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PITTSBURGH, Feb. 3, 2021 – The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh is pleased to launch its new Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program that will provide children diagnosed with autism a full range of professional and integrated services under one roof.
The new ABA program provides comprehensive and holistic services for children with autism between the ages of 18 months to 21 years old.

The collaborative services include speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, behavioral health, and nutrition/feeding programs that can be conducted on-site and via telehealth. In-home ABA services are also available when clinically appropriate.
Highly trained, master’s level Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) oversee all treatments to ensure each child prospers and grows.

“Our ABA program includes an integration of all services in one location to best meet the needs of children with autism, including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, behavioral health, and nutrition/feeding,” said Karen Markle, chief operating officer at The Children’s Institute. “The goal is to utilize the latest autism research along with caring, highly trained experts to provide a warm and welcoming environment in which each child is encouraged to reach his or her full potential.”

In addition to the therapies provided to children, each family enrolled in the new ABA services also receives a robust parent training program that teaches family behavioral techniques and principles to ensure continuity from the therapies received at The Children’s Institute to the family’s home.

Experts at The Children’s Institute also work closely with the family’s medical provider, therapists, and school district to provide a collaborative approach and optimal continuity of care.

Coupled with insights from parents, the experts develop individualized goals that focus on areas such as improved language and communication, social/play skills, and independent living skills, all within the least restrictive environment possible.

“Our ABA services at The Children’s Institute focus on improving the lives of children with autism by empowering both the child and family through strategic interventions,” said Angela Nofi, M.Ed., BCBA, LBS, director of autism services at The Children’s Institute. “The goal is to increase communication and social skills while decreasing problematic behaviors that may interfere with learning, social interactions, and overall quality of life.”

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the science of behavior and learning that focuses on the skills needed for individuals with autism to engage more fully in their environment, including communication, social skills, and attention. ABA is clinically proven as an effective treatment for individuals with autism.

To learn more about The Children’s Institute’s new ABA program, please contact Dana Buchko at 412.420.2447 or [email protected] or visit www.amazingkids.org/aba-services. 

About The Children’s Institute
Established in 1902, The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh is an independent and licensed nonprofit organization whose mission is: To Heal. To Teach. To Empower. To Amaze. The passionate team at The Children’s Institute is dedicated to the amazing kids and families they serve, helping children to reach their full potential through educational services, outpatient physical and behavioral health services, and child and family services. The Children’s Institute serves more than 6,000 children each year at seven campuses across Western Pa. Visit www.amazingkids.org or call 412-420-2400 to learn more.