Applied Behaviour Analysis- ABA
ABA is an evidence-based approach to teaching meaningful skills and addressing behaviours that conflict with learning and connection. It applies the science of behaviour change to build communication, independence, social abilities, and daily living skills. Modern ABA is collaborative and compassionate. Goals are tailored to each child, strategies are ethical and trauma-informed, progress is carefully measured, and new skills are practised across home, school, and community settings to ensure they become part of everyday life.
The primary organization responsible for credentialing ABA professionals is the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). The BACB sets the international standards for education, ethics, and examination. You may find local credentialed professionals through its directory.
Additionally, some practitioners may hold credentials from the Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Credentialing Board (QABA)
It is highly advisable to seek ABA services only with credentialed practitioners.
Board Certified Behaviour Analyst - (BCBA)
A BCBA is a highly trained professional therapist who specialises in Applied Behaviour Analysis. They design, supervise, and adjust your child's ABA program to help them learn and maintain new skills. The goal for every BCBA is to maximize independence and connection.
To become a BCBA, one must:
Have a Master's degree (in Psychology or related field)
Complete 1,500 - 2,000 hours of supervised practice
Pass a rigorous international exam
Get certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)
Complete ongoing education every year to maintain certification
Frequently asked questions
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We focus on building essential life skills, such as communication, coping strategies, daily living routines, and social skills.
We start by getting to know what brings your child joy and what makes them unique. Their interests, strengths, and motivations serve as the backbone of therapy. We identify these qualities through conversations with you (because you know your child best), observing your child in their natural environment, and using specialized assessments during play activities designed for their age and needs.
From there, we create a personalized Behaviour Support Plan tailored specifically for your child. This is centered around your child’s interests, skills they’re ready to develop, and positive strategies for any challenges they may have.
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ABA focuses heavily on foundational skills such as communication, social skills, and daily living skills. This helps those with Autism connect with others in more effective ways and accelerates their path to independence.
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Yes. While ABA is most commonly associated with autism, it's effective for anyone facing challenges in communication, coping with stress, or finding it difficult to learn in an environment that is overwhelming or otherwise not designed for their learning style.
ABA principles can help anyone learn new skills, improve communication, and manage behaviours that interfere with learning and daily life.
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ABA can be beneficial at any age, but early intervention (before age 5) tends to yield the best outcomes.
That said, older children, teens, and even adults can benefit from ABA for developing specific skills or addressing particular behaviours. It's never too late to start.
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Among other techniques, we utilize Functional Communication Training (FCT) to teach appropriate behaviours that are actually more effective in getting their needs met.
We start by digging deep into the 'why' behind challenging moments. Whether it’s aggression, tantrums, or running away, we know these aren’t just 'bad' behaviors. They are your child’s way of communicating a need that they don’t yet have the words or tools to express.
Once we uncover those patterns together, we don’t just try to 'stop' the behavior. Instead, we bridge the gap by teaching and reinforcing new, safer ways for your child to tell us what they need. From there, we work at your child’s pace to gradually adjust expectations, helping them reach meaningful outcomes while ensuring they feel supported every step of the way. -
We believe in progress you can see and celebrate. Every journey begins with a comprehensive assessment to understand your child's current strengths and where they're ready to grow. These initial observations, what we call baselines, help us develop clear, meaningful goals for their Behavior Support Plan that reflect what matters most to your family.
As your child learns, we document their progress through careful daily data collection, translating this information into easy-to-read visual charts that show exactly how they're advancing. This real-time feedback allows your BCBA to make responsive, evidence-based adjustments to keep therapy effective and your child engaged.
Every few months, we take a broader view using standardized assessment tools like the VB-MAPP, ABLLS-R, or the Vineland-3. This helps us ensure the skills developing in therapy sessions are genuinely transferring to the places that matter most: your home, school, and community.
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We work alongside your child's caregivers, teachers, and therapists to create consistency in the approaches that help them thrive.
When a child sees the same support at home, school, and therapy, they learn to use their new skills everywhere, not just with us.
This focus on 'real-world' success is what makes it possible to reach the ultimate goal, which is a smooth transition into greater independence beyond ABA.
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Caregivers are integral members of the care team, actively involved in establishing goals and ensuring that every aspect of the support plan is clearly outlined and understood before therapy commences.
Our goal is to empower parents with the skills and understanding to continue your child's progress beyond therapy sessions. We'll work alongside you to build confidence in using these strategies naturally in your daily routine.
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ABA focuses heavily on the ‘why’ behaviours occur the way they do. This helps us to establish patterns between your child’s behaviour and how it is systematically reinforced through the actions of others’. When we understand these patterns, we can move away from simply reacting to disruptions and start clearing the path for real growth. By reducing the behaviors that create barriers, we open up new doors for your child to connect with others, engage in learning, and find more joy in their daily interactions.
Speech therapy specialises in language mechanics and communication, whilst occupational therapy focuses on sensory processing, motor skills, and self-care.
ABA often complements these therapies, and many children benefit from a combination of services.
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Look for providers who are Board Certified Behaviour Analysts (BCBAs), which is the international gold standard credential. BCBAs have completed graduate-level education, supervised fieldwork, and passed a rigorous exam.
You can verify credentials on the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board (BACB) registry. Also ask about their experience, approach to therapy, and whether they follow ethical, trauma-informed practices.
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ABA therapy can be scheduled around school, and many providers work collaboratively with schools to ensure consistency. Some families do therapy before or after school hours, whilst others reduce school hours temporarily during intensive therapy phases.
The goal is often to help your child develop skills that will support their success in school settings.
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ABA therapy is not typically covered by standard private health insurance in Singapore.
However, families may access support through the Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC) centres, which provide subsidised services for children with developmental needs. Some employers offer flexible benefits that can be used for therapy costs.
Additionally, the SG Enable Caregiver Training Grant and other disability support schemes may help offset costs.
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Private ABA therapy in Singapore typically ranges from SGD $100 to $200 per hour, depending on the provider's qualifications and whether services are provided by a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) or a trained therapist under supervision.