Madeline Harper M.S., BCBA, LBA

My approach to ABA therapy is highly individualized, collaborative, and focused on creating meaningful improvements that extend beyond the therapy session. Through direct one-on-one therapy provided by a BCBA, I work closely not only with the child, but also with parents and caregivers to build practical strategies that improve daily life for the entire family. A major emphasis of my work is increasing functional communication and helping children develop adaptive living skills that promote greater independence and participation in everyday life. Using compassionate, assent-based teaching and desensitization procedures, I support children in building tolerance for important life experiences such as dentist appointments, haircuts, medical visits, community outings, swim lessons, hygiene routines, and other activities that can often feel overwhelming. I also prioritize reducing severe target behaviors such as aggression, self-injurious behavior (SIB), property destruction, elopement, and other behaviors that interfere with safety, learning, communication, and quality of life. My goal is to help children build meaningful, functional skills that allow them to participate more comfortably and successfully in their homes, schools, and communities while empowering families with the tools, collaboration, and support needed to create lasting change.

• Direct one-on-one ABA therapy provided by a BCBA

• Collaborative approach with strong parent and caregiver involvement

• Focus on creating meaningful changes for the whole family, not just the child

• Emphasis on increasing functional communication skills

• Teaching adaptive living and independence skills

• Assent-based and compassionate therapy approach

• Desensitization and tolerance-building for everyday life experiences, including:

  • • Dentist appointments

    • Haircuts

    • Medical visits

    • Swim lessons

    • Hygiene routines

    • Community outings

• Reduction of severe target behaviors, including:

  • • Aggression

    • Self-injurious behavior (SIB)

    • Property destruction

    • Elopement

    • Others

• Supporting participation and success at home, school, and in the community

• Providing families with practical tools, collaboration, and ongoing support

My goal is to create meaningful, practical change that carries over into everyday life for both the child and their family. Therapy is designed to support growth in areas that improve independence, participation, communication, and overall quality of life across home, school, and community settings. I believe parent collaboration is essential, and I work closely with caregivers to provide strategies, guidance, and support that can be naturally incorporated into daily routines. By focusing on functional skills, adaptive living, and individualized goals, the aim is not only to reduce barriers and challenging behaviors, but also to help families feel more confident, supported, and successful in navigating day-to-day life.