Georgian Court Launches Applied Behavior Analysis Clinic

Georgian Court has launched a new Applied Behavior Analysis Clinic to serve local families and children; addresses prevalence of autism spectrum disorders creates continued demand for services

Lakewood, N.J., September 30, 2015—Georgian Court University’s new Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) clinic aims to help families in search of affordable services for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a condition that requires considerable time and effort on behalf of parents struggling to access high-quality services.

The new ABA clinic, which opened its doors this fall on GCU’s Lakewood campus, is co-directed by David Wilson, Ph.D., an assistant professor of psychology, and Christopher Perrin, Ph.D., also an assistant professor of psychology. Both are Board Certified Behavior Analysts-Doctoral (BCBA-D) and each has more than 15 years of experience providing ABA services to children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Under the supervision of Drs. Wilson and Perrin, graduate students in Georgian Court’s applied behavior analysis graduate program will use a variety of evidence-based strategies to address skill deficits and reduce challenging behaviors.

“Given the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders, the demand for assistance often overwhelms providers of ABA services, resulting in some children remaining on waiting lists,” said Dr. Perrin. “GCU’s new ABA clinic addresses that need. Our mission is to help children who are at-risk because of behavioral and/or academic difficulties. We want to see them succeed.”

Understanding ABA

Since the 1960s, research has repeatedly shown the effectiveness of Applied Behavior Analysis in addressing the behavioral challenges demonstrated by individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. ABA is the systematic application of interventions based on learning theory to change socially significant behaviors in meaningful ways. It is characterized as an individualized and responsive approach of clearly identifying behavior to be changed and objectively measuring progress toward those changes.

Nationally, about 1 in 68 children has been identified with ASD, according to the Centers for Disease Control. In New Jersey, that figure is 1 in 45, and more families than ever are in need of expert help—from evaluations and assessments to creating strategies that will help children with basic skills, severe problem behavior, and other challenges.

Meeting a need

“Some service providers can be expensive, even with insurance,” said Dr. Perrin. “Many families are struggling to access high-quality services. Our experience—and we have lots—gives us a little bit of an edge. The ABA clinic at Georgian Court is a useful resource for families in Lakewood, Howell, Brick and the surrounding communities.”

While the clinic will likely focus on youngsters who are diagnosed with ASD, services are available for anyone with an intellectual or developmental disability. In addition, clinic staff can help with ABA workshops for local school districts as well as parent training.” There’s a great need,” said Dr. Perrin, “and we can provide cost effective services, giving a huge help to individuals and their families.”

To learn more about the ABA Clinic at Georgian Court or to schedule a consultation, contact Dr. David Wilson at 732-987-2645 or Dr. Christopher Perrin at 732-987-2470.

ABOUT GEORGIAN COURT UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1908 and sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, Georgian Court University is Central and South Jersey’s only Catholic university. Georgian Court is a comprehensive, coeducational university with a strong liberal arts core and an historic, special concern for women. As a forward-thinking university that supports diversity and academic excellence, Georgian Court expands possibility for more than 2,300 students of all faiths and backgrounds in 30 undergraduate majors and 10 graduate programs. The main campus is located at 900 Lakewood Avenue, Lakewood, New Jersey, on the picturesque former George Jay Gould estate, a National Historic Landmark. Georgian Court also serves students at New Jersey Coastal Communiversity in Wall and through multiple online certificate and degree programs.