We’re dedicated to providing compassionate and effective Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism, helping them develop essential skills and thrive in all areas of life.
About ABA Therapy
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Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is an evidence-based approach to understanding and changing behavior. As a therapeutic approach for children with autism, ABA focuses on teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors while reducing challenging ones.
With hundreds of peer-reviewed studies, ABA has set the standard of care for the treatment of ASD.
At World Upside Down Arts Studio, ABA therapy is highly individualized, meaning programs are tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of each child, including socialization, communication, learning skills and other developmental milestones.
We provide collaborative ABA therapy that focuses on support and guidance for all members of your family. After your child’s clinical assessment, their provider will work with you to create individualized treatment plans. There is not a “one size fits all” approach to ABA therapy – each plan is developed with the individual goals for that child and their family.
Who qualifies for ABA therapy?
At World Upside Down Arts Studio, we work with children with autism ranging from babies to teens, and we specialize in early intervention, which includes children under age 6. For older children, we offer after-school programs in partnership with World Upside Down.
To determine your child’s eligibility for ABA therapy, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will assess your child using a variety of interviews and observations. Then, they will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that prioritizes your child’s unique needs.
Our ABA team provides individualized support for children with:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Former Asperger’s and High-Functioning Autism
- Neurodevelopmental challenges
- Communication delays and challenging behaviors
- Daily living and self-care skill deficits
- Social skill delays
- Executive functioning needs
- School readiness and academic barriers
Depending on the need, your clinician might recommend either focused intervention, targeting 1-2 specific areas of need, or comprehensive intervention, ranging between 10 and 40 hours per week.
Understanding the “ABCs” of ABA
At World Upside Down Arts Studio, we use Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to support children on the autism spectrum by combining science-backed strategies with creative, arts-integrated learning. A foundational part of ABA therapy is understanding the “ABCs” — Antecedents, Behaviors, and Consequences — which help us guide and shape meaningful growth.
Antecedents
These are the events or triggers that happen before a behavior. For example, a child might see a favorite toy or hear a particular instruction.
Behaviors
These are the child’s observable, measurable actions — like requesting help, clapping, jumping, or even becoming frustrated. At World Upside Down, we look at these behaviors through a lens of curiosity and compassion, not judgment.
Consequences
These are what happen after a behavior. They can be positive (a reward or praise) or negative (a limit or redirection). Our team uses positive reinforcement to help children learn how to navigate their world with confidence and clarity.
Meet Katie
Let’s say a child named Katie really wants a cookie. Here’s how the ABCs might play out:
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Antecedent: Katie sees a jar of cookies on the counter after dance class. She remembers how yummy they are.
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Behavior: Katie might ask, “Can I have a cookie?” or reach for the jar without asking.
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Consequence: If she asks kindly, an adult might say, “Sure! After lunch.” If she tries to sneak one, she may be reminded of the rule and redirected.
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How Our ABA Therapists Help
In our studio setting, an ABA therapist would use creative, play-based approaches to help Katie build the skills she needs:
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Communication Through the Arts: We might use music, visual supports, or role-play to help Katie express herself in positive ways.
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Positive Reinforcement: When Katie uses her words or follows a schedule, she receives praise, rewards, or even gets to help decorate the “cookie jar” art project!
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Visual Tools & Routines: We offer visual schedules and routines to make expectations clear and comforting.
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Gentle Redirection: If Katie grabs a cookie without asking, we’ll guide her toward the right behavior with kindness and consistency.
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Our goal is to create a safe, imaginative space where children grow not just in behavioral skills, but also in confidence, creativity, and connection. At World Upside Down Arts Studio, ABA therapy is more than data and goals — it’s a journey shaped with color, joy, and heart.
