Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Touchstone do?
A: We provide comprehensive science-based ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) services to help our clients achieve important behavioral goals and objectives by providing individualized services consisting of the most innovative techniques delivered by highly trained, expert staff.
Q: Who does Touchstone provide services for?
A: Our clients include children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and those with learning differences or behavioral concerns. Our goal is to provide frequent and intensive ABA services using the most current research findings in the field. We use scientifically sound practices to induce and develop new behavioral cusps and capabilities for individuals so that they can access the environment in new and beneficial ways. In short, we help our clients live more productive and happy lives at home and beyond. Some examples of behavioral disorders are:
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Seizure disorders
• Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21/nondisjunction)
Q: What does Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) look like?
A: ABA procedures occur in individualized teaching and learning sessions across various environments such as one-to-one instruction, large groups, small groups, free play, in home with families, and community settings.
We develop an individualized program for each client. The programs are learner-driven and developed based on the client’s needs and deficit areas. Our comprehensive ABA services are available as full day, part day, and after school and have the option to combine services across sites (in home, or in school as well as combinations of these settings).
Q: What should I do if I suspect that my child has autism?
A: If you think your child may be on the autism spectrum, the first step you should take is to set up an evaluation by a clinical psychologist, a medical psychologist or developmental pediatrician. If your physician does not administer this type of testing, please call Touchstone at 985-446-6833 for a list of resources.
Q: What is CABAS®?
A: CABAS® (Comprehensive Application of Behavior Analysis to Schooling) is a systematic approach to behavior analysis encompassing collaboration between:
• Universities
• Clinic/center based services
• Independent practitioners
• Home based services
• School based consultation
• Parents
• Staff training
CABAS employs an evidence based, scientific approach to designing customized interventions for each child. CABAS allows us to use “all the tools in the toolbox” to teach the child desired behaviors.
We use the CABAS approach to continuously take in data and analyze it in real time, making decisions on that data and applying everything we know to that situation at that moment. This allows children to reach their goals at a much faster pace (4 to 7 times faster based on historical research).
Q: Do you do tutoring?
A: Yes. Academic tutoring is held in a small group setting utilizing computer-based as well as individual instruction. Touchstone offers individualized academic tutoring for pupils who need additional support in self-management or social skills to be successful in school. We provide parent education sessions that target basic ABA principles and tactics. We assist with the development of in-house ABA services for schools as well as contract services via Touchstone staff.
Q: Can you help my school develop programs for children with special needs?
A: Our team provides a variety of direct and consultative ABA services to public, private and charter schools and school districts.
Q: Is ABA just for kids?
A: No, Applied Behavior Analysis is an important part of business, as well. Businesses use “Organizational Behavior Management” to achieve organizational goals and improve in areas such as:
• Employee safety
• Employee training
• Stress, health, and employee productivity
• Evaluation of employee satisfaction and feedback systems
• Managing absenteeism, tardiness, and turnover
• Use of monetary and nonmonetary incentives
• Self-management procedures
• Programmed instruction, behavioral modeling, and computer-aided instruction.
Q: How do you decide what to teach the child?
A: Behavior analysts use a variety of methods to determine what to teach each child. Assessment methods include evidence-based assessment tools that directly assess a child’s current skills in a variety of areas, observations of the child, and information from you. Based on the data from each type of assessment, the behavior analyst develops “programs.” Programs are similar to a curriculum. In general, the programs will be aimed at teaching the child new skills across many types of behaviors; communication skills, self-help skills, self-management skills, school readiness skills, and social skills, to name a few.