ABA for Change

Get to know ABA for Change

From ABA for Change's website.

• Our approach

  ABA for Change uses applied behaviour analysis to help children develop skills through evidence-based techniques. Sessions break down complex skills into smaller, manageable steps taught through repetition and positive reinforcement. Therapy is tailored to each child's needs and abilities, with sessions structured to be fun and engaging so children are happy, relaxed and learning. The team teaches skills in the environments where they matter most—home, school, or community—using a developmental assessment to identify current skills and create individualised goals. Programs are person-centred and progressive, designed to help your child achieve increased independence and open new opportunities. ABA principles apply to all children, including those with autism, intellectual disability, developmental delays, or behaviours of concern.

• Working with families

  The team involves parents from the start, sharing assessment results with families and working together to set long-term goals and structure the program. Program Supervisors provide ongoing parent training and consult with families about their child's progress through monthly team meetings. The service is designed with family circumstances in mind—the team discusses your child's needs in detail and offers flexible program options, from intensive therapy to smaller, targeted programs. The team also liaises with other professionals involved in your child's care, such as speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and school staff, to ensure a coordinated approach.

• Meet the team

  The team includes Alexandra Ahlgren, Clinical Director and Certified Behaviour Analyst who has overseen ABA programs for children as young as 18 months and up to young adults since 2013, and Ellonye Keniry, a Speech Pathologist with a Master's degree from Flinders University and specialised training in play, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, and sensory regulation. A Program Supervisor (either a Certified Behaviour Analyst or someone with a Master's degree in ABA) completes assessments, designs individualised skill-building programs and behaviour support plans, trains therapists, provides parent training, and conducts monthly team meetings. Senior clinicians provide direct therapy and work collaboratively across the multidisciplinary team to ensure optimal progress.

• Your first visit

  The intake process begins with an info pack and a phone consultation with one of the senior ABA therapists. A home visit follows for an initial consultation where first assessments are made and results shared with your family. Over the next 2-3 months, your child works exclusively with their assigned ABA therapist while the team gets to know them. Together with your family, the team sets long-term goals and structures the ongoing program to suit your child's unique needs and your family's circumstances.