Who We Are
We believe that working closely with families provides the best insight into the needs and skills of the child. At Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education, we provide coordinated, comprehensive ABA therapy and more.
Our ABA therapy programming is designed for individuals ages 18 months old to 18 years old with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Hearing your child has been diagnosed with ASD can feel overwhelming. It is natural for parents to worry about their child’s future and ability to function independently as they grow into adulthood.
Parents need trusted, qualified providers who care about their children as much as they do. At Cultivate, not only do we care about helping your child live a fulfilling life, but we also care about your entire family. That is why we also offer mental health and other complementary services in addition to behavioral health support services.
When one child has special needs, other family members may put their goals on hold. Our goal is to help every member of your family achieve a greater quality of life. We are proud to partner with you and provide the support your child needs to overcome learning challenges. Contact us today to learn how to get started on this exciting journey.
ABA Therapy: What Is ABA?
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for kids and teens is an evidence-based approach designed to encourage communication and language skills. It is the most widely accepted behavioral intervention for helping individuals diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders like ASD.
ABA therapy is supported by hundreds of peer-reviewed studies. It is considered to be the standard of care for early autism treatment.
The ABA approach is credited to two psychologists from UCLA: Robert Koegel and Ivar Lovaas. Both men dedicated their professional lives to studying the behavioral effects of autism. In 1987, Lovaas published a study that laid the foundation for what clinicians now identify as applied behavior analysis.
ABA is an individualized therapy that aims to reduce maladaptive behaviors such as self-injury and aggression while at the same time increasing adaptive behaviors like self-help and language skills.
ABA utilizes a critical component in behavioral therapy known as antecedent, behavior, and consequence — often referred to as “ABC.”
The antecedent refers to what occurs immediately before the behavior. For example, suppose that a child is playing with a toy while their parent is talking on the phone. Then, the child walks over and tugs on their parent’s shirt — that’s the behavior. As a consequence, the parent turns around and asks the child, “What do you need?”
By analyzing behavior in light of the ABC approach, we can analyze the “why” of a particular behavior.
Another grounding principle of ABA therapy is known as a behavior chain. Also referred to as “chaining,” this teaching procedure is used to develop multi-step sequences that work to build skills within a specific set of behaviors or tasks. That is, connecting individual behaviors to form more complex responses.
In this way, the foundation of ABA therapy for children follows the same basic learning principles and systems that most families are already practicing.
Our experienced clinicians apply the principles of ABA to do the following:
- Assess behavior patterns
- Determine functions of specific behaviors
- Offer assistance with school-based challenges and IEP goals
- Establish evidence-based strategies to address unwanted behaviors
- Implement those strategies effectively and positively
Autism therapy services are not a one-size-fits-all experience. Every child and their family has a different set of needs. Our team creates individualized treatment plans to fulfill those needs.
Your child’s customized program may include some or all of the strategies described below, as well as other evidence-based approaches.
The Components of ABA Therapy
As children learn and grow, their needs and those of their family members change over time. Because of these changes, treatment plans need to be fluid. The clinicians at Cultivate are experienced in the different types of ABA interventions so that they can continue to support clients through all stages of learning.
The following five types of ABA therapy interventions may be included in a treatment program. Each of these approaches provides a different opportunity to connect with and teach a child who is on the autism spectrum.
1. Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
Discrete trial training breaks down complex tasks into simple goals that provide more opportunities for reinforcement. This allows learners to approach skills in a more systematic manner, taking them one by one versus all at once. This approach is most effective when each skill and combination of skills are practiced repeatedly and in conjunction with positive reinforcement of correct responses.
2. Pivotal Response Training (PRT)
Pivotal response training helps children learn how to begin conversations, monitor their own behavior, and stay motivated to learn. Therapists who apply pivotal response training look for connections between a child’s responses and “pivot” to use those responses for learning.
3. Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
The picture exchange communication system uses symbols, objects, and pictures to help kids communicate. PECS assists with all aspects of learning, including listening and speaking. This form of communication helps children make requests and engage with others.
4. Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI)
Early intensive behavioral intervention emphasizes discrete trial teaching and learning methodologies to improve behaviors that are socially significant to the individuals receiving therapy. This approach is often utilized when working with young children (ages five and below).
5. Verbal Behavior (VB)
The goal of verbal behavior therapy is to teach kids a variety of helpful verbal behaviors, such as answering questions, getting someone’s attention appropriately, and following directions.
What Are the Benefits of ABA Therapy?
The Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education team is dedicated to improving the lives of neurodiverse individuals. We have seen firsthand how our ABA support services have eased the stress families were experiencing and helped children reach goals they once thought were impossible.
Some of the many potential benefits of ABA services include:
- Helps children develop skills to support their individual wants and needs
- Decreases severity of autism symptoms
- Teaches simple and complex skills like performing sharing, communication, and activities of daily living
- Provides parents with working strategies for everyday life
- Improves social skills
- Offers innovative solutions to parents and other care providers
- Increases independent living skills
The Success of ABA Services for Treating ASD
There is no cure for autism. However, research shows that early interventions such as ABA therapy can significantly reduce symptoms and improve skills.
According to a study in the American Family Physician, ABA therapy services are especially effective for younger children. If you believe ABA autism services can improve your child’s life, reach out to Cultivate. Our helpful team members will be happy to answer your questions and explain our ABA services in depth.
ABA Therapy Where You Need It
Cultivate offers ABA therapy for kids and teens at our learning centers, in the child’s home, at their school, in the community. By providing our ABA services at different locations, we are able to minimize wait times and provide availability five days a week.
We strongly believe that providing therapy across various settings helps our clients learn and apply their skills in the moments and places that matter most.
Each setting offers new challenges and new opportunities to motivate children to learn. Changing environments is not only an effective strategy for learning new skills, but it can also be an effective way to reinforce lessons that were originally introduced in a different setting.
Center-Based Therapy
With more than 30 locations across 9 states, Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education makes it easier for families to receive center-based services that suit their child’s needs. We recommend center-based autism support services when the following apply:
- Additional support is needed to address behavioral challenges
- The home cannot provide a controlled setting
- Practicing communication and social skills would be enhanced by the presence of peers
- Practicing generalized skills in a new setting would be beneficial
Receiving therapy at our center gives children an opportunity to play with peers in a positive, safe environment. They can practice the social, communication, daily living, and school-readiness skills they learn through ABA therapy with other children.
Every Cultivate center is a comfortable, welcoming environment where children, families, and caregivers can feel at home.
Home-Based Therapy
Children spend most of their time at home, where they learn important life skills and play with siblings and parents. Home is the perfect environment to help children practice daily tasks such as potty training, household chores, and personal hygiene skills.
Home-based services are grounded in the same compassionate professionalism as our center-based therapies. Home visits may be most advantageous when parents, siblings, and other family members are involved with treatment. They also help reinforce new skills in a different environment.
Community-Based Therapy
Community settings often provide the most natural environment for social interaction. If some behaviors happen more frequently outside the home, ABA therapy may be most effective in that setting.
For example, a child may be fearful of large crowds or overstimulated by the large variety of items at the grocery store. Some maladaptive behaviors occur exclusively in community settings and can also be addressed in those settings.
With our community-based programs, kids and teens can learn to safely access places such as the doctor’s office, grocery stores, and restaurants. We also offer assistance with necessities like getting a haircut. The entire family will benefit from less stressful, more enjoyable outings with the support of community-based treatment.
Cultivate — the Answer to the Challenges that Parents and Caregivers Face
Along with work and everyday tasks, parents of children with special needs must also juggle doctor’s visits, physical therapy, tutoring, and other essential services.
At Cultivate, we understand how difficult it can be to schedule ABA services. Whether at home, in one of our welcoming centers, or in public spaces, our support team is available to provide ABA therapy for teens and kids when they need support the most.
In addition to providing ABA services, our goal is to create a supportive community for children and their family members. We serve as a network for access to community resources, including the following:
- Parent trainings
- Support groups
- Guidance on insurance
- Assistance with diagnostic processes
- Referrals to other community services
Many of our free resources can be easily located on our website or through our Community Outreach team. We also suggest contacting your local Community Outreach Coordinator for further support.
What Makes ABA Therapy at Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education Unique?
We understand you have a choice for ABA therapy services. Why should your family choose Cultivate?
Every member of our team is focused on providing high-quality, effective ABA therapy that will benefit your family now and far into the future.
We are not just therapists; we are dedicated to creating a culture of care that will have a long-lasting impact on the field of applied behavior analysis.
Cultivate’s ABA therapy is individually tailored to meet each child’s unique needs. Our team works with family members to develop valuable treatment goals. We are committed to creating significant positive change for your family and preparing your child for success.
While working with Cultivate, you can expect to work closely with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) for a complete behavioral assessment. We aren’t satisfied with easily reached goals that make our team look good on paper. Our BCBAs collaborate with parents to develop goals that will make a profound positive impact.
Additional Services from Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education
Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education provides comprehensive programming that strives to meet the health and well-being needs of our communities.
ABA therapy services are at the heart of our center. However, we are also motivated to serve the families we work with and others who need advocacy. In addition to ABA therapy, we offer the following:
Mental Health (Only Available in Kentucky)
The team of experienced therapists at Cultivate offers quality mental health programming, including counseling and therapy, to adults, children, and families in Kentucky. We use evidence-based treatments to identify challenges, set treatment goals, and help improve the quality of your life.
All our providers are fully licensed and certified. Areas of specialization include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Substance use disorder and addiction treatment
- Marriage and family therapy
We take a person-centered approach to therapy. Referrals to other appropriate services are available. We also provide mental health assessments, screenings, and diagnostic evaluations.
Targeted Case Management (Only Available in Kentucky)
Targeted case management (TCM) is available to Kentucky families with Medicaid. This government-funded service aims to eliminate barriers to treatment. Our targeted case managers address the educational, emotional, social, and vocational needs of their clients.
We can assist families in navigating the mental health care environment and act as an advocate for our clients. Targeted case management assists with the following needs:
- Mental health
- Legal issues
- Physical health
- Social relationships
- Basic care
- Self-care
- Emotional and behavioral issues
- Education
- Vocational and employment
Our focus is on assisting adults with substance use disorders, mental illnesses, and disabilities. Case managers work closely with clients to develop individualized care plans that address the goals and objectives that offer the best support. Our aim is to help clients be successful in their mental health journeys.
Behavior Support Services (Only Available in Kentucky)
Behavioral support services (BSS) from Cultivate are available to individuals who have the Michelle P. Waiver or Supports for Community Living Waiver and other funding sources in the area. Our BSS programs are based on the principles of applied behavior analysis. The focus of our BSS programs is to reduce unwanted behaviors and increase the following:
- Independence in daily living
- Replacement behaviors
- Social skills
- Community inclusion
- Employment
All our clinicians are trained in applied behavior analysis, and many are Board Certified Behavior Analysts. We provide home- and community-based services.
Additional Services and Resources
We believe in growth at Cultivate, including our own. To better serve our clients and their families, we consistently reevaluate our services and make every effort to provide all the key programs our clients need.
In addition to mental health care, targeted case management, and behavior support services, we offer social group services, parent support groups, and community workshops and trainings.
1. Social Group Services
Social group services include the Cool Kids Club for children and Cultivate Hangouts, where kids can learn valuable social skills following a fun step-by-step process. (Social group services are only available in select areas.)
2. Parent Support Groups
Cultivate also hosts weekly ASD Parent Support Groups. These free virtual meetings are held from 6:30–7:30 p.m. CST on alternating Wednesdays and Thursdays. They’re not just for parents of clients — they’re open to anyone, including caregivers and other family members.
3. Community Workshops and Trainings
Cultivate has dedicated its resources to developing and implementing customized workshops and training for clinical agencies, hospital networks, and school districts in our service areas.
We also provide community presentations and trainings to community groups and organizations interested in learning more about classroom management, ABA, behavior management techniques, and autism.
Trainings from our experienced clinicians are available to daycare centers, schools, nonprofit organizations, case management groups, and parent groups.
Get in Touch
At Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education, we serve clients in a variety of locations. If you’d like to learn more about our services, get in touch with our team today.
