Providing Quality Applied Behavior Analysis Services

Locally owned and operated on the Big Island of Hawaii, Sharky Hearts Behavior Support Services aims to provide quality Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to those on the Autism Spectrum. Sharky Hearts came from a combination of the founder’s love for sharks and special needs, both of which are commonly misunderstood. The infinity logo represents a symbol chosen from the autism community to represent diversity and acceptance across the spectrum while the gold represent the first two letters in autism, the compound of gold.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidenced based therapy that aims to improve the lives of those with behavioral challenges. The primary focus of ABA is on behaviors that are observable and measurable. Research shows that consistent ABA can reduce behavioral challenges and improve social and communication skills. Furthermore, reinforcement is the core of ABA, and used in all behavioral program goals. Reinforcement helps reward desired behaviors, teach new skills, and encourages behavioral patterns.

The goal of ABA is to decrease potentially harmful behaviors and increase behaviors that are helpful, improve quality of life, and help with learning. At Sharky Hearts, detailed treatment plans are created based on observation and assessments by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA). Treatment plans include specific goals to an individual that outline intervention strategies, baseline data, and parent training . Sessions are then held either in the home or community setting 1:1 with a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) that are overseen by a designated BCBA. Data on program goals are closely monitored and graphed after each session.

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