Wraparound The World!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This conference was really eye-opening. Jay and the Wraparound the World crew are the foundation of all human service (mentalhealth, behavioralhealth, psychiatricservices, schools) WRAPAROUND  we are at a pivotal moment in wraparound where we can continue down the path of closing JDCs through wraparound or revert back to case management and increase recidivism again.

It is time to be proactive instead of reactive. The the wraparound model is more than what is presented. It is the designed base for the NewJersey children's system of Care, but it should be incorporated in all mentalhealth and BehavioralHealth treatment. its time to fix our JuvenileJustice & CriminalJustice systems. Autism ABA SubstanceAbuse
it was an honor to present with Ken McGill at the20255 National Wraparound Conference.

Dr. David Timpanaro- Presenting Wraparound

While at the wraparound the world, 2025 National Wraparound Conference, I was given the opportunity to present how hashtagwraparound reduces hashtagrecidivism and can reduce workload through shared responsibilities. please see my slides by scanning  this QR Code.

How ABA Shaping Helps Autistic Children Learn New Skills

As parents and caregivers, we all want to see our children learn, grow, and feel confident. When a child has autism, teaching new skills calls for a special kind of approach, one that's patient and effective. That is why we want to share about ABA shaping (Applied Behavior Analysis).

It's a powerful technique that helps autistic children build essential skills step by step. This method makes challenging goals feel reachable, breaking them down into manageable pieces and celebrating every bit of progress.

What is Shaping in ABA Therapy?

Imagine trying to teach a child to ride a bike. You wouldn't expect them to hop on and pedal away perfectly on the first try. Instead, you'd break it down: 

  1. Sitting on the seat
  2. Balancing
  3. Pushing with their feet
  4. Then, maybe using training wheels
  5. Finally, pedaling independently

 

Shaping in ABA therapy works similarly. 

It involves reinforcing "successive approximations" of a target behavior. This means we reward actions that are progressively closer to the desired skill.

The goal is to move a child from their current abilities toward a more complex skill, one small, positive step at a time. 

This method recognizes that learning often happens in gradual increments, making the process less overwhelming and more motivating for the child.

The Step-by-Step Process of Shaping ABA

The real strength of ABA shaping is its organized and positive way of teaching. 

While every plan at Step Up Family Services is tailored for your child, the basic idea of shaping includes a few main stages.

 

Step 1. Define the Target Behavior

First, we identify the specific skill you want your child to learn. 

This could be anything from brushing their teeth on their own to using words to ask for a toy or getting better at playing with others. 

The skill needs to be something we can see and track so we know how much progress is being made.

 

Step 2: Assess Current Abilities

Then, we look at what your child can already do that's related to this skill. This starting point is essential so we know exactly where to begin.

 

Step 3: Break Down the Behavior

The target behavior is broken down into very small, achievable steps. They build on each other, bringing your child closer to the final goal.

Each step is a "successive approximation" of the final skill. 

 

Step 4: Reinforce Each Approximation

As your child performs each step successfully, we provide immediate and meaningful reinforcement. This could be praise, a favorite toy, a brief activity they enjoy, or anything that motivates your child. 

This reinforcement helps them understand that they are on the right track.

 

Step 5: Gradually Raise the Bar

Once your child is consistently performing one step, we then give the reward only when they do the next thing that is even closer to the main skill. 

We stop reinforcing the earlier, less precise steps. This gentle "raising of the bar" encourages them to progress further toward the final goal.

 

Step 6: Continue Towards the Goal

This continues, gently encouraging more progress until your child can do the entire skill on their own.

It's a process that requires patience and careful observation. We adapt the steps as needed, ensuring your child remains engaged and successful.

This systematic approach makes learning complex behaviors accessible and achievable for autistic children. 

At Step Up Family Services, our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) carefully design and oversee these shaping programs. We ensure they are tailored to each child's needs and strengths.

Contact us to learn more about how we can help

 

The Science of Reinforcement

At the heart of shaping ABA and ABA therapy as a whole is positive reinforcement. 

It simply means that when your child does a desired behavior, they get something they like (a motivator). This makes them more likely to do that behavior again. 

For example, if a child says "ball" and immediately receives the ball, they are more likely to say "ball" again to get what they want.

For a child with autism, reinforcement gives clear feedback. It helps them understand which actions are successful and encourages them to repeat those actions.

Research shows that positive reinforcement is highly effective in teaching new skills and promoting lasting behavioral change in individuals with autism.

So, finding what truly motivates them is vital. 

What one child loves, another might not care for. That's why, at Step Up Family Services, we work closely with you and your child to find rewards that are exciting and helpful for your child. 

Our ABA learning center creates a nurturing environment where these methods come to life. 

 

The Impact of ABA Shaping

Using ABA shaping offers many short- and long-term benefits for children with autism and their families.

Short-Term Effects

 

Long-Term Effects

 

Partnering for Progress

At Step Up Family Services, our goal is to help your child shine by using caring, proven methods. Techniques like ABA shaping are a big part of how we work. 

We see every day how these small, rewarded steps can lead to big achievements and open up new doors for children.

If you're wondering how ABA can help your child, we're here to answer your questions. 

 Contact us today!

Disclaimer: The content in this blog is provided as general information only and should not be taken as professional advice. All content is offered with no guarantees or warranties, and the blog does not substitute for professional consultation or service. Always consult a professional before making any decisions based on the content of this blog.

Helping Children with Autism Thrive Through Center-Based ABA Support

When you’re raising a child with autism, finding the right support can feel overwhelming and, at times, isolating.

You’re not just looking for therapy—you’re searching for a place where your child is seen, understood, and celebrated for who they are. A place where progress isn’t just measured in milestones but in everyday moments of growth, confidence, and connection.

At Step Up Family Services, we understand these challenges and are here to offer compassionate, comprehensive help. Our ABA Learning Center provides personalized support for children with autism and developmental challenges. 

What is ABA Therapy?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy is a scientific approach to understanding and changing behavior. It focuses on the principles of learning and motivation to promote positive behavior changes. 

This therapy is highly individualized and data-driven, making it a powerful tool for children with autism and other developmental challenges. ABA therapy is based on the understanding that behavior is learned and can be influenced by the environment. 

It involves breaking down complex behaviors into smaller, measurable components and using reinforcement strategies to teach new skills and decrease problem behaviors. It can also help reduce challenging behaviors, such as tantrums and self-injury. 

How Does Our ABA Learning Center Support Children with Autism and Developmental Challenges?

Step Up Family Services provides comprehensive support for children with autism and developmental challenges, using a multifaceted approach that addresses each child's unique needs. 

Here are some key ways in which our ABA Learning Center can support your child:

Our center has specialized materials, resources, and tools to create a safe and engaging space for children to learn and explore. 

Our ABA learning center offers social skills training programs that focus on teaching children how to communicate, make friends, and navigate social situations. 

This will help you better understand your child's needs and progress while you learn strategies for supporting your child at home. 

We support these transitions and provide life skills training to help children become independent and prepare for adulthood.  

Effective and Compassionate ABA Therapy Available in Brick and Parsippany, NJ 

Step Up Family Services believes every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and thrive in a supportive environment. 

By focusing on personalized therapy and meaningful community integration, we help children build essential skills while empowering families to feel confident and supported.

In addition to ABA therapy, we offer mental health counseling services that address a wide range of challenges, including trauma, depression, anxiety, and grief. Our compassionate team is here to support not just your child but your entire family’s well-being.

Contact us today if you’re ready to learn more about how we can help your child and family thrive. 

ABA Therapy for Kids: Changing the Approach to Autism Support

Supporting a child with autism can be a challenging journey, often filled with choices that promise progress. ABA therapy stands out for its lasting impact. It gives children essential skills that promote progress and open up new possibilities for families.

It’s not just about teaching behaviors; it’s about empowering kids to connect, communicate, and take meaningful steps forward. 

Let’s dive into how ABA therapy is transforming autism treatment, offering you and your child a way forward with support, confidence, and the tools to make a difference.

Understanding ABA Therapy

ABA therapy, short for applied behavior analysis, is an evidence-based behavioral approach used for individuals with autism and other developmental disorders. The core principle is that rewarding certain behaviors encourages children to repeat them. 

ABA therapy encourages children to repeat positive behaviors by rewarding them. Behaviors that aren’t reinforced gradually lessen, leading to meaningful, positive changes over time.

Parents often play an integral role in this process. They work alongside therapists, learning methods to reinforce positive behavior at home and in everyday situations. Through consistent practice, many children see significant improvements over time.

What are the Benefits of ABA Therapy for Children?

The advantages of ABA therapy for children with ASD are vast. Here are some of the most notable ways it can help are:

  1. Improved Social Skills: ABA therapy helps children develop social skills by teaching them how to interact with others, make friends, and engage in appropriate behaviors. 
  2. Enhanced Communication: Many children with autism struggle with communication, whether it’s verbal or non-verbal. 

ABA therapy uses techniques such as visual aids and positive reinforcement to help children learn how to communicate effectively. 

  1. Reduced Challenging Behaviors: ABA therapy focuses on modifying challenging behaviors by identifying the triggers and replacing them with more appropriate responses. 

This can help reduce meltdowns, tantrums, and other disruptive behaviors. 

  1. Increases Independence: ABA therapy helps children develop the skills they need to be more independent by breaking down complex skills into smaller, more manageable steps. 

This can include self-care tasks like dressing and brushing teeth and academic skills like reading and writing. 

  1. Promotes Generalization: A key focus of applied behavior analysis is generalization, which involves teaching skills across different environments and with various people. 

This approach helps children use the skills they’ve learned in real-life situations and interact effectively with different individuals. 

  1. Involves Parents and Care Providers: ABA therapy involves parents and caregivers in the treatment process, providing them with the tools and strategies to support their child's progress at home. 
  2. Evidence-Based: Applied behavior analysis has been scientifically proven effective in treating autism. 

This assurance gives parents and caregivers confidence in offering their child a highly reliable treatment.

Comprehensive ABA Therapy for Children in Parsippany, NJ

At Step Up Family Services, we are dedicated to helping children with ASD and other developmental challenges reach their full potential through ABA therapy. Our program is thoughtfully designed to provide the comprehensive, compassionate support your child deserves. 

We invite you to explore our community-based ABA services in Brick, New Jersey, and at our offices on New Road in Parsippany. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your child’s growth and development. 

Our Community-Based ABA Learning Center: Comprehensive Support for Children with Autism and Developmental Challenges

Finding the right support for children with autism and developmental challenges can feel overwhelming. As a parent, you want a place that truly understands your child’s unique needs—where they can grow, learn, and connect in ways that build confidence. The ABA Learning Center at Step Up Family Services is dedicated to providing just that. 

With a focus on child development, we offer comprehensive, compassionate support designed to help your child thrive. In this blog post, we’ll dive into how our community-based approach gives families the guidance and reassurance they need to see their children succeed.

How Does Our ABA Learning Center Support Children With Autism? 

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a research-based therapy that helps children with autism develop essential skills and manage challenging behaviors. 

Our ABA Learning Center is designed to address all areas of your child’s growth, from communication to social interactions. Here’s how we support them at every step:

Individualized Learning Plans

We know how important it is to address your child’s unique strengths and challenges. 

That’s why our team collaborates closely with you to develop an individualized learning plan that focuses on specific goals in communication, social skills, self-care, and academics. 

These plans are designed to help your child make meaningful progress in the most important areas.  

ABA Therapy Sessions

Our ABA learning center offers individual and group therapy sessions tailored to your child’s needs. 

Using positive reinforcement and dedicated 1:1 teaching, we work to help your child develop new skills and reduce challenging behaviors in a supportive, nurturing environment.  

Inclusive Environment 

We’re dedicated to creating an inclusive space where children with autism and developmental challenges feel safe, accepted, and supported. 

Our inclusive environment encourages children to feel accepted and valued. We work with families, schools, and other professionals to foster a community of understanding and acceptance.

Mental Health Counseling

Many children with ASD and developmental challenges may experience co-occurring mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression. 

Our ABA learning center provides mental health counseling to address these concerns and support well-being.

Highly-trained Professionals

Our ABA learning center is staffed by trained professionals who hold Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certifications and have extensive experience working with children with ASD and developmental challenges.

Parent Training and Support

Your involvement in your child’s progress is invaluable. That’s why we offer training and ongoing support to equip you with the tools and confidence needed to support your child’s growth at home, making every step of their development a shared experience.  

Social Skills Groups 

In our welcoming social skills groups, your child can learn to connect with others and build friendships in a supportive environment that celebrates every milestone.

These groups allow your child to develop social skills in an environment that celebrates each milestone and encourages positive interactions.  

Collaboration and Teamwork

We believe in a collaborative approach, partnering with you, your child’s school, and other professionals involved in their care. 

Together, we can create a comprehensive support system that gives your child the best chance to thrive.

Find Caring Support for Your Child at Our ABA Learning Center in Brick and Parsippany, NJ

At Step Up Family Services, we provide compassionate, individualized support to help your child reach their fullest potential. 

With locations in Brick and Parsippany, New Jersey, our ABA Learning Center offers services tailored to each child’s unique needs. Also, rest assured that we accept most major insurance plans. 

If you’re ready to see your child thrive, contact us today. Learn how we can make a positive difference together.