At The Behavior Exchange, applied behavior analysis therapy (ABA therapy) offers proven programs that provide up to 40 hours a week of personalized care.
“ABA is a very comprehensive therapy that targets key areas like communication, social skills and appropriate behaviors,” Director of Intake Danielle Merck said. “When families come into our centers, it very much looks like a learning type of environment. ... That’s very intentional because we want to work on the skills that [children] will need to be successful outside of our centers.”
The Behavior Exchange, a proud Behavioral Health Center Of Excellence®, works with children ages two through 12, with a focus on early learners.
“Studies ... show that early intervention is such a formative time,” Merck said. “When children can start with intensive ABA therapy services early on in their development, they’re sponges soaking up all of that information. It really leads to the best overall outcomes.”
Parents are also a vital part of the process.
“When we can work with children and with parents to give parents tools that they can utilize at home, at the park or at the grocery store, it sets up the child and the family for [success],” Merck said.
How do intake sessions and treatment plans work?
No two children are alike, and ABA therapy reflects that. Every new family begins with a detailed assessment.
“It starts with a parent interview because parents know their child best,” Merck said.
After that, Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) meet with the child for a formal evaluation. The results provide a snapshot of strengths, areas for growth and potential barriers to learning that guide a customized treatment plan.
“The treatment plan is constantly in development,” Merck said. “That’s such a huge benefit of ABA services. ... The second a child masters one target, we’re adding something that’s new and more challenging for them.”
Families walking into the center for the first time often notice more than the therapy; they feel the atmosphere.
“It’s so important for us to have beautiful spaces because our children and our families deserve them,” Merck said.
With colorful walls, engaging toys and themed group activities, the environment is designed to spark learning through play.
Their mascot, Buddy the Bee, represents the collaborative spirit.
“We call our locations hives,” Merck said. “In our centers, the hive is the group area where we’re having a lot of social opportunities. You’ll see games, circle time and a lot of fun but very enriching therapeutic environments.”
Seasonal programs add even more variety. In the fall, children create seasonal art and science projects, practice classroom routines and even rehearse trick-or-treating to build social confidence.
Success stories
For Merck, it’s so rewarding to see progress unfold. Some children transition to general education classrooms with minimal support, while others gain the skills to thrive in special education programs.
“Success for each family can look a little different,” Merck said. “It’s such a bittersweet thing to say goodbye to [the kids] when they leave. Families will keep in touch with us. They’ll send us the [child’s] first day of school pictures. It’s always so exciting to hear that they’ve transitioned and graduated from our program and are doing great.”
How to schedule a tour
“Sometimes families haven’t experienced ABA before,” Merck said. “We would encourage families to come tour our centers. ... Seeing the space and our bright, fun colors ... really gives families a lot of comfort.”
Through compassionate guidance and evidence-based therapy, Merck and her team are helping families discover not only progress, but hope.
Schedule a tour today by emailing [email protected] or filling out this contact form, and the team will respond shortly.
Hives (locations):
- Plano Hive: 6105 Windcom Court, Ste. 400, Plano
- Frisco Hive: 8501 Wade Blvd., Bldg. 12, Frisco
- Prosper Hive: 2250 E. Prosper Trail, Bldg. B., Prosper
