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S.T.A.G.E.S. of Learning Center (STAGES) is a private therapeutic school dedicated to improving the lives of its students through the science of Applied Behavior Analysis. We serve students aged between toddlers thought adulthood who demonstrate a wide range of needs in the areas academic, social, communication, and daily living skills.
Our goal is to prepare our students for success and fulfillment both academically and socially so that they can have the smoothest transition into the mainstream world. We provide individualized, educational programs based on the principles and methods of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). We seek to make it functional and socially significant for the student
“Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the science of behavior. As with other sciences such as chemistry and physics, researchers in ABA have found that behaviors follow certain laws, certain predictable patterns. Through countless experiments Behavior Analyst have shown that an organism’s behavior can be predicted and controlled based on certain environmental variables.”
Jose Martinez-Diaz, Ph.D., BCBAFlorida Institute of Technology
ABA focuses on outcome rather than process. Behavior analysts continuously measure behavior to determine if progress is being made. Applied behavior analysis is data based and has the best scientifically demonstrated track record for teaching skills and replacing problem behavior with appropriate social skills.
Jose Martinez-Diaz, Ph.D., BCBA
Florida Institute of Technology
ABA is the science in which tactics derived from the principles of behavior are applied to improve socially significant behavior and experimentation is used to identify the variables responsible for the improvement in behavior. Dr. Vincent J. Carbone, Ed.D., BCBA-D provides an Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twnQ6Mgp0q0
Dr Vincent Carbone Intensive Teaching on Vimeo
This video provides an illustration of Natural Environment Teaching with a young child with autism. This type of learning activity has become a recognized component of most ABA programs for children with autism. This program component is designed to transfer skills acquired in other learning activities to the naturally occurring settings experienced by most children. In addition, many skills such as manding (requesting) are best taught in environments that have naturally occurring reinforcing value for the learner.
“Behavior Matters provided more than just a service to us, they provided our family with personal support. They were not only concerned on how my daughter was doing, but how our family was holding up, given the recent diagnosis. They went over and beyond their call of duty.”
A. Baldridge, Parent
A. Baldridge
This preschool is just amazing! I’m a certified teacher, so I know what to look for in a school and its teachers. The teachers are loving and caring with all of the children and there is plenty for them to play with and explore. My daughter loved the school and its teachers!
Michele Monastra, Mother
Discrete Trial Training (DTT) is a highly structured and intense form of ABA and typically occurs at a table. Each teachable moment is planned, separate, and distinct. Each target is typically repeated in a trial of 10. DTT is beneficial for students that require more repetition. The sequenced form of instruction has 3 steps: 1.SD (instruction) 2. Response 3. Consequence. Generalization is difficult in DTT and must be planned. Behavior Matters LLC uses DTT to introduce and teach skills and then quickly moves onto NET to help generalize the concept or skill.
Pivotal Response Training (PRT) is another form of naturalistic ABA and is used to teach language, decrease disruptive/self-stimulatory behaviors, and increase social, communication, and academic skills by focusing on critical or pivotal behaviors that affect a wide range of behaviors. The primary pivotal behaviors are motivation and child’s initiations of communications with others. The goal of PRT is to produce positive changes in the pivotal behaviors, leading to improvement in communication skills, play skills, social behaviors and the child’s ability to monitor his own behavior. Motivational strategies include the variation of tasks, revisiting mastered tasks to ensure the child retains acquired skills, rewarding attempts, and the use of direct and natural reinforcement.
Natural Environment Training (NET) is a more natural form of utilizing ABA and is conducted in the child’s typical environment. Everyday household objects and toys are used as teaching materials and the rewards for correct responses are natural. The teacher has a curriculum (list of targets to teach) in mind and makes it portable. The targets are inserted in activities, games, and play. The child’s motivation and interests are a main factor in NET; most children do not recognize they are “working”. Generalization is built into this teaching strategy.
Play-Based Techniques which builds on a child’s own interests or obsessions, to develop relationships and social/communication skills.