1. What is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)?

ABA is defined as the science of changing and/or improving socially significant behaviours.

It is a basic theory of learning, based on research that demonstrates that if a behaviour results in something we like, we are more likely to continue to do it and if it results in nothing or something we dislike, we are less likely to continue doing it.

2. What are the goals of ABA Toronto?
  • To increase or decrease behaviour
  • To improve the quality of behaviour
  • To teach new behaviours.

These 3 goals in conjunction are integral to a clinically effective and ethical ABA service.

3. What is a behaviour? Is it always negative?

Behaviour is communication. It is how an individual acts or conducts oneselves, especially with others. This means that behaviour can not be classified as only negative. It is ANY act that an individual engages in whether positive or negative.

4. Who works with my child?

Your child’s main frontline workers are our highly trained Instructor Therapists, both in a 1:1 therapy setting or in our group ABA programs.

Assessment and programming is designed and monitored by a dedicated Senior Therapist and Clinical Supervisor.

5. How are targets and goals of programming determined?

All targets and goals are individualized for each specific learner. We complete a variety of assessments, guided by the current learning level. For children in our 1:1 ABA program assessments are completed approximately every 6 months.

6. Is there an initial cost to meet and discuss services?

There is no initial fee to meet with our Intake Coordinator to discuss services and scheduling. It is important that all aspects of service are understood prior to signing up and starting service.

7. How can my child access the Ontario Autism Program (OAP).

All children (up until 18 years old) in Ontario with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder are eligible for the OAP. Once a diagnosis has been made, parents can self refer to the waitlist for funding.Click Here

8. Who would benefit from AlphaBee’s programs?

AlphaBee’s program and services are for children with ASD and other developmental disorders. The principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis apply to anyone wanting to increase skills or decrease challenging behaviours.

9. What level of learner would benefit from AlphaBee’s services?

AlphaBee works with all levels of learners from 18 months to 18 years of age. Our services are individualized to the learner and range from children with limited skills and who are non-vocal, to children needing school readiness including pre academic,  to children who require advance skills such as conversational skills and perspective taking.

10. What age range does AlphaBee serve?

Our 1:1 program, group ABA, school & camp support are geared to children and youth from 18 months to 18 years of age.

However, AlphaBee’s assessment and consultation services are applicable to children, youth and adults of any age.

11. Does AlphaBee require a formal diagnosis in order to access services?

No. We can help children, youth or adults with a broad range of developmental disorder, with or without a specific diagnosis.

AlphaBee works with children with a variety of diagnoses, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), and other developmental disabilities. We also work with neurotypical children with learning or behaviour challenges as well children entering services at a very early age who may not have yet been diagnosed.

While a diagnosis provides a framework, our clinical team will conduct a skills assessment regardless of a present diagnosis and through the assessment guide our programming.

12. How do I fund AlphaBee’s services?

For those who are eligible, our services are aligned with the Ontario Autism Program requirements, and we have developed good working relationships with various government funding agencies.

All of our clients and families receive the same quality services whether they are paying privately, funded by OAP, or receiving funding from an outside charity or agency.

13. How does AlphaBee ensure quality services?

AlphaBee is committed to providing quality ABA programs.

Our senior clinical team consists of a Clinical Lead as well as team of Clinical Supervisors who are all BCBA’s. Our clinical Supervisors work together to oversee overall programming, and who are clinically responsible for services provided.

Our Senior Therapists are responsible for the programming and providing 1:1 training and feedback to our Instructor Therapist. They are also the main point of contact for the family and the Instructional Therapist.

14. What is AlphaBee’s commitment to professional development?

AlphaBee is committed to regular professional development for all members of the clinical team.

We hold monthly team meetings with the entire AlphaBee clinical team during which current programming is reviewed, along with training in new clinically validated approaches and review of relevant clinical research.

We regularly host workshops and organize a yearly conference for not only our team, but also for other ABA professionals (click here for a list of our previous conferences).

15. What are the hours of operation?
  • ABA services typically run Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:30pm and on Saturdays, 9:00am to 1:00pm, and our ABA groups run evenings and weekends.
  • Our Intake Coordinator is available to speak Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
  • For families, our scheduling team is available Monday to Friday, 7:00am to 10:00 pm, and Saturday to Sunday, 9:00am to 5:00pm.