Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Applied Behavior Analysis Program


In 2013, Harwood implemented their Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program supervised and directed by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) offering up to 40 hours of week of individualized behavior services based on the principles of learning. ABA is a evidence-based intervention designed to assist children and their families in socially significant ways. This can mean different things to every family, so regular meetings with the family are strongly encouraged. Children enrolled in the ABA program receive direct 1:1 services by trained behavior technicians. In addition to the center-based services, the BCBA and technicians are available to go to the family’s home to help generalize skills in their home and community environment. Since the opening of this program, it has grown significantly and now serves about 20 clients. ABA therapy is provided by either Behavior Technicians in the process of becoming Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) or RBTs, under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who are also licensed BCBAs in the state of Tennessee. Speech Language Pathology services, or Speech Therapy, is provided by providers who hold a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). Our current Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) is also an RBT.

Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 68 children will be diagnosed with autism. At Harwood Center, a team led by a board certified behavior analyst, licensed special education teachers, educational specialists, and behavior technicians, is trained to develop specialized and individualized intervention programs for children diagnosed with autism.

Evidence- Based Assessments


Research demonstrates that Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is extremely effective in teaching new skills, while reducing problem behaviors for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disorders.

The following assessments are evidenced- based and considered best practice in the field of ABA:

  • Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP)
  • Assessment of Basic Language & Learning Skills (ABLLS-r)
  • Assessment of Functional Living Skills (AFLS) assessments.
The Children We Serve Diagnosed with:

The following are some of the areas in which ABA therapy can provide assistance:

  • Tantrums
  • Communication
  • Property Destruction
  • Attending
  • Noncompliance
  •  Toilet Training
  • Mealtime Problems
  • Handwashing
  • Aggression
  • Social Skills
  • Playing with Peers
  • School Readiness

We take a variety of insurances included but not limited to TN Medicaid, also referred to as Tenncare. For more information about our ABA services and for a full list of insurance providers we accept, please contact our Intake Coordinator  (intake@harwoodcenter.org)