Bierman ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Autism Center opened their third Central Indiana location at 1025 E. 54th Street in the South Broad Ripple area on May 4th, 2015. They also have Indiana locations in Westfield, Fort Wayne and Avon, in addition to offering services in Boston, Massachusetts.

"Our newest location provides families living in mid-town Indy with access to quality ABA, Speech & (OT) occupational therapies," said Bierman ABA Autism Center's outreach director, Karla Webster. "In addition to these therapies, we provide the communities we work in with resources for their families, events and seminars about ABA and Autism and several annual family-oriented events!"

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in 2014 research, 1 in 68 children in the United States have been identified with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The US Surgeon General and the American Academy of Pediatrics have endorsed ABA therapy as the best research-based treatment for children with autism. ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) is a neurological disorder which affects an individual's ability to communicate effectively and interact with others.

The Bierman ABA model of care provides intensive, 1:1 therapy to kids with autism through creative, personalized therapy programs. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA/BCaBA) oversees the programs, in addition to providing ongoing training to the care teams working with the kids. ABA programs are designed to teach language skills, independent living skills, and appropriate play skills by blurring the lines between work and play. Bierman also works closely with families to provide parent training and support, working with children in all settings, such as home, school and in the community, teaching functional skills that will directly benefit the learner. The real power of a carefully designed ABA therapy program is that there aren't 'cookie cutter' solutions - the personalized and intensive approach to therapy is as individualized as the diverse needs of the children and families served.

What exactly 'is' ABA? Laura Grant, MA, BCBA describes it: "ABA is the application of the science of human behavior. Some components of that are evidence-based. The reason we are able to demonstrate this is because we are constantly collecting data to ensure our therapy is the most effective for our kids."

"Board Certified Behavior Analysts determine program goals for each child based on their individual skills and what we would like them to learn. We break the goals into smaller teaching targets so that we can increase each child's communication skills, daily living skills, appropriate play skills, social skills and more. ABA therapists are paired up one-on-one with each child throughout the day to teach these targets in a way that makes learning fun," explains Holli Novinger, Director of Leadership & Organizational Development.

Bierman ABA was founded by Courtney Bierman, MA, BCBA over a decade ago. In 2003, very few people had heard of ABA therapy as a treatment for Autism and there were only a handful of practitioners offering the types of services Bierman ABA set out to offer. Over the last decade, with the increased prevalence rate of autism in children, the need for these services has grown dramatically. When Bierman ABA's original, small location in Carmel began to get requests for services from as far away as Fort Wayne, Terre Haute, Muncie and Mooresville, they realized that parents were looking for help. As they've grown, they've kept a laser sharp focus on making sure they continue to provide high-quality, effective therapy to those they serve.

"In Avon, we have a family that travels from Terre Haute and in Westfield, we have another family that travels from Lafayette," Ms. Novinger said.

"As we've evolved and grown, we've seen progress made, goals met and children graduate out of our services. We've come to realize that these successes are direct results of standing by what we believe in and our deep commitments to families and our staff. The important thing is that, as we've grown, we've done everything we can to ensure the best possible services are delivered," Ms. Bierman explained.

"Currently there is a mandate in the state of Indiana that requires insurance providers to cover ABA therapy. We also have speech and occupational therapists we work with who can provide those services as well. Our locations specialize in early intervention programs, but we will work with children up until age 13," Ms. Novinger added.

"Indiana was the first state in the nation that passed an insurance mandate to provide coverage for individuals with autism. Since 2001, 36 states have passed similar laws. This mandate means that families have access to specialized services, such as ours," Ms. Webster mentioned.

Getting started is easy for families of children with autism to do. Families can call Bierman ABA and talk with an intake coordinator about the individualized needs of their child. The coordinator will work to make sure insurance coverage is in place and then an Initial Assessment will be scheduled with the family to learn more about them and their child.

"Kids come in at different hours and times based on their individual needs. Since our therapies are provided one-on-one, some kids may be here for half the day and be in school for the other half of the day. It really depends on the individual child's program since they are working on different things. That's one thing that makes our locations unique from school models. Additionally, we have an open door policy, meaning parents can drop in and observe therapy or have lunch with their child. It's important to us and the success of our programs that families are involved!" Ms. Novinger remarked.

Bierman ABA's success stories are what truly drives and motivates those working with the organization. Bierman ABA has transitioned several children out of services and into schools, often times making it possible for their diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder to be reevaluated.

"One of the first kids I worked with had about five words when he started and was constantly having tantrums because he couldn't communicate with others, but by the time he left our program, he was speaking in full sentences and asking for a break when he became upset. It's incredible to see the progress and impact ABA therapy makes," she noted.

To learn more about BiermanABA, call 815-5501, e-mail info@biermanaba.com or access their website: www.biermanaba.com.

Bierman ABA's staff makes an impact in the lives of children today for tomorrow.