Frequently Asked Questions

child blowing bubbles

What is the difference between ABA and VB?
How long are therapy sessions in the fully managed program?
How will my child be able to do a three-hour session?
Do we need a therapy room?
Do you provide shadows for children in preschool?
Can you provide a diagnosis for my child?
Do you have experience working with children on all parts of the autism spectrum?
Is an ABA-VB program beneficial for a child with more advanced verbal skills?
How much does your program cost?

What is the difference between ABA and VB?
There is a common misconception that ABA and VB are distinct programs. In fact, verbal behavior is a component of ABA. ABA is a science and verbal behavior is a language classification system. The classifications of verbal behavior are based on principles of ABA. A good ABA program incorporates B.F. Skinner’s principles of verbal behavior. The acronym AVB simply indicates an ABA program with an emphasis on Skinner’s principles of verbal behavior.

How long are therapy sessions in the fully managed program?
Our sessions are 3 hours to maximize learning opportunities and to help build behavioral momentum.

How will my child be able to do a three-hour session?
Many parents are concerned that their young child will not be able to handle a three-hour session. Since all aspects of our curriculum are individualized, the session is structured based on the age and developmental needs of the child. Our program incorporates a mix of play, “work”, breaks, and other activities. Often ABA-VB instructors embed the teaching of skills into play or other favored activities and the child doesn’t even know they are “working”!

Do we need a therapy room?
No, you do not need to specify one room as the therapy room. Therapy is done throughout the house, in the backyard, and in locations throughout the community. 

Do you provide shadows for children in preschool?
When appropriate we can provide a shadow for preschool. This time is used to enhance and generalize skills taught in home sessions.

Can you provide a diagnosis for my child?
We do not diagnose. To obtain a diagnosis, you will need to consult a psychiatrist, psychologist, or developmental pediatrician.

Do you have experience working with children on all parts of the autism spectrum?
We have experience with a wide range of abilities on the autism spectrum. Our curriculum encompasses many skill areas and levels—ranging from basic verbal and non-verbal communication to reading comprehension. We have experience with teaching children to communicate verbally, with a Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), and with sign language.

Is an ABA-VB program beneficial for a child with more advanced verbal skills?
ABA can be beneficial for a wide range of skills and ability levels. Our curriculum includes many advanced social and conversational skills—like how to initiate play with a peer, how to sustain a conversation, and instruction in age-appropriate play skills. Many of these skills can be addressed through more naturalized instruction than many people expect from an ABA program.

How much does your program cost?
ALC is a non-profit organization and therefore only charges what it costs to provide service. The cost for services varies based on the amount of service provided. Please contact ALC for more specific details.