ABA Programs - The Portia Learning Centre

What is ABA Therapy?

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to understanding behaviour and how it is affected by the environment. At Portia, we use naturalistic ABA techniques to teach new skills, reduce challenging behaviours, and help children reach their full potential.

How ABA Works

ABA therapy uses the science of learning and behaviour to help children develop new skills and reduce challenging behaviours. By breaking skills into small, manageable steps and using positive reinforcement, we can help children learn effectively and maintain these skills over time.

Our Play Based Approach

Unlike traditional ABA, our approach is play-based and child-led. We use your child’s natural interests and motivations to create engaging learning opportunities. This makes therapy more enjoyable and effective, as children learn best when they’re having fun.

Evidence-Based Results

Research has consistently shown that ABA therapy is effective for teaching new skills and reducing challenging behaviours. Our approach is based on decades of research and clinical experience, ensuring that your child receives the most effective intervention possible.

Our Program Types

Comprehensive ABA

15-40 hours per week | 1:1 ratio

Typically 15–40 hours per week, comprehensive ABA programs target a broad range of developmental domains such as communication, social interaction, daily living skills, play, and learning readiness and may also address behaviours that interfere with learning or daily routines. These programs are initially delivered in a 1:1 environment and can eventually move to small-group settings.

BEST FOR: Children who need intensive support across multiple developmental areas

Focused ABA

1-14 hours per week | 1:1 ratio

Typically less hours than a comprehensive program (1–14 hours per week) that focuses on treatment for a limited number of functional skills or acute problem behaviour. A focused ABA program will usually target one to two developmental domains such as reducing challenging behaviour and increasing functional or adaptive skills, increasing social skills, or increasing communication skills.

BEST FOR: Children who need targeted support in specific skill areas

Small Group ABA

Varies | 2:3 or 1:4 ratio

Small group ABA programs are 2:3 or 1:4 ratio programs and focus on essential living skills such as waiting, transitions, learning in a group, communication, and adaptive skills.

BEST FOR: Children who benefit from peer interaction and group learning skills

What to Expect in Our Sessions

Welcoming Arrival
Your child is greeted warmly by their therapist in our welcoming environment. We start with a brief check-in to see how they’re feeling.
Play-Based Learning
Using your child’s interests, we engage in fun activities designed to target specific skills in a natural, motivating way.
Natural Environment Teaching
Skills are taught in context through everyday activities and play, making learning meaningful and relevant.
Social Opportunities
When appropriate, we include opportunities for peer interaction and group activities to build social skills.
Reinforcement & Celebration
We celebrate your child’s efforts and achievements throughout the session, building confidence and motivation.
Parent Check-in
Sessions typically end with a brief update for parents about progress, wins, and strategies to practice at home.

How We Track Progress

We use Portia ABA Clinic Software for our Program Development, Data Collection and Reporting. This advanced technology offers several benefits:

Real-time data collection during sessions
Visual progress reports for parents to easily understand growth
Timely program adjustments based on performance data
More hands-on therapy time with less paperwork
Secure, confidential management of your child’s information

Parents receive regular progress reports and updates, giving you clear visibility into your child’s development and the effectiveness of their therapy program.