Frequently
Asked Questions...
General
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Behaviour Analysis is the science of understanding how people learn and behave. It looks at how behavior is influenced by the environment and how positive change can be made through teaching and support. It helps us understand why someone does what they do — and how we can help them learn new skills, improve communication, and reduce challenging behaviors in meaningful ways.
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ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Therapy is a type of treatment based on the science of behavior and learning. It focuses on helping individuals build useful skills — like communication, social interaction, independence, and play — while reducing behaviors that may get in the way of learning or daily life. ABA therapy is widely used to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but it can also help children with other developmental or behavioral challenges.
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ABA therapy is provided by a trained team under the supervision of a certified professional called a Behavior Analyst. The team may include Behavior Technicians who work one-on-one with your child to carry out personalized goals. The Behavior Analyst (such as a BCBA or IBA) assesses your child’s strengths and needs, designs the treatment plan, and provides ongoing supervision and support to ensure progress.
Therapy usually involves fun, structured activities where skills are broken down into small steps, taught clearly, and reinforced through praise or rewards. It can take place at home, at school, in the clinic, or in the community — depending on your child’s needs.
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A Behavior Analyst (such as a BCBA – Board Certified Behavior Analyst, or IBA – International Behavior Analyst) is a highly trained professional with a graduate degree and specialized certification. They assess, design, and oversee your child’s therapy plan.
A Behavior Technician (often called an RBT – Registered Behavior Technician, or ABAT – Applied Behavior Analysis Technician, or IBT - International Behavior Technician) is trained to work directly with your child under the supervision of a Behavior Analyst. They help implement lessons and collect data during therapy sessions.
Both roles are important — and they work as a team to support your child’s progress.
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Not quite. While someone may know about ABA, it’s important that the person providing services is formally trained, supervised, and certified. ABA therapy should be delivered according to professional standards and ethical guidelines to ensure it's safe, effective, and right for your child.
That’s why services at BAJ are provided by qualified technicians and supervised by certified Behavior Analysts who follow international best practices.
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Behavior Analysts are certified and governed by professional boards that set high ethical and practice standards. These include:
The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) – for BCBAs and RBTs
The International Behavior Analysis Organization (IBAO) – for IBAs and IBTs
The Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Credentialing Board (QABA) – for QBAs, ABATs, and QASP-Ss
These organizations ensure that practitioners meet strict training, supervision, and ethical requirements to protect clients and maintain high standards of care.
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We primarily work with children and adolescents — typically from ages 18 months to 18 years — but we are open to supporting young adults or caregivers depending on the need. If you're unsure whether your child is a good fit, feel free to contact us for a consultation.
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No — while we specialize in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), our services also support children with other developmental, behavioral, or learning challenges. We also provide general behavior support for children without a diagnosis who may be experiencing difficulties at home or school.
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Our services are available in a variety of settings: in your home, at your child’s school, at our clinic, in the community, or virtually. We do our best to provide flexible and accessible options for families and organizations across Jamaica.
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The first step is to complete our Client Registration Form or Consultation Request Form (available on our website). Once submitted, a member of our team will contact you to schedule an initial consultation and discuss your needs.
Parents
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No, your child does not need a formal diagnosis to begin ABA services. While many children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) benefit from ABA therapy, we also support children with other developmental, behavioral, or communication challenges — even if they don’t have a specific diagnosis.
If you're unsure whether ABA is the right fit, we’re happy to schedule a consultation to explore your child’s needs and how we can help.
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The number of hours depends on your child’s unique needs, goals, and developmental level. Some children may benefit from a few hours per week, while others may need more intensive support (20–40 hours). We conduct an initial assessment to determine the most appropriate plan and schedule for your child.
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A typical session involves structured, goal-driven activities designed to help your child learn and practice skills such as communication, play, self-care, and following instructions. Sessions are personalized, fun, and positive — with lots of reinforcement and praise. Sessions may take place at home, school, our clinic, or in the community.
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Yes! Parent involvement is a key part of successful ABA therapy. We offer parent coaching and training to help you understand the strategies we use and how to apply them at home. This teamwork helps support your child’s growth across different environments.
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We collect data during every session to track your child’s responses and improvements. Our Behavior Analysts review this data regularly to make sure goals are being met and to make changes if needed. We also keep you informed with progress updates and regular check-ins.
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At this time, ABA therapy is not typically covered by health insurance in Jamaica. However, we are happy to provide invoices or reports if your private plan offers reimbursement. We also work with families to create flexible service plans when possible.
Schools and Other Organizations
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Yes! We offer interactive, evidence-based workshops for schools, educators, and support staff. Topics include classroom management, supporting children with Autism, behavior intervention strategies, and positive reinforcement. Each workshop is customized to your school’s needs.
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Absolutely. Our Behavior Analysts can assess student behavior and develop individualized behavior support plans that include clear strategies for teaching, managing behavior, and promoting success in the classroom. We can also provide coaching to help teachers implement the plan effectively.
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Yes. BAJ works with government agencies, child welfare programs, preschools, daycares, and other organizations to provide behavior support, training, and strategy development. Whether you need one-time guidance or ongoing support, we tailor our services to your goals.
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Yes, we offer both virtual and on-site consultations. Depending on your location and goals, we can arrange to visit your school or organization to observe, assess, and provide recommendations.
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