Every parent has hopes and dreams for their child, and those who have children with therapeutic needs are no different. That’s why at Pediatric Therapy Clinic we celebrate the uniqueness of every child as we create a tailored treatment plan designed just for them. We are specialists in ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) and focus on custom solutions that work for your child and you.
Effective autism therapy requires a deep commitment and an understanding of the specific needs of children who are diagnosed on the autism spectrum or who have other developmental delays. Our Anaconda and Butte-based BCBA and ABA therapists use their training, knowledge and experience to create structure and opportunities for success, whether helping children with school readiness, improving communication, social skills, reducing behaviors or meeting life skill milestones.
ABA stands for “applied behavior analysis.” It is a proven, effective therapy for children diagnosed with an autism-spectrum disorder or other developmental delays. ABA combines educational, psychological and developmental techniques, and focuses on the individual needs of each child.
Applied behavior analysis is an evidence-based approach that has been called a “best practice” by the American Psychological Association. It is flexible, goal-oriented, and designed to help each learner to achieve their best possible outcome.
Applied behavior analysis uses a variety of techniques to help your child meet his or her specific goals. For example, our therapists can help your child learn simple tasks at first and, over time, help them tackle more complex skills. Our therapists making learning fun through play and positive reinforcement to motivate your child and shape behavior.
Your child’s needs will determine exactly how much time they spend with their ABA therapist, and where that therapy takes place. Research shows that during the first years of intervention, 35-40 hours per week may be most beneficial.
Your Board Certified Behavior Analyst, or BCBA, will develop your child’s plan and take into account the best locations for treatment, including your home, our clinic, out in the community or in school. Based on your school’s policies and those of your insurance company, the therapist may even be able to accompany your child into the classroom to help with academics, behaviors, social skills, and communication.
The hallmark of a high quality ABA program is oversight by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). When choosing ABA services, it is important to consider whether or not your provider is Board Certified. Board Certification helps to ensure that your provider is providing evidence-based, ethical, high quality services for your child.
Read More...BCBA’s are specialized behavioral health providers with graduate and/or post-graduate degrees and are credentialed by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. BCBA’s may oversee and supervise Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBA) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT).
BCBAs must engage in continuing education to ensure they are expanding their behavior analytic skills beyond the initial requirements and to stay up to date with current developments in the profession (BACB, 2020). Continuing education units may include topics such as research, evidence-based interventions, ethics, cultural considerations and many more.
At Pediatric Therapy Clinic, your child’s treatment team will be led by a BCBA or BCaBA (sometimes referred to as the “programmer”) who will conduct initial and ongoing assessments, make treatment recommendations, analyze and design programming, conduct ongoing parent education and train and oversee members of your child’s direct treatment team. These activities will occur both during and outside of your child’s sessions. Your BCBA will make individualized recommendations regarding the amount of supervision your child’s program requires. You can expect to have regular communication with your child’s BCBA regarding goals, interventions and teaching strategies, progress and any questions or concerns you may have.
Additionally, the BCBA or BCaBA oversees the Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), who deliver the majority of your child’s direct therapy hours. RBTs are paraprofessionals who assist in providing behavior analysis services under close, ongoing supervision by a BCBA or BCaBA. RBTs must pass an exam, receive ongoing supervision, adhere to the ethical code and renew their certification annually.
This team of certified professionals and paraprofessionals will work together to ensure your child receives the highest quality services available.
For more information on certification, please refer to bacb.com
improve communication
interact more positively with other children, friends and family
gain personal care skills, such as dressing or bathing
overcome feeding problems
reduce problem behaviors
Each insurance policy is different in terms of the types and amount of therapy covered. We encourage parents and caregivers to speak with their insurance company about specific criteria as it relates to applied behavioral analysis. Please note that copayments and deductibles may apply.
In Montana, health insurance providers are required to cover costs for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders for children 18 years old or younger. There are no limits for ABA Therapy. However, insurance policies vary depending upon which type of insurance you have. Please verify your plan benefits for ABA Therapy sometimes called autism treatment.
Studies have shown that the earlier a child begins receiving therapy, the better the outcomes can be. In order to receive serves through Pediatric Therapy Clinic, your child must have received a formal autism diagnosis. This diagnosis is made by an experienced provider who has received specialized training and who utilizes the ADOS-2, or Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule and cognitive testing.
Assessments are typically done by a developmental pediatrician, child psychologist or child psychiatrist. The wait for these diagnostic testing appointments can be extensive. Please call if you need assistance with this process.
Pediatric Therapy Clinic began providing quality professional services to children in Billings in 2006, and we now have several offices in Montana—including our locations serving the needs of families in Anaconda, Butte, and the surrounding area. We were one of the first clinics in our region to offer complete ABA therapy services and have recently added speech therapy. Please check back frequently for new services that are being provided.
We know that there is no one solution that fits every child. That’s why our team works together to create plans that will foster your child’s individual success. Our services are delivered with a personal touch that makes learning fun, fosters relationships with our clients and provides support for parents and families.
We’re also here to support and encourage you as the parent or family of a child with autism. At Pediatric Therapy Clinic, you’ll receive understanding from our team and from other families who share your common experience.
Our Anaconda and Butte offices include a team of highly qualified experts who enjoy working with our clients and their families. Our team consists of highly trained and certified Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), a Speech Language Pathologist, Behavior Technicians and a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). We are proud to be a part of the Anaconda/Butte communities and love building relationships of trust with those we serve.
We are a team of dedicated professionals working together to deliver the highest-quality services available.
Clinical Director
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Kristina Halverson, BCaBA
Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst
Debi Rua, M.S. CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Tara Pelletier, RBT
Hailey Giacomini, RBT
Haley Headley, RBT
Ashley Neighbor, RBT
Brooke Vallance, RBT
Adam Hocking, BT
Kyla Mattila, RBT
Keesha Roeber-Case, RBT
Jena Hanley, BT
Hope Johnston, BT
Jennifer Friedberg, BT
Kylee Duncan, BT
Please join us in welcoming our ‘Tech of the Week’! Brooke Vallance!
Brooke is quickly approaching her 1-year mark with us at the PTC. Her bubbly personality, infectious laughter, and overall kind soul make Brooke a fantastic addition to our team. She brings a significant amount of warmth to our clinic. Brooke’s high-energy personality pairs perfectly with our youngest learners. However, Brooke is blessed with the ability to easily transition between the various ages of all our learners.
When not at work, you can often find Brooke holding a chicken in one hand and petting a cow with the other. She is our resident animal lover, and we never miss the chance to ask about how her FIFTEEN chickens are doing. Along with farm animals, Brooke is the mama to 2 fur babies, Tucker and Moose. To Brooke: you are eggcellent!! Thanks for not CRACKING under pressure!”
We’ve been having a busy few weeks as we transition with the new Butte clinic and support our families and clients with getting back to school. We are excited that we have a new speech pathologist and are actively seeking occupational therapists which will help ensure we provide all therapies under one roof with ongoing, fluid collaboration.
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Pediatric Therapy Clinic, Inc
608 East Park Ave.
Anaconda, MT 59711
Call: 406.563.0260
Fax: 406.259.1777
Other locations:
1810 Harrison Ave
Butte, MT 59701
Call: 406.563.0260
Fax: 406.259.1777
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