Autism Therapy Center Dana Garner, BCBA-D, LBS, Owner and Director - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Garner Behavior Services LLC

Autism Therapy Center

Dana Garner, BCBA-D, LBS, Owner and Director of GBS, LLC

Garner Behavior Services LLC 2017 1

Dana Garner, Garner Behavior Services, LLC

• Professor at Pennsylvania State University
• Ethics for Behavior Analysts
• Practicum for Behavior Analysts
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Doctorate Level (BCBA-D)
• Licensed Behavior Specialist under PA State Board of Medicine (LBS)
• Autism Specialist (Professional Development certificate in Autism)
• CPH & Associates Limited Liability Insurance (coverage for company,

employees, and contractors)

• FBI fingerprinting, Criminal Clearance, and Child Abuse Clearance (for all staff)
• PhD in Special Education, Pennsylvania State University
• MA in Applied Behavior Analysis, Penn State Harrisburg
• BA in Psychology, Indiana University of PA

Garner Behavior Services LLC 2017 2

GBS Staff: (current)

• Erin: Lead Technician, Registered Behavior Technician, in college to be

a Physical Therapist.

• Melissa: Registered Behavior Technician, in college to be an

Occupational Therapist

• Nicole: Behavior Technician, Certified Teacher
• Pauline: Registered Behavior Technician, Head Start Lead Teacher, NM

(Continuing to hire RBT’s and BT’s and LBS/BCBA’s)

Garner Behavior Services LLC 2017 3

Our Center: Montoursville, PA

Garner Behavior Services LLC 2017 4

What are we?

• Autism Therapy Center:
• Intensive 1:1 behavioral interventions for children with Autism ages 3-7.
• Focus on intensive EARLY INTERVENTION for best results
• Focus on Pre-K skills to reduce level of support when entering school
• Development of communication, social and life skills (ie, toileting, eating, etc)
• Focus on core issues of Autism
• Reduction of problem behaviors (tantrums, aggression, etc)
• Reduce socially isolating behaviors
• Interventions based in the science of Applied Behavior Analysis
• Research based interventions that over 30 years have shown their efficacy in decreasing

problem behaviors and increasing functional skills for children with Autism.

Garner Behavior Services LLC 2017 5

Current Services Provided

• Children’s Services
• Intensive behavioral instruction 12-3:00 Monday through Thursday
• Incorporate play, socialization, following instructions, learning to learn skills
• Data based progress (data collected daily on child’s progress)

Garner Behavior Services LLC 2017 6

Functional School Skill: cutting on a line

Garner Behavior Services LLC 2017 7

1:1 Session: Target-Receptive Identification

Garner Behavior Services LLC 2017 8

Data based decisions and tracking progress

Garner Behavior Services LLC 2017 9

Why Applied Behavior Analysis?

• All programs are tailored to the individual needs of the child
• Data driven, decisions are based on the data, not a “whim”
• ABA has over 30 years of research base behind the techniques
• ABA promotes use of reinforcers, fun learning environment, and letting the child

guide you in how to teach the skill

• ABA, as a treatment for autism, is endorsed by:
• The Surgeon General of the United States
• American Academy of Neurology
• American Academy of Pediatrics
• American Psychological Association
• National Institute of Mental Health
• National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
• Autism Society of America
• Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
• http://appliedbehaviorcenter.com/aba-endorsements/

Garner Behavior Services LLC 2017 10

How to get services

• Autism diagnosis by psychologist/neuropsychologist/psychiatrist.. Or other

qualified diagnostician.

• Need current copy of diagnostic evaluation (less than 1 year old). Evaluation needs

to recommend ABA services.

• Major Medical Insurance.
• We are currently credentialed with: Aetna, Cigna, Magellan, Highmark, First Priority,

Premier Blue… (and other Blues).

• Will be Optum credentialed this fall.
• Parent will need to provide copy of insurance card, we will call to verify eligibility.
• Having insurance does not guarantee eligibility for services.
• Currently accepting applications for afternoon 1:1 sessions (insurance) and

3:1 behavior/learning sessions for spring (private pay)

Garner Behavior Services LLC 2017 11

Where are we going: Future Vision

• Expand children's services:
• Fall 2018: After school 1:1 program for children ages 8-12, 3:30-5pm
• Morning session added
• Summer ESY alternative program (related therapy)
• In-home services and on site training for family
• Behavior and Communication Program (planned for Spring 2018)
• “step down” therapy, 3:1 ratio of children/adult
• Children who do not have a diagnosis yet, or insurance GBS can accept
• Private pay
• Begin Adult Services
• Enroll in Adult Waiver
• Provide adult programs (still being developed and explored, tentatively aiming for

Fall 2018 to start adult programs)

Garner Behavior Services LLC 2017 12

Community Outreach

• GBS understands not all parents have an insurance that will cover

services, or they are unable to pay out of pocket.

• For every 3 insurance based clients ages 2-12, GBS will accept a pro-

bono client based on need (ie, financial, lack of insurance, etc) for two sessions weekly for 3 months.

• Free parent training and workshops 2-3x yearly
• Speaking to churches, schools, community groups and colleges about

the needs of individuals with Autism.

Garner Behavior Services LLC 2017 13

Thank you for your consideration!

• Thanks!!
• Dana Garner
• Aba.garner@gmail.com
• 570.279.8090
• Find us on FB “Garner Behavior Services LLC”
• Twitter: GBSautism
• Instagram: GBSautism

Garner Behavior Services LLC 2017 14