At Pivotal Behaviours, we believe that Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) has evolved into a compassionate, person-centred approach that supports individual growth in a way that aligns with each person’s unique strengths and learning styles. We are passionate Behaviour Analyst who encompass this practice and lead with joy, embracing the unique journey of every individual. Pivotal Behaviours fosters a nurturing, compassionate, and fun environment where learning is not only effective but also engaging and enjoyable.
The Evolution: Today’s ABA
ABA refers to a set of scientific principles aimed at understanding and changing behaviour. But contrary to popular belief, ABA is not a single therapy or rigid set of rules. Instead, it’s an umbrella term that encompasses various therapies, interventions, and supports, all rooted in understanding how behaviour is influenced by the environment.
ABA has grown beyond the compliance-focused approaches of the past. Today’s ABA, championed by Dr Greg Hanley, is flexible, compassionate, and grounded in understanding the individual. This modern approach is neuro-affirming, meaning it celebrates neurodiversity and values each person’s unique ways of being. Rather than seeking to change individuals, today's ABA aims to empower them to live happy, autonomous lives by focusing on meaningful goals that matter to them.
According to Dr Hanley’s perspective on Today's ABA, it is about helping individuals learn new skills and navigate the world in a way that feels right for them. It involves using a person’s strengths and interests to teach new skills, all while respecting their autonomy and personal experiences. This is where child-led and interest-based strategies become essential, and they form a major part of the therapeutic approach at Pivotal Behaviours.
At Pivotal Behaviours, we use these principles to create an environment that encourages autonomy, joy, and success. We work collaboratively with families, carers, and allied health teams to ensure that the support we offer is meaningful, practical, and—most importantly—tailored to the individual.
The Key Tenets of Today’s ABA at Pivotal Behaviours
Celebrating Neurodiversity: We value and respect the uniqueness of every individual, fostering a neuro-affirming practice that celebrates diversity instead of suppressing it.
Child-Led, Interest-Based Learning: Every child has interests and strengths that guide their learning. By focusing on what brings them joy and comfort, we create opportunities for growth that are fun and meaningful.
Building Autonomy: We prioritise the autonomy of each individual by supporting them to make choices and follow their interests, helping them navigate their world in their own way.
Rapport and Connection First: Success is built on trust. We take time to understand each person we work with, ensuring that they feel safe, heard, and empowered throughout their journey with us.
Research-Backed, Evolving Practice: We are committed to staying up-to-date with the latest research, always evolving and improving our practices to ensure the best outcomes for the individuals and families we serve.
Why Choose Progressive ABA?
Choosing progressive ABA means opting for a therapy approach that is adaptable, compassionate, and respectful. It’s about recognising that progress is not linear, and success looks different for everyone. Whether a child is learning to communicate their needs, building social connections, or simply feeling comfortable in their environment, our goal is to support them in a way that honours who they are.
At Pivotal Behaviours, we are committed to making learning a joyful, empowering experience that celebrates the individual, not just the goals.
Embracing Today’s ABA at Pivotal Behaviours
Today’s ABA is more than a therapy. It’s a compassionate philosophy, one that puts individuals first and emphasises respect, autonomy, and understanding. We’re proud to offer a service that doesn’t just teach new skills but celebrates every person’s unique path to growth and independence.
