Swann Clinic for Behavioral Health is a neurodiversity-affirming organization. We believe the trust parents place in us to support their children is the highest level of praise and honor in our practice. We take this relationship seriously, and we work to honor the faith and collaborative process for learners and their families.
Swann Clinic is a trauma-informed applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy clinic. We work pediatric psychology services to provide a multidisciplinary model to care. Board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) support our learners through ABA therapy.
Mission Statement:
Swann Clinic for Behavioral Health believes in order to resolutely effect change, the family needs to be supported along with the child receiving services. Swann Clinic for Behavioral Health is here to provide individualized, quality behavioral services and to create a supportive environment in which children and their families feel up-lifted, empowered, and able to thrive.
Vision Statement:
Our vision is to be ethically responsible practitioners who compassionately meet families where they are and help them navigate the changes and challenges in their lives.
Principles and Core Values:
- Dignity – Our main value in all things we do is to protect and promote the dignity of the human beings we care for and work alongside.
- Assent – Every child has a right to assert boundaries and have those respected by the individuals in their environment. Our curriculum is built off this foundational belief in body and personal autonomy. This is foundational to all the work we do with families and children.
- Collaborate and Communicate – Collaboration in our various fields of expertise leads to the best possible outcomes and helps children and families realize their dreams and goals. Our team consistently learns and listens, seeks diverse input, and shares goals and learning opportunities with positive intent.
- Integrity – Hold ourselves accountable to our community, families, and co-workers. We strive to be honest, forthcoming, and deliberate in our interactions with those we come into contact with.
What is ABA?
ABA, or applied behavior analysis, is a behaviorally based intervention program. By applying the science of learning to each child’s unique strengths, Swann Clinic practitioners work with families to develop interventions important to their values and goals for their child. All interventions and therapeutic strategies are data-driven interventions, which is unique to ABA and has the distinction of being the only research-based intervention for autistic and neurodiverse children.
As a parent, what can I expect?
Our program is an early intensive behavioral intervention program (EIBI). We work with children ages 1 – 7 to support their transition into early academics. Hours for treatment vary, but most learners are in clinic 40 hours each week. Modified schedules are offered for learners who are still napping. Some parents ask why these hours are suggested. The simple fact is that this is the scientifically recommended treatment time for children based on their evaluation. Scheduling hours are based on the recommended treatment time for the results of the intake evaluation completed.
How is ABA at Swann Clinic different from other ABA programs?
Swann Clinic works with other disciplines, meaning we integrate experts in occupational therapy, speech therapy, and mental health counseling to create a balanced and holistic learning and growing experience for children. Best outcomes for developmental growth occur when we meet children at their level in all areas. Most importantly, Swann Clinic practices an assent-based model of care. No child will ever be asked to engage in behaviors or eliminate behaviors without their consent. We use positive reinforcement and encouragement to help children achieve their goals. We also see certain behaviors, such as stemming and avoidance of social interactions, as ways children naturally regulate their emotions. As such, we never seek to reduce coping behaviors and aspects of autistic children that are unique to them. Rather, we honor each child and embrace the beauty of neurodiversity.
What are the historical concerns with ABA?
Much like other medical and mental health fields, ABA has evolved over time in how therapy is applied. Autistic adults who engaged in ABA therapy in the past and at present in settings that are not trauma informed or assent based may have been exposed to unhealthy forms of intervention. Punishment has been used in the past to extinguish autistic features, force eye contact and encourage neurodivergent individuals to appear normal.
Swann Clinic is decidedly and staunchly against these practices, and we seek to reform and change the way ABA is used to support families. Our main focus in therapy and training is client dignity. Each child is deserving of their own choices, experiences, personalities, coping skills and expressions. Our purpose is to increase the safety of our learners, improve how others understand them, allow them a judgment-free space to grow and help parents learn how best to support their children so they may achieve their goals.