Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

ABA Therapy

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientifically-backed, data-driven therapy that focuses on understanding and improving behavior by examining how the environment influences actions. It uses reinforcement principles to teach appropriate skills and reduce unwanted behaviors. ABA has been proven to be the most effective treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder, helping to enhance communication, social interaction, independent living, play skills, and coping mechanisms. Miraculum Center offers evidence-based ABA therapy for children ages 12 months to 21 years and their families, with a focus on improving communication, social engagement, independent play, and adaptive functioning. We provide one-on-one therapy both at home and in our center-based services across twin cities, offering support to behavioral technicians with electronic tablets and an on-site toy and supply area to ensure successful sessions.

Signs & Symptoms

symptoms

General Symptoms

Does not respond to their name by 12 months of age.
Does not point to objects to show interest (e.g., pointing at an airplane flying overhead) by 14 months.
Does not engage in “pretend” play (e.g., pretending to “feed” a doll) by 18 months.
Avoids eye contact and prefers to be alone.
Struggles to understand others’ feelings or express their own emotions.
Has delayed speech and language development.
Repeats words or phrases persistently (echolalia).
Provides unrelated answers to questions.
Becomes upset by minor changes.
Flaps hands, rocks the body, or spins in circles.
Exhibits unusual reactions to sounds, smells, tastes, sights, or textures.

Social Skills

Shows decreased response to their name by 12 months of age.
Avoids making eye contact.
Prefers to play alone.
Rarely shares interests with others.
Primarily interacts to fulfill personal needs or desires.
Struggles with understanding personal space boundaries.
Has trouble being comforted by others when distressed.
Finds it difficult to understand other people’s emotions or express their own.

Communication

Has delayed speech and language development.
Repeats words or phrases persistently (echolalia).
Mixes up pronouns (e.g., says “you” instead of “I”).
Provides unrelated answers to questions.
Does not usually point or respond to pointing.
Uses few or no gestures (e.g., does not wave goodbye).
Speaks in a monotone or singsong voice.
Has limited pretend play abilities (e.g., does not pretend to “feed” a doll).

Interests and Behaviors

Excessive energy and restlessness
Acting without thinking
Difficulty maintaining focus
Displaying aggressive behavior
Engaging in self-harming actions
Frequent emotional outbursts
Atypical eating and sleeping patterns
Unexpected emotional responses
Either an extreme lack of fear or heightened fear
Unusual sensitivity or reactions to sounds, smells, tastes, sights, or textures

Procedural Skills

Each session lasts for 10 weeks, with the opportunity to enroll in additional sessions afterward. Each week, parents receive a copy of the lesson to help reinforce their child’s learning and skill development at home. Participants will be grouped by age into two categories: 8-12 years old and 13-18 years old. If your child falls outside these age groups, please contact us to discuss whether they may still be a good fit for the program.

Circle Time

Circle Time provides a wonderful opportunity for clients to practice social skills with staff and peers in a supportive environment. During each session, clients and their technicians will gather in the sensory room to sing songs, engage in interactive activities, listen to stories, and create crafts.

To ensure an inclusive experience, participants will be grouped based on age and ability, allowing all children to take part in activities that suit their developmental level. Each week features a new theme that guides the activities, making every session exciting and engaging.

Circle Time is designed to be a fun and enriching experience while helping participants build essential skills that can be applied in various settings. The primary focus areas include:

Social engagement and interaction
Effective communication
Movement and coordination
Focus and attention
Following verbal directions
Smooth transitions between activities
Development of both gross and fine motor skills

Social skills group

Limited social skills can create challenges for children with autism. Our Social Skills Series is designed to help participants develop and practice real-life skills that will benefit them both now and in the future.

While our group is engaging and interactive, it is not just a playgroup. We incorporate principles from Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), ensuring that each child participates in hands-on learning through role-playing and guided practice. Progress is monitored using data-driven decision-making to support individualized treatment goals.

Our primary focus is to help participants build meaningful interpersonal skills that can enhance their social interactions and overall quality of life. The program aims to achieve the following:

Strengthening the ability to form and maintain friendships
Engaging in conversations about shared interests
Seeking out new friends or social connections
Improving interactions with family members
Following verbal directions
Understanding social norms and expectations that help navigate everyday social situations

Resources

Resources & Tips

ASHA Development

CDC Developmental Milestones

ABA Parents Guide

ABA Therapy