Behavioral Therapy

During the pandemic,

children have had to stay at home, significantly reducing their social time and opportunities. With the loss of school support, children have been deprived of social interactions. When family members live together in a confined and unchanging environment for extended periods, children are more likely to experience social, learning, and emotional issues.

Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral Therapy

What is Behavioral Therapy?

Behavioral therapy, abbreviated as ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis), is a scientific approach to the study of human behavior and learning patterns. ABA has been scientifically and clinically validated over many years to effectively modify behavioral issues.
Essentially, ABA uses a scientific perspective to analyze the purposes of various behaviors and incorporates individually designed behavioral education programs and modules. In addition to educating children with autism, ABA also provides intensive, systematic learning and training for children with cognitive, comprehension, language development delays and can also enhance social skills, and personal self-care abilities. It is an evidence-based teaching method.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral Therapy
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Synergy!

The Most Effective

ABA Therapy:

BCBA Combined with Doctors, Clinical Psychologists, and Various Therapists

Why do we say that relying solely on ABA training is not sufficient?

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By using ABA behavioral therapy as the foundation, we conduct baseline assessments on each child’s performance in training. For suspected autism cases, we categorize them based on different domains to achieve accurate internal referrals.

Our Child Development Department integrates various child development and emotional disorder treatments, supported by professional teams and doctors, to ensure seamless referrals and the most effective professional connections.

Our Child Development Department integrates various child development and emotional disorder treatments, supported by professional teams and doctors, to ensure seamless referrals and the most effective professional connections. This approach allows for immediate observation of the child’s treatment progress and effectiveness, enabling real-time adjustments and targeted interventions. When different professionals discuss complex conditions and cases, it effectively eliminates biases among professionals and industry experts, ensuring truly objective and refined treatments.

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Behavioral Therapy

Paediatrician

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General

practitioner

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Psychiatrist

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Clinical 

Psychologist

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Educational 

Psychologist

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Occupational 

Therapist

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Speech 

Therapist

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Registered 

Nurse

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Board Certified 

Behavior 

Analyst (BCBA)

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Play 

Therapist

Why Do Many Parents Report Imposters Claiming to be Behavioral Therapists?

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In recent years, “Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)” has become very popular. Many organizations claim to offer behavior therapy services, asserting that their services are provided by BCBA, BCaBA, or RBT professionals. But can they all truly provide behavior therapy services?

In fact, the genuinely fit and proper service providers must meet strict academic, clinical, and professional qualifications. When selecting services, parents must understand the qualification structure of the aforementioned fields.

Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral Therapy

 What is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)?

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is the highest qualification for behavior analysts and is internationally recognized,distinct from BCaBA or RBT qualifications. The BCBA credential is awarded by the non-profit Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB).

Established in 1998, the BACB has received professional recognition from various bodies such as the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE).

As of January 3, 2022, there are 54,223 qualified BCBAs worldwide. Of these, Asia accounts for 3,683 (6.85%),

with fewer than 100 in Hong Kong.

This demonstrates that qualified BCBAs are quite rare, and obtaining this qualification is not easy at all.
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To Become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), One Must:

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Differences Between BCBA, BCaBA, and RBT? Can Treatment Courses Be Provided Without BCBA Qualification?

A BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) is qualified to supervise and train Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBA), Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT), and other behavior therapists. They are also capable of independently handling and designing treatment courses.

In contrast, a BCaBA must receive full supervision from a BCBA and cannot independently handle or design courses, although they can supervise and train RBTs.

Therefore,at least a BCBA qualification is required to supervise and train behavior analysts and design courses. Without the BCBA qualification, one cannot provide qualified and high-quality treatment courses.

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How Can a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Help in Child Development?

We believe every child is unique and the most precious gem in their parents’ eyes. However, standardized courses and treatments may not effectively help children with different needs, especially those of the autism spectrum, where causes and symptoms vary significantly.

Mislabelling of Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Isolated Speech Delay

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Global Developmental Delay

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Social Anxiety/ Anxiety Disorder

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Selective Mutism

Types of ADHD not well differentiated

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Inattentive Type ADHD-PI

(Predominatly

inattentive Type)

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Hyperactive-Impulsive Type ADHD-PH

(Predominatly

Hyperactive-Impulsive Type)

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Combined Type ADHD-C

(Combined Type)

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Behavioral Therapy

ABA basic principles:

Antecedent

Behavior

Consequence

The A-B-C Principle stands for Antecedent, Behavior, and Consequence. This principle helps us understand the external environmental factors that trigger a child’s behavior and how the outcomes of these behaviors influence their persistence. The primary goal of the A-B-C Principle is to modify the external environment or settings that lead to certain behaviors, thereby influencing the occurrence of these behaviors.

Behavioral Therapy

Mastering Antecedents:

This involves identifying the reasons or environmental settings that lead to the problematic behavior. By taking proactive measures before the concerned behavior occurs, such as changing the environment or giving specific instructions, we can prevent the behavior from happening. Antecedents can be divided into “distant antecedents” and “immediate antecedents” .

Behavioral Therapy

Behavior:

 

This refers to observable and measurable behavioral problems. Behavioral teaching strategies can be categorized into:

Replacement Skills: Alternative behavior options that serve the same function.

Coping and Tolerance Skills: Skills that help the child manage and tolerate difficult situations.

General Adaptive Skills: Broad skills that improve overall functioning. Behavioral training strategies can be tailored based on the child’s cognitive abilities and learning characteristics, including demonstration, behavior shaping, prompting, feedback, practice, and more.

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Consequences:

These are the outcomes that follow the behavior. For example, receiving a toy or snack after a behavior can reinforce it, or ability to evade a certain thing (e.g. homework) after a behavior can perpetuate it. The goal is to increase the use of replacement skills and decrease problematic behaviors.

Behavioral Therapy

How BCBA Uses the A-B-C Principle? Applying ABA in Treating Children with Autism

A BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) can observe a child’s behavior during assessments or classes, identifying the antecedents and consequences according to the A-B-C Principle. This helps analyze and determine the function of the problematic behavior and assists in improving the child’s behavior. Different consequences can help either maintain, increase or reduce the future occurrences of the concerned behavior. 

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a science that studies human behavior and learning patterns. It is an evidence-based teaching method used extensively in the U.S. to train children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ABA uses rewards to encourage children to engage in different activities and develop language skills. When children make progress, they are rewarded to reinforce their improvements. ABA focuses on early intervention, with one-on-one therapy sessions that emphasize behavior modification, active learning skills, language and communication skills, self-care, emotional management, social skills, and play skills. This approach helps children communicate better, integrate into school life and later into society.

Behavioral Therapy

How BCBA Uses the A-B-C Principle,applying ABA in Treating Children with Autism?

ABA views autism through a scientific angle, analyzing the purposes of different behaviors and designing unique educational programs tailored to each child’s conditions. Through intensive and systematic ABA learning, children with autism can acquire skills in language communication, cognition, and social interaction, aiming to become more independent in daily life and improve their academic, social, and family life quality.

Examples of ABA Application:

Communication: Gradually helping children express their needs to parents, friends, teachers, and new acquaintances, such as requesting their favorite music or engaging in simple conversations. 

Social and Play Skills: Using social, play, and imitation skills to help children integrate and participate in peer games and activities. Learning New Activities: Applying observation and imitation skills to quickly learn new games or activities.

Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral Therapy

 Behavioral Adaptation: Responding calmly to changes, learning to wait, and maintaining focus in different environments.

Self-care and Independence: E.g. Teaching children to clean up their table, put on shoes, zip up their jacket, wash hands thoroughly, and wear a mask willingly.

By using these strategies, children can apply the skills learned in everyday life, effectively expressing their needs, communicating, and reducing problematic behaviors.

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Behavioral Therapy

qEEG is typically used to assess brain function and diagnose various neuropsychological conditions. qEEG is most effective for the following symptoms and conditions:

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): It can help identify attention issues and hyperactive behaviors.
  • Anxiety and Depression: It aids in assessing emotional states and related brain activity.
  • Epilepsy: It can be used to identify potential origins of seizures.
  • Sleep Disorders: It can assess sleep patterns and potential sleep issues.
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): It helps understand the impact of trauma on brain function.

qEEG data can be used to develop personalized treatment plans and corresponding therapy.

qEEG is applicable across all age groups, primarily used for children (ages 2 and above, specific suitability requires a doctor’s evaluation). It is non-invasive and has no side effects, therefore it is suitable even for

  • Infants and Toddlers: It can be used to assess early developmental issues, such as attention or behavioral problems.
  • Children and Adolescents: Commonly used for diagnosing ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
  • Adults: It can assess stress, anxiety, depression, and cognitive function.

Elderly: It helps evaluate memory decline or other age-related neurological issues.

  • Diagnostic Support: qEEG can help confirm the diagnosis of ADHD by providing objective data to support clinical assessments.
  • Individualized Treatment Plans: Based on the results of qEEG, professionals can develop targeted interventions, such as behavioral therapy or medication.
  • Tracking Progress: qEEG can be used to evaluate treatment effectiveness, helping to adjust treatment plans.

However, the most effective approach is typically to combine qEEG with other interventions (such as psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, and medication) to improve concentration and reduce hyperactivity, achieving optimal results.

Although qEEG can provide objective data about brain function and help identify neurophysiological characteristics, it is not a direct treatment method for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The following are the uses of qEEG in ASD

  • Diagnostic Support: qEEG can help confirm the diagnosis of autism by providing specific data about brain activity.
  • Individualized Treatment Plans: Based on the results of QEEG, professionals can develop targeted interventions addressing specific behavioral and cognitive challenges.
  • Tracking Progress: QEEG can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments, assisting in the adjustment of treatment strategies.

However, qEEG primarily serves as an auxiliary tool to help understand individual needs rather than being a standalone treatment option. The most effective treatment typically requires the combination of other methods, such as behavioral therapy, speech therapy, and social skills training.

The training frequency, duration, and number of sessions for QEEG typically vary based on individual needs and treatment plans. Here are some general guidelines:

  • Number of Sessions: Depending on the individual’s circumstances, the number of sessions can range from a few to several dozen. In some cases, regular follow-up assessments may be required.
  • Duration: Each training session usually lasts between 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the content of the treatment and the individual’s tolerance.
  • Frequency: The frequency of training is typically 1 to 3 times per week, adjusted according to the individual’s progress and needs. Initially, a higher frequency may be necessary, which can gradually decrease as progress is made.

Doctors will tailor these parameters to each person’s specific situation to ensure optimal treatment outcomes.

qEEG shows great potential in accurately assessing behavioral triggers, particularly in identifying theroot causes of specific behavioral issues, such as anxiety triggered by ADHD. By analyzing brainwave patterns, qEEG can reveal the activity patterns in the brain during specific behaviors (like anxiety and impulsive actions). These activities are presented in different waveforms, which are closely linked to various psychological states and behavioral responses. This analytical approach enables professionals to more accurately pinpoint the physiological basis of behavioral problems and facilitates the development of individualized treatment plans, ultimately improving the quality of life for patients.

The total cost of a qEEG treatment course includes the doctor’s diagnostic assessment and subsequent training. This type of course typically requires about ten sessions. The overall cost is approximately several thousand dollars, but the exact amount can vary depending on different treatment plans.

Beforeundergoing a QEEG assessment, patients need to prepare adequately to ensure the accuracy and smoothness of the procedure. Here are the key preparation steps:

  • Medical Evaluation:It is essential to inform your doctor about any relevant medical history, current medications, or allergies prior to the assessment. This information allows the physician to conduct a thorough evaluation and adjust the testing plan based on the patient’s specific needs. Particularly, details regarding neurological conditions, psychiatric disorders, or any history of head injuries, as these can affect the interpretation of results.
  • Avoid Caffeine:It is recommended to avoid all sources of caffeine (such as coffee, tea, and energy drinks) for 24 hours before the assessment, as caffeine can influence the reading of brain waves.
  • Maintain Good Sleep:Ensure that you get enough sleep before the assessment. Lack of sleep can increase fatigue and stress, which may affect brain activity. Therefore, getting adequate rest is crucial.

Keep the Scalp Clean: On the day of the assessment, avoid using hair gels, oils, or other products, as these can interfere with the quality of the signals received by the electrodes.

  • Advanced Technology: The equipment used at our center is a U.S.-made product that has been validated through over 26 years of practical application, representing world-class technological standards. These devices have undergone years of research, development, and improvement to ensure high precision and reliability, resulting in more accurate assessment outcomes.
  • Multi-Point Detection: The equipment can connect to 19 different points, allowing for comprehensive monitoring and analysis of brain activity across various regions. Compared to traditional testing methods, this multi-point design provides more detailed brainwave data, which aids in more accurate diagnoses and the development of personalized training plans.
  • Internationally Recognized Standards: Our qEEG training adheres to the highest internationally recognized standards, enhancing the authority of the assessments and boosting patients’ confidence in the results. This recognition ensures that treatment outcomes align with the best global practices.
  • Personalized Training Plans: Based on the data analysis from the qEEG, doctors create individualized neurofeedback training plans for each patient. This targeted approach effectively helps patients improve attention, emotional regulation, anxiety, and other issues related to the nervous system.

In conclusion, Luxmed qEEG offers a safe and effective neurotraining solution for patients through its advanced technology, multi-point detection, internationally recognized standards, non-invasive nature, and personalized training plans.