapy sessions can include one-on-one interaction or group instruction. Applied Behavior Analysis strives to bring meaningful and positive changes in behavior- from healthier lifestyles to the mastery of a new language - from toddlers through adulthood. (courtesy www.autismspeaks.org).

How Can We Help?

Behavior Therapy Specialists will work with each family on an individual basis to focus treatment on the areas that affect families lives the most. We look at Applied Behavior Analysis as a treatment not only to assist your child in learning crucial life skills but how the family can implement these skills into their daily life making families an integral part of the treatment team. Working together, the family and behavior analyst identify treatment goals based on the individual needs of the child. See “services” for more information.

Why Choose BTS?

The choice of a behavioral health provider is an important one. Behavior Therapy Specialists of Illinois and Missouri is a LOCAL provider who understands that ABA therapy is not a one size fits all approach. We work with your family to provide an individualized plan for your child while allowing flexibility in our scheduling to meet the unique needs of each family. Our in-home ABA programming allows us to meet you where the need is such as in your home, daycare, private schools, camps, etc. Our center services for children will provide an intensive support model that can augment early childhood supports. We know that behavioral therapy is just one part of a larger treatment protocol (i.e. speech therapy, school, OT) and we work to collaborate with all service providers to ensure a seamless coordination of services. In addition to working with other community providers, Behavior Therapy Services now offers Speech and Language services with our on-site SLP (see Speech and Language services for more information!) Open and consistent communication is important. In addition to your assigned behavior analyst and therapist(s), you have direct contact information of one of the owners of BTS. We value the personal connection we develop with each family and strive every day to exceed client expectations by providing the most effective, research based therapy that is responsive to the needs and concerns of the family. Visit “About US” to learn more about the BTS difference!

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