The Elevation Ability Services Approach

Elevation Ability Services encompasses an Early Intervention clinic, a Facility school/day treatment program and behavioral consultive services. Within all of Elevation Ability Services’ programs is a fundamental belief system that all children can learn and deserve the most compassionate and ethical care. Below are the evidence-based practices in which we implement.

Applied Behavior Analysis

What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?

ABA can broadly be described as the science of learning. Principles of ABA (like reinforcement) explain how individuals learn behaviors. Behaviors are anything a person does that is observable to another person. This can be adaptive behaviors like tying your shoes or problem behaviors like aggression. Behaviors are a form of communication, and our job is to listen and learn what those behaviors are telling us. Then by using the principles of ABA, we can teach desired adaptive skills to help learners communicate their wants and needs and meet their highest potential.

At Elevation Ability Services we highly value collaboration with families, as this collaborative relationship can yield the most positive and desired outcomes for the children we are privileged to serve. Within all our programs, the first step in our process, is to learn directly from the family and build rapport. In trusting us with the opportunity to support your child and family, is a responsibility we take very seriously.

Elevation Ability Services embraces a variety of evidence-based assessments and treatment approaches based on the most current research within the field. Assessment and treatment approaches are selected based on the individual needs and desired outcomes for each child we serve. Some examples of core assessment and treatment approaches used within all the services provided at Elevation Ability Services, include but are not limited to:

  • Practical Functional Assessments
  • Skill-Based Treatment

Skills Based Treatment

Skill-Based Treatment (SBT) and Practical Functional Assessments (PFA) is a process derived from the evidence-based principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and is one of the primary methods of assessment and treatment at Elevation Ability Services to address moderate to severe problem behavior. The PFA process first starts with informed interviews with key stakeholders in the child’s life, followed by a functional analysis. A functional analysis is the most accurate way to understand problem behavior and develop treatments based upon the results of the functional analysis. SBT emphasizes treating problem behavior in a way that prioritizes the safety and dignity of all participants while creating strong relationships built on trust and compassion.

The SBT process involves teaching a series of skills that, once learned, replace problem behavior. These skills are: (1) communication, (2) tolerating disappointment, (3) complying with directions from adults, and (4) how to handle unexpected challenges. We teach learners how to manage and cope in chaos/life real scenarios. If they can succeed in those conditions, they can succeed anywhere.

Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment

Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP) is a criterion-referenced assessment and curriculum guide based on B.F. Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior. The VB-MAPP assessment works to identify developmentally appropriate skills to target in treatment, a system to track the acquisition of these skills and supports for planning for transitions in areas such as educational placements.

Essentials For Living

Essentials For Living (EFL) is an evidenced-based comprehensive life skills assessment and curriculum. EFL is used to determine the most important skills to target with a learner so they gain the lifelong skills that will help them meet their full potential. EFL supports the development of a variety of skills such as: expressing needs and wants, waiting, accepting “no”, transitioning, responding as a listener and safety skills. Utilization of this assessment and curriculum allows for individualized treatment programming and support focusing on the most important skills for the learner.