ABA Therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a data driven, science based therapy that studies the behavior of others and how the environment affects their behavior, using the principles of reinforcement to teach and increase the likelihood of appropriate skills and behaviors, and decrease maladaptive behaviors. It has been proven to be the most effective therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder, improving communication, social skills, independent functional living skills, play skills, and coping skills. Chitter Chatter offers quality evidence based care using ABA for children 12 months to 21 years of age and their families, with a focus on improvements in communication, social interaction, independent play, and adaptive functioning. We provide 1:1 therapeutic intervention for families and children with both home based and center based services in Wayne and Monroe counties, and support their behavioral technicians with electronic tablets and an on site toy and supply area to ensure successful ABA therapy sessions.
TRANSLATION SERVICES
Chitter Chatter PC offers translation services for individuals whose primary language is not English for caregiver engagement sessions as well as documentation. Please inform your supervising clinician if you would prefer an interpreter or would like documents translated into your preferred language. Chitter Chatter PC offers translation services through various placements including internal staff, translation services through the Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority (DWMHA), or third party translation services as necessary. All requests for translation services for any language will be accommodated.
Index
Signs and symptoms
General symptoms
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Does not respond to their name by 12 months of age
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Does not point at objects to show interest (point at an airplane flying over) by 14 months
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Does not play "pretend" games (pretend to "feed" a doll) by 18 months
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Avoids eye contact and wants to be alone
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Has trouble understanding other people's feelings or talking about their own feelings
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Has delayed speech and language skills
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Repeats words or phrases over and over (echolalia)
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Gives unrelated answers to questions
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Gets upset by small changes
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Flap their hands, rock their body, or spins in circles
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Has unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel
Social skills
Decreased response to their name by 12 months of age
Avoids eye contact
Prefers to play alone
Does not typically share interests with others
Primarily interacts to achieve a desired goal
Has difficulty understanding personal space boundaries
Has difficulty being comforted by others during distress
Has difficulty understanding other people's feelings or talking about their own feelings
Communication
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Delayed speech and language skills
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Repeats words or phrases over and over (echolalia)
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Reverses pronouns (e.g., says "you" instead of "I")
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Gives unrelated answers to questions
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Does not typically point or respond to pointing
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Uses few or no gestures (e.g., does not wave goodbye)
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Talks in a flat or sing song like voice
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Decreased pretend play skills (e.g., does not pretend to "feed" a doll)
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Decreased understanding of jokes/ sarcasm
Interests and behaviors
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Does not respond to their name by 12 months of age
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Does not point at objects to show interest (point at an airplane flying over) by 14 months
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Does not play "pretend" games (pretend to "feed" a doll) by 18 months
-
Avoids eye contact and wants to be alone
-
Has trouble understanding other people's feelings or talking about their own feelings
-
Has delayed speech and language skills
-
Repeats words or phrases over and over (echolalia)
-
Gives unrelated answers to questions
-
Gets upset by small changes
-
Flap their hands, rock their body, or spins in circles
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Has unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel
Other Symptoms
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Hyperactivity (very active)
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Impulsivity
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Short attention span
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Aggression
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Causing self injury
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Temper tantrums
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Unusual eating and sleeping habits
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Unusual mood or emotional reactions
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Lack of fear or more fear than expected
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Unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel
Procedural skills
Each session runs 10 weeks with the option of enrolling in subsequent sessions. Parents of participants are given a copy of the lesson each week so that they can work on helping the participant generalize his or her skills at home. Participants will be separated by age into two different groups: participants ages 8-12 and 13-18.
If your child is not in these age ranges, please call and we can discuss if he or she may still be appropriate for the group.
Circle
Time
Circle time is a great opportunity to work on social skills with staff and peers. Clients and their techs will get together in the sensory room to sing songs, participate in activities, read stories, and make crafts. Client grouping will ensure that crafts and activities are appropriate for each child’s age and ability, so everyone can participate. Each week brings us a new theme in which our activities are based on. Circle time is all about having fun with friends while developing skills that can be applied to many different environments. Specifically, Circle Time is intended to focus on these areas:
● Social Interaction
● Communication
● Mobility
● Attending
● Following Verbal Instructions
● Transitions
● Gross & Fine Motor Skills
Social skills group
Decreased social skills can present a barrier to children who are autistic. Our social skills series helps participants learn and practice real life skills that will help them now and in the future. While our group is fun and interactive, this is not a 'play group'. We use programming and ideas taken from Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), meaning each child will be exposed to experiential learning (role play & positive practice) as well as data driven decision making about progress and treatment goals. Our primary emphasis is on helping our participants work on specific interpersonal skills that may help them lead a better and more social life. Our Social Skills group will concentrate on the following outcomes:
● Increasing ability to make friends
● Speak to others about common topics of interest
● Seeking out new playmates or other casual acquaintances
● Interact more with family members
● Learn about specific social 'rules' and standards which help all of us navigate the social world
Picture Exchange Communication System
“All of our technicians are PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) trained. PECS was created as an alternative communication that allowed the speaker (aka the child) to communicate to the ‘listener’. Pecs facilitates functional communication, seeking out another, eye contact and exchanging of words.