ABA Therapy
Dr. Michelle Thorn
What is ABA Therapy?
· Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a therapy based on the science of learning and behavior. ABA therapy applies our understanding of how behavior works to real situations. A BCBA focuses on the function of the behavior (why the behavior occurs) to design and implement research-based interventions to create a meaningful change to socially significant behaviors. ABA is considered to be effective at treating the symptoms of autism (ASD). ABA does not cure ASD but the goal is to increase behaviors that are helpful and decrease behaviors that are harmful or affect learning.
What is a BCBA-D?
· The Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) is a graduate-level certification in behavior analysis. Professionals certified at the BCBA level are independent practitioners who provide behavior-analytic services. BCBAs with doctoral or postdoctoral training in behavior analysis may receive the designation of Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral® (BCBA-D®).
Meet Dr. Thorn
· My name is Michelle Thorn Ed.D., BCBA-D and owner of Abc's of ABA Consulting Services. I am also a teacher certified to teach individuals with disabilities and endorsed to work with students specifically with autism and whose native language is not English. I have worked with individuals with mild, moderate, and severe disabilities since 2005 and in varying settings. I have provided educational and vocational services combined with ABA services to individuals with disabilities in the following age range and settings: aged 6-65 whose disabilities are so severe that they are required to live on facility property with 24-hour supervision; aged 3-16 in the public school setting in separate class or mainstreamed; and individuals aged 4-30 in their homes and community.
Certifications
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst – Doctoral (BCBA-D)
Supervision Course Completed
- Florida Educators Professional Certificate: Certification in Exceptional Student Education Grades K-12 and Elementary Education K-6. Endorsements in Autism Spectrum Disorders and English for Speakers of Other Languages.
Education
- Doctor of Education in Special Education with a concentration in ABA from Nova Southeastern University
- Master of Education in Special Education with a Graduate Certificate in ASD from the University of Central Florida
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida
- Double Bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida. Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Professional Experience
- College professor at Ball State University – Department of Special Education: Instructor of SPCE 689: Verbal Behavior; SPCE 619: Professional Issues in Applied Behavior Analysis; SPCE 609: Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis; SPCE 610: Behavioral Assessment and Consultation
- College professor at Nova Southeastern University – College of Psychology and Fischler College of Education and Criminal Justice: Developed 5th edition task list masters level course as a part of the Verified Course Sequence (VCS): HSDD/ABA 0712. Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.® (BACB) has approved this course as meeting the coursework requirements for eligibility to take either the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) or Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Examination. Instructor of HSDD/ABA 0712: Concepts and Principles of ABA II (5th Edition Task List); HSDD/ABA 0710: Concepts and Principles of ABA (4th Edition Task List); EP 660: Behavioral Assessment and Intervention for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders; HSDD 0750: Professional Issues in Applied Behavior Analysis
How can Abc's of ABA Consulting help you?
Dr. Thorn provides training to assist parents, family members, and caretakers with implementation of varying supports in the home and community. Families are encouraged to attend sessions to provide feedback regarding progress and to learn how to best support their family in maintaining and generalizing the skills learned. Dr. Thorn also provides remote or in-person supervision to RBT's and those seeking certification. The goal of remote supervision is to provide feedback to RBT's or students in the environment of their choice and observe with minimal disruption to the environment. Remote supervision also allows the RBT or student to observe Dr. Thorn working with clients and implementing interventions and strategies. Dr. Thorn strives to provide a continuum of support to families by incorporating them into their training sessions and educating them on the nature of disability of their loved ones.