Adaptive Behavior Services for Children (ABA)
Adaptive Behavior Services for Children help children and young adults, including many with autism, build practical skills for everyday life. At Clarvida, we provide Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), an evidence-based approach that uses each child’s strengths, interests, and needs to support meaningful progress. Services may take place at home, in the community, or in an approved school-based program, depending on the child’s needs and service plan.
What Are Adaptive Behavior Services?
Through our Adaptive Behavior Services, we help children and young adults develop practical skills for everyday life, including communication, social interaction, self-care, safety, and daily routines. These services are designed to support greater independence and help families build strategies that can be used at home, in school, and throughout the community.
How ABA Can Help
Through ABA, we help children strengthen communication, social interaction, safety, self-care, emotional and behavioral regulation, following routines, and other skills that support greater independence. It can also help reduce behaviors that make daily life or participation more difficult by teaching safer, more effective ways to communicate and respond. Goals are individualized, measurable, and focused on skills that are meaningful to your child and family.
What Your Family Can Expect
Your family will work with a qualified supervisor, such as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and a Behavioral Health Professional (BHP). Our team will complete an assessment, identify your child’s strengths and support needs, and create an individualized treatment plan. During regular activities, the BHP will practice skills with your child while the supervisor reviews progress and adjusts strategies as needed. Caregivers are important members of the team, and we will help you use practical approaches that fit your family’s routines. The amount and location of service will be based on your child’s assessed needs.
Is ABA Right for Your Family?
This service may be a good fit for a child or young adult under age 21 who has MaineCare, has significant difficulty with adaptive skills, and meets MaineCare’s clinical and functional eligibility requirements for ABA. Eligibility is based on current assessments and supporting clinical information. School-based services must also be included in the child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), as applicable.
How do I get started with ABA services?
Section 28 eligibility and authorization are managed through Maine’s statewide process with Acentra Health. A parent or guardian may begin a referral or, with the family’s consent, ask a Care Coordinator, medical or behavioral health provider, school team member, or another support person to help. We’ll help you understand what information may be needed, answer questions about eligibility, and guide your family through the next steps. When you’re ready, reach out to our Maine location near you for support.