Sonnenberg ABA Clinics
Changing lives one behavior at a time!

Our Comprehensive Day Program is for ages 1 - 5 and
consists of 4 basic domains

Behavior: If a client exhibits any negative behaviors (such as throwing a block at someone to get their attention), we work to find the function of the behavior (in this case, gaining attention) and offer a more appropriate replacement behavior (such as tapping someone on the shoulder or saying their name). 
Another example is if a client screams to get access to a cookie, we can model a more appropriate behavior (such as requesting a cookie in the manner most fitting for the individual, e.g. bringing someone to the cookie, pointing at the cookie, saying cookie, or asking for a cookie).
 
Communication: We work with each client to expand their communication skills, starting at the level they are currently at and collaborating with the client’s family and outside therapies to aid in successful communication. 

• If the client is non-verbal and has no current form of communication, we can model bringing someone to desired items, gesturing to desired items, bringing an item to someone to get help, etc. We can also work on using Picture Exchange Communication (PECs) to assist with communication (for example, giving someone a picture of a cup of juice when the client wants juice).

• If the client uses a communication device, we can encourage increased use of the device to aid the client in voicing their wants and needs (for example, using the device to ask for a break from a situation, whether it be a social situation, loud environment, or not wanting to do an undesired task). 

• If the client can say a few words (or even no words yet), we encourage them to label items and features (for example pointing to a red ball and saying “red” or “ball”). We also model expanding language into simple sentences (like “I want ball”) and, if/when appropriate, more complex sentences (like “Can I please have the red ball?”). 

• If the client is able to use full sentences, we assist them in having back and forth conversations with another person, whether it be a staff member or a peer.

 
Social Skills: The great thing about our ABA sessions being clinic-based is that each client is in a classroom setting with peers of a similar age and skill set. And, since each client has their own staff working with them one-on-one, we are able to guide interactions with peers. 
For example, if the group is working on turn-taking,
- Client A’s staff can encourage Client A to ask Client B for a turn with a toy. 
- If appropriate, Client B’s staff will prompt Client B to share the toy, guiding Client B through the frustration that can come with sharing (such as redirecting to another toy, setting a timer for when Client B can ask for the toy back, etc.).
- Alternately, if Client B should still have a turn with the toy, Client B’s staff can encourage Client B to express to Client A that it is still their turn. Client A’s staff is then able to help Client A through the difficult situation of waiting (such as redirecting to another toy, setting a timer for when it can be Client A’s turn, using calming strategies like deep breathing, etc.).
 
Daily Living Skills: We tailor our focus to work with families to assist them and their children attain skills that are important to each individual client’s family.
We have frequently worked on
- Potty training (when appropriate)
- Tolerating brushing teeth and independently brushing teeth
- Dressing (such as hats, gloves, boots, shirts, pants, socks, shoes, etc.)
- Cleaning up one's own spills
The list goes on and on!
 
Additionally...

FUN!: Our clients are not here for all work and no play! We ensure each client is provided time to engage in fun activities with both their staff and their peers all throughout each and every session. We tailor play to each individual client's preferred activities, and also encourage engagement in a variety of activities to help expand their tolerance of peers' preferred activities. Fun times for all! 

Group Instruction: We help prepare client's for their transition to educational settings by including daily
- Circle Time 
- Social Group 
- Art / Science
- Recess 
- Lunch (supplied by the family)
- Snack (supplied by the family)

Parent Collaboration: We work together with families to focus on the skills they would like their child to master. We also work together to create customized behavior interventions that can be utilized outside the clinic setting to help ensure the family sees the same progress that we see at the clinic!