Our Mission
Our approach to Applied Behavior Analysis is simple: effective services provided by practical behavior analysts. Complex behavioral issues often times require extensive treatment and even more complex problem solving. In an effort to create lasting and significant behavior change, we strive to work in a collaborative fashion to provide the ethical services that our clients need. We are practical behavior analysts, but more importantly, the science that we practice is most accurately described as Practical Behavior Analysis. Our team of behavior analysts is made up of highly-skilled professionals who have several years of experience working directly with clients of various populations, including intellectual disabilities, education, psychology, and mental health. It is the mission of Practical Behavior Analysis that all clients should receive the highest quality services possible. We want our clients to achieve personal goals and grow to their highest potential.
We serve many populations, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, and have experience with many other populations of individuals. If your loved one is experiencing a deficit in important adaptive skills, or if they engage in dangerous or challenging behavior, we will work with them to create opportunities for independence and success. Practical Behavior Analysis gladly accepts several types of funding, including DIDD, TennCare, private/commercial insurance, and private pay.
Functional Assessment
The purpose of the functional assessment is to determine why certain problem behaviors occur, so that the behavior analyst is able to create treatment programming to target those functions. This process includes direct observations of the individual in the environment in which problem behaviors are most likely to occur, interviews with caregivers, and review of historical data.
Skill Assessment
Skill assessment involves the use of standardized tests (such as the VB-MAPP and ABLLS-R) to determine an individual’s skill level and to identify deficits in adaptive and developmental behaviors. The results of this assessment allow the behavior analyst to develop a treatment plan that will target deficits in each skill area in order to create meaningful changes to the individual’s behavior repertoire.
Behavior Plan Development
All behavior plans use evidence-based and data-supported approaches to decrease problem behavior and increase appropriate behavior and adaptive skills Behavior plans written by PBA behavior analysts are peer-reviewed by the Clinical Director in order to meet the highest of standards.
Behavior Reduction
The primary goal is to reduce challenging behavior and to increase pro-social behaviors using the science of behavior analysis. Part of the behavior reduction model includes planning for prevention of problem behaviors, as well as planning for potential crises. Behavior analysts with PBA will assist in the creation of crisis plans and will help parents and caregivers develop safety protocols for behaviors that require the use of such interventions.
Skill Acquisition
Skill acquisition programs are developed by the behavior analyst to teach specific skills to the individual in both discrete-trial settings (e.g., sitting at a table or on the floor) or in the natural environment (e.g., where the skill is most likely to be used).
School Consulting
Where it is permitted, behavior analysts may assist teachers and staff in the development of behavior assessments and plans. Behavior analysts will consult with school personnel and attend meetings (such as IEP meetings) to ensure that the treatment being provided at school is consistent with the client’s treatment at home.
Collaboration with Other Professionals
At PBA, we are committed to consistent treatment, and as such, we welcome collaboration with other therapists such as speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, and psychologists. It is important to ensure that behavioral treatment continues across all settings that an individual experiences. Behavior analysts can work closely with other therapists to ensure that challenging behavior does not impede on their treatment gains.