Applied Behavior Analysis/Behavior Support
At Your Village STL, our experienced Behavior Analyst is dedicated to supporting young children and their families by utilizing the principles of ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis). She will use her expertise to give families the knowledge and tools to help their children learn functional life skills, as well as strategies to solve and prevent behavior concerns. Whether your child has been recently diagnosed with a developmental disability, or just has unique behavioral challenges, an individualized treatment plan will address your needs. Once a plan is in place, the BCBA provides one-on-one sessions with your child, parent training on how to implement the strategies at home, and ongoing support for your family. She would love to help your child thrive!
What is ABA?
ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) uses scientific principles of learning and behavior to bring about meaningful and positive changes in behavior. The primary goal of ABA is to increase desirable behavior while decreasing undesirable behavior. It can address many different areas, such as communication, social skills, and independent life skills. ABA interventions are individualized, data-driven, and can be used with people of all ages and abilities.
New Patient Evaluation
What you can expect:
Duration: A typical ABA evaluation takes approximately 2 hours.
Parent Interview: I will begin by reviewing background information and discussing concerns about your child’s behavior and development.
Rapport Building: We will engage in fun, child-led activities throughout the assessment to help us build rapport and create an enjoyable environment.
Assessment: I will use the VB-MAPP (Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program) which is a tool used to assess the language, learning, and social skills of children. I will also conduct an FBA (Functional Behavior Assessment) if there are undesirable behaviors that need to be addressed.
Review and Discussion: Once the evaluation is complete, we will review the results and develop goals together.
Consultation and Family Training Sessions
What you can expect:
These sessions will include one-on-one and guided skill-building activities with your child, behavior reduction/replacement strategies, progress reports, and parent training on ABA principles and how to incorporate them at home. Frequency of sessions will be determined based on the evaluation.
At the core of our model is our philosophy of including parents in treatment. The BCBA will train parents, as opposed to behavior technicians, to utilize the principles of ABA with their children. When strategies are implemented consistently at home, it allows for continuous learning, reinforcement in familiar environments, generalization of skills, and better outcomes.
Cost:
New Patient Evaluation (approximately 2 hours): $350
Consultation and Family Training Sessions: $150/Hour
*We are currently out-of-network with all insurance plans. Please check back as we are working on contracting.
Ready to get scheduled or have more questions?
Meet our provider…
Stephanie Merker
Hi! I'm Stephanie, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), licensed in Missouri. I graduated from University of North Texas with a Master’s degree in Behavior Analysis. I’ve worked in the field for over 20 years in homes, clinics, and school settings. I’m excited to be coming back to my specialty (and true passion) which is early intervention with young children of all abilities. My approach utilizes NET (Natural Environment Teaching) to help children learn meaningful skills. NET incorporates the child’s natural environment into the teaching, development, and generalization of skills. I also believe it’s crucial to incorporate families in the process. When parents are taught how to implement the principles of ABA, it leads to more successful outcomes.
On a personal note, I live in St. Louis with my husband and two kids. I love spending my free time hanging out with them, as well as traveling, reading, and volunteering at my kids’ schools. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to help your family!
Board Certified Behavior Analyst