In Hand in Hand our mission is to give our clients (your child) the behavioral skills they need to succeed and reach their highest level of independence by providing individualized and ethical interventions based on the practice and principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Our Core Values
Ethics
All decision made by behavior analysts must follow the following four core principles: benefit others; treat others with compassion, dignity, and respect; behave with integrity; and ensure their own competence. (BACB | Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts).
Inclusion
In Hand in Hand we love children and truly believe that ALL kids should be part of a world in where they are valued and accepted.
Science
ABA (Applied behavior analysis) is the science in which the principles of behavior are applied systematically to improve socially significant behavior. Research has shown that ABA therapy is one of the most effective treatments for individuals diagnosed with Autism.
How does ABA work?
The goal of ABA therapy is to improve socially significant behaviors while addressing challenging behaviors that may interfere with learning and socialization, or may be harmful and destructive.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) uses a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and other assessments to analyze critical life skills, including: language, communication, social interaction and daily living skills.
Based on the findings of the assessment, our analyst will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is completely individualized for your child.
Our Beginnings
Hand in Hand Behavior Therapy was founded by Luz “Lucy” Barbee. Since she was a teenager, Lucy always enjoyed being around kids and knew that she wanted to work with kids with special needs.
Originally from Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico, Lucy started working with children with special needs in 2007.
A breakthrough in her life came in 2011 when she found out about ABA by goggle searching “work with kids diagnosed with autism and ADHD.” After reading and researching ABA more, she fell in love with the purpose and results ABA offers.
Lucy started her career in ABA as behavior therapist in 2012. She graduated from the ABA master’s program at the University of South Florida in 2015, and became a BCBA the same year.
Lucy has worked in a variety of setting, including: ABA clinics, homes, group homes, schools, and the community in general.
Working with kids and their families by providing high quality and ethical applied behavior analysis services is her true passion.
The Services We Provide
Verbal Behavior Program
The Verbal Behavior (VB) approach is a form of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) that focused on promoting learning language in a functional manner. It is based on B.F. Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior and is used teach communication and language.
Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)
The FBA is a process that allows us to gather significant information about when and where the challenging behavior is occurring with the purpose of understanding the reason of why behavior occurs.
Applied Behavior Analysis in the Classroom
We provide support to students who may be experiencing difficulties and engaging in problem behaviors in the classroom. A Functional Behavior Assessment is conducted to develop a behavior intervention plan to support the student in collaboration with the classroom staff.
We recognize that educators are busy people and may have limited time and behavioral resources to serve the needs of their some students. We are here to be a resource for educators and the students they serve.
Parent training and consultation
We provide tools and strategies to give your child the opportunity to succeed in his/her own environment.
The purpose of parent training is to allow parents to learn and understand the reason of why some specific behaviors occur and how to effectively respond to their children behaviors. It is imperative that parents and the ABA therapy team work together to help promote generalization.
Toilet Training
We will work with your child to get rid of those diapers and promote confidence and independence using the toilet. We create a potty training plan based on your child individual needs and existing level of independence on the potty, as part of your child’s ABA program.
Functional living skills
We utilize ABA techniques to teach functional living skills skills of daily living which are those that are needs to perform activities in order to gain as much independence as possible.
Social Skills
Some children with especial needs may have difficulty with social situations and interactions like making new friends, maintaining friendships, and behave appropriately when playing with peers. Children who receive Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy can acquire the social skills they will need to succeed, both in school and in the community
Problem Behaviors
Our BCBAs develop individualized behavior intervention plans for children who may or may not have a diagnosis of autism, but who often engage in problem behaviors.
The process to obtain ABA services through your health insurance
Step 1
Verification of Benefits
Our team will contact your health insurance to verify ABA is a benefit covered by your insurance.
Step 2
Assessment Authorization
Our team will then contact you to let you know if ABA is covered by your health insurance. Once we received an authorization from you to start the ABA assessment for your child, our team will contact your insurance to request an authorization for an initial assessment. A copy of ABA services referral from the referring doctor and the diagnosis script are needed to request the authorization for an initial assessment.
Step 3
Initial Assessment
The assessment could take from 2.5 to 5 hours depending on the child, in one or during multiple days. During the initial assessment, the behavior analyst will observe your child’s behaviors, and test a variety of skills.
Step 4
Authorization for On-Going Services
The behavior analyst will schedule a meeting with you to review assessment results and the clinically recommended therapy hours for your child per week. An authorization to request hours for the next 6 months will be submitted to your insurance company. Once your insurance authorizes the number of hours, services can start. This process is done every 6 months, and includes a reassessment with a new number of hours request.
Join our team
We are currently seeking team players who are passionate about ABA and working with children with Autism and other developmental disabilities, and their families. Experience and/or special interest in Applied Behavior Analysis are essential.