Stepping Stones - Counseling & Consulting of Charlotte

Early Behavioral Intervention and Educational Programs

At Stepping Stones, we offer Early Behavioral Intervention (EBI) and Educational Programs for children ages 2-12 with Autism Spectrum Disorder, developmental delays, language delays, communication disorders, and other related disabilities. Our mission is to design and implement programs that are practical and effective, and to give families the tools and resources that directly contribute to their child’s progress, leading them toward functional independence and improving their quality of life.

What methods do we use?

Our Early Behavioral Intervention Programs (EBI) are founded on evidence-based methods that aim to decrease behavior that is problematic or disruptive, and teach new, age appropriate functional skills. Our instructional methods are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis* and Verbal Behavior*, and place a strong emphasis on reinforcement procedures, enabling learning and development in a consistent, structured and positive environment.

Our programs are clearly designed so that the goals to be achieved are measurable and specific. Problematic behaviors and targets for acquisition are continuously evaluated through our systematic data collection procedures, in order to determine the effectiveness of the intervention and to ensure that learning is taking place at an appropriate pace.

More importantly, our programs are individually developed to address the needs of your family. We provide extensive training to caregivers who choose to receive such guidance through our Guided Parenting Programs, where parents are coached through the implementation of intervention techniques and given the tools and support to create a consistent, dependable and structured environment within the family.

How can our programs help you?

Problem Behaviors

Aggressive Behaviors

Self Injurious Behaviors

Tantrums

Attention Difficulties

Disruptive Behaviors

Oppositional / Defiant Behaviors

Difficulty Waiting

Difficulty Accepting “No”

Food Refusal or Selectivity

Hyperactivity

Stereotypical Behavior

Problem Behaviors at School

Skill Acquisition

Early Learner Skills

Language / Functional Communication (VB)

Social Skills

Toilet Training

Appropriate Play Skills

Compliance

Independent Living Skills

Self Care Skills

Safety Skills

Academic Motivation / Completing Homework

Study Skills

We use well researched BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT tools to develop function-based behavioral plans for children with problematic behaviors. Your EBI Consultant will work in collaboration with your family to identify and prioritize areas of need and specific concerns regarding your child’s behavior excess or skill deficits.

We also offer specialized EDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENTS such as the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS) and the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP), which are widely used in the field of developmental disabilities and Autism. These assessment tools also serve as skills tracking systems that provide detailed information specific to your child’s level of functioning and abilities in different skill areas, ranging from critical language and learning skills to academic, motor, self-help and social/emotional skills. Your EBI Consultant will work in collaboration with you and your child’s teachers to utilize the assessment findings and information to develop a program specific to your child’s needs and directly contribute to their educational, developmental, and social/emotional growth.

How can our programs help you?

All of our Behavior and Educational Consultants are Board Certified Behavior Analysts and Board Certified Associate Behavior Analysts, who have received specific training in Behavior Analysis*, and receive supervision when applicable, as required by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board. Our Early Behavior Interventionists have specific experience and training in the field of Behavior Analysis*.

To maintain high quality services provided to your child and family, our Interventionists are at all times overseen by our Consultants.

Additionally, all of our Interventionists participate in on-going trainings and professional conferences, meet regularly for case consultation, and are given performance evaluations and feedback on a regular basis for their professional growth and development.

We are committed to providing professional and high-quality services and openly welcome the involvement of your family, feedback and suggestions to assist in developing a program that meets your child’s and family’s needs.

*Disclaimer: North Carolina is one of the few states in the US that defines Applied Behavior Analysis (also referred to as Behavior Therapy or ABA Therapy) as the practice of Psychology. Thus, the practice of ABA in North Carolina must follow the provisions and boundaries stated in the North Carolina Psychology Practice Act. According to the North Carolina Psychology Practice Act, in order to practice ABA / Behavior Therapy, the service provider must be a Licensed Psychologist who is trained and competent in Applied Behavior Analysis. At SteppingStones, all of our Early Behavioral Interventionists (EBI) and Consultants have received specific training in Applied Behavior Analysis and our EBI Programs are based on Applied Behavior Analysis principles and evidence-based methods. However, as ethical practice and in compliance with the North Carolina Psychology Practice Act, SteppingStones does not offer Applied Behavior Analysis services in the state of North Carolina. Families seeking Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy in North Carolina should seek a Licensed Psychologist who is trained and competent in Applied Behavior Analysis, and who is legally able to practice ABA in the state of North Carolina.