ABA THERAPY
WHat is ABA?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a research-based therapy focused on understanding and improving behavior, especially in individuals with autism. ABA helps children build essential life skills—like communication, social interaction, and independence—by breaking goals into small, achievable steps and using positive reinforcement to encourage progress. At Cornerstone Autism Center, ABA is personalized to meet each child’s unique needs, guided by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and delivered through one-on-one support. It’s one of the most widely recognized and effective treatments for autism, helping children reach their fullest potential at home, in school, and beyond.
Understanding ABA can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In this section, we break down the core concepts and language of ABA therapy so you can better understand how it works, what to expect, and how it helps your child grow. Whether you’re new to ABA or looking to deepen your understanding, these bite-sized explanations are here to support and empower you every step of the way.
Defining + Measuring Behavior
Behavior is any measurable and observable movement. For instance, a child's refusal to brush their teeth can be measured by how often they yell “No!” and throw the toothbrush. ABA focuses on measurable behaviors, not moods or emotions.
Reinforcement
Reinforcement increases the chances a behavior will happen again. Positive reinforcement (like praise or a reward) is a key ABA strategy used to teach and strengthen new skills in a meaningful way.
Antecedent–Behavior–Consequence (ABC)
The ABC model helps understand behavior by looking at what happens before (antecedent), during (behavior), and after (consequence). This framework allows therapists to identify patterns and create more effective interventions.
Functions of Behavior
Every behavior serves a purpose—or “function.” Common functions include seeking attention, avoiding a task, accessing something desired, or self-stimulation. Understanding the function helps us respond in the most effective way.
Individualized Treatment Plans
No two children are the same, and neither are their therapy plans. ABA treatment is tailored to each child’s needs, goals, and developmental level, with input from caregivers and clinical experts.
Generalization
Skills your child learns in therapy are meant to apply outside of the therapy room, too. ABA promotes generalization—helping children use their new skills at home, school, and in the community.
Shaping Behavior
ABA often uses a strategy called shaping, where complex skills are taught step-by-step. Therapists reinforce small, manageable actions that lead toward a larger goal, like tying shoes or asking for help.
Role of the BCBA
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) designs and oversees your child’s treatment plan. They guide the therapy team, monitor data, make updates, and work closely with your family to support progress.
Parent Involvement
Caregivers are key members of the treatment team. From attending meetings to reinforcing strategies at home, parent involvement is essential for long-term success and real-world application of skills.
ABA At Cornerstone
We believe every child deserves an individualized approach to care that meets them where they are and helps them grow. Our ABA therapy is guided by personalized treatment plans, small caseload sizes, and daily on-site oversight by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). In safe, welcoming environments designed for learning and comfort, we empower children to develop essential skills and reach their full potential.

Individualized Support for Every Child
We tailor every treatment plan to your child’s unique needs, strengths, and goals—whether they’re a toddler just beginning their journey or a teen preparing for the next stage. Our personalized approach ensures each child receives the support that fits their developmental stage and learning style.

Focused Attention With Clinical Expertise
With intentionally small caseloads and Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) on site every day, your child receives high-quality care and real-time clinical oversight. This means faster adjustments, better results, and a team that truly knows your child.

Welcoming Spaces Built for Growth
Our centers are designed to feel safe, structured, and inviting—because children thrive in environments where they feel supported and understood. From entry to therapy rooms, every detail reflects our commitment to your child’s well-being.

Social Skills Groups
At Cornerstone, social skills groups are thoughtfully designed to help children with autism build meaningful connections and confidence. Sessions are typically held in small groups to ensure personalized attention, lasting about an hour and scheduled regularly throughout the week. Groups are structured to balance instruction with engaging, interactive activities like role-playing, games, and conversations that help children practice real-life social situations. Children are grouped by age, developmental level, and specific social challenges to create a supportive and appropriate environment for skill development and peer interaction.
Caregiver Contribution
Parent Onboarding
All caregivers begin with an onboarding process that includes documents and videos covering everything from daily routines to attendance policies and how we manage challenging behaviors.
Consistency at Home and Center
Parents and caregivers are expected to support consistent care by ensuring attendance, providing meals, and reinforcing treatment strategies at home to help generalize skills across environments.
Daily Communication Notebook
We use a daily notebook that travels between home and the center, providing a simple, reliable way for caregivers and RBTs to share updates and notes.
Staying Connected with Your BCBA
Your child’s BCBA is your primary clinical contact. While not always immediately available, they respond to emails and calls as needed and work closely with families to keep treatment on track.
Monthly Progress Check-Ins
Monthly touchpoints with your BCBA help keep you informed and involved. These check-ins may happen at drop-off or pick-up or through email, depending on what works best for your schedule.
Required Quarterly Meetings + Transition Planning
Quarterly meetings with the clinical team are required to review your child’s progress and adjust goals. Additional meetings will take place during key transitional seasons, such as preparing for school or other placement changes.
Experience the Cornerstone Difference
A tour is the best way to see how we turn therapy into meaningful progress. Step inside our centers, meet our compassionate team, and explore how we support your child’s journey with expertise and heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is VB different from ABA?
ABA is the science that uses principles of behavior like reinforcement, extinction, motivation, etc. to teach new behaviors, and change or reduce maladaptive behaviors. Verbal Behavior or VB is simply the application of these scientific principles to language. Many create an unnecessary and ill-informed distinction between ABA and VB. A well-trained professional should make use of the principles of ABA in all areas of the child’s development to include language. In simple terms, Verbal Behavior is a comprehensive Applied Behavior Analytic approach to language.
Why is reinforcement so important?
One of the basic principles of ABA is that when a behavior is followed by some sort of reward, the behavior is more likely to be repeated. It is important with children to identify those things they find reinforcing—from tickles and high-fives, to a tangible toy—then use that reinforcement as a motivator for learning. It is important to note, what works today may not work tomorrow. A skilled therapist continually identifies those things that motivate a child so that learning will continue.
Why is it important to be consistent?
Learning occurs through a history of reinforcement. If a response receives reinforcement every time the behavior is exhibited, in all environments, by all people, it will have a much stronger history of reinforcement. It will be learned much quicker and will be more resistant to being “unlearned”. Consistency in the way something is taught is very important as well. Imagine being taught three different ways to tie your shoes before you had mastered one way. It could understandably be very confusing.
What is Applied Behavior Analysis?
Behavior analysis focuses on the principles that explain how learning takes place. It is based on the premise that appropriate behavior – including speech, academics and life skills – can be taught using scientific principles. Through decades of research, the field of behavior analysis has developed many techniques for increasing useful behaviors and reducing those that may cause harm or interfere with learning. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the use of these techniques and principles to bring about meaningful and positive change.
What is the VB-MAPP?
The Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP) is a criterion-referenced assessment tool, curriculum guide, and skill tracking system that is designed for children with autism, and other individuals who demonstrate language delays.