Understanding Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) focuses on building meaningful skills through individualized, evidence-based strategies. At LCBWA, we center our approach around your child’s strengths while promoting communication, independence, and positive behavior.

In this section, you’ll find information on what ABA is, how sessions work, what role you play as a caregiver, and what to expect as your child begins services with us.

Supporting Your Child at Home

Your involvement makes a powerful difference in your child’s progress. We’ve gathered simple, family-friendly strategies you can use to support learning and routines at home.

Whether you’re helping with communication, establishing structure, encouraging independence, or navigating challenging moments, these tips are designed to fit naturally into your daily life.
Explore our guidance and discover small steps that create big impact.

Getting Started With Services

Starting services can bring plenty of questions — and we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible. Here’s what families can typically expect:

​1. Intake & Paperwork
You’ll provide basic information about your child and share your primary concerns and goals.

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2. Assessment
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) conducts a formal evaluation to understand your child’s unique needs and strengths.

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3. Plan Development
Your BCBA creates an individualized treatment plan focused on meaningful, skill-building goals.

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4. Service Start Date
A Behavior Technician begins working with your child at home, school, or in the community, depending on your service model.

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If you're unsure where to begin, our team will walk you through each step with clarity and support.

Family Tools & Resource Library

We’ve created a collection of helpful downloads and guides to support your family outside of therapy. These resources are designed to make everyday routines easier and to help reinforce skills taught during sessions.

Examples include:

• Behavior tracking sheets

• Daily routine templates

• Visual schedules

• Intake preparation checklists

• Communication supports

Explore the full library on our Helpful Guides & Downloads page.

Community Connections

Families often benefit from a strong circle of support. Visit our Community Resources page to discover local organizations, advocacy groups, therapy providers, educational supports, and programs that may benefit your child and family.
We regularly update these resources to keep you connected with meaningful, trusted community partners.

Need Immediate Help?

If you or your child needs immediate support, you’re not alone. Our Crisis & Safety Resources page provides access to emergency contacts, crisis hotlines, safety planning tools, and local crisis-response services.
These supports are available to ensure your family has help right when you need it most.

Have Questions?

We’re Here for You
Every family’s journey is unique, and we’re always here to help you find the information and support you need. If you have questions about services, the intake process, or how to best support your child, please reach out.

Visit our FAQ or Contact Us page to get connected with our team.

Early identification makes a powerful difference in your child’s development. The M-CHAT-R/F is a widely used, research-supported screening tool designed to help parents recognize potential signs of autism in toddlers between 16–30 months of age. This screening is quick, parent-friendly, and provides clear next steps based on your responses.

How to Complete the Screening

• The questionnaire takes 5 minutes or less.

• Answer each question based on your child’s typical behavior.

• When you're done, you’ll receive instant feedback about whether follow-up steps may be helpful.

• If you’d like support interpreting your results, our team is here to help.

What This Tool Does

• The M-CHAT-R/F:
  ✔ Screens for early signs related to social communication and behavior
  ✔ Helps determine whether a further evaluation may be beneficial
  ✔ Offers guided follow-up questions for more accurate results

Important Note

The M-CHAT-R/F is not a diagnosis.
It is a screening tool intended to help families understand whether further assessment may be helpful. If concerns arise, we can help guide you toward next steps, including formal evaluations and available services.

Take the M-CHAT-R/F Developmental Screening

M-CHAT-R/F © Robins, Fein, & Barton.
Used with permission. Official tool: https://www.m-chat.org

Your responses are confidential and used only for screening purposes. Results are not shared unless you choose to send them to our team.

Easily access parent-friendly tools, checklists, and educational materials designed to support your child’s growth at home, school, and in the community. These resources are simple, practical, and created to help families feel confident and prepared.

Begin Your Journey With Confidence

These guides help families understand what to expect when beginning services, preparing for intake, and navigating early steps in the process.

• Intake Preparation Checklist

• New Parent Welcome Guide

• What to Expect During ABA Services

• Questions to Ask Your Care Team

Practical Tools for Daily Routines

Routine and consistency support learning and independence. These downloads help families strengthen skills at home and make everyday life more manageable.

• Daily Routine Template

• Visual Schedule Cards

• Behavior Tracking Sheet

• Reward Chart

  
  

Partnering With Your Child’s School

Navigating the school system can be easier with the right tools. These guides help parents communicate effectively with teachers, understand supports, and stay involved.

• IEP Quick Checklist

• Understanding Special Education Services in SC

• Tips for Supporting School Transitions

Support Growth Through Evidence-Based Strategies

These guides offer simple, actionable strategies to help parents encourage positive behaviors, build communication, and teach important daily living skills.

• Introduction to ABA Strategies (Parent-Friendly Guide)

• Positive Reinforcement Basics

• Managing Transitions at Home

• Teaching Independent Living Skills

Connecting Families With Additional Support

These materials help families find local programs, community events, funding assistance, and helpful statewide services.

• State & County Programs Overview

• Social & Recreation Opportunities Guide

Need Something Specific?

If there’s a guide, checklist, or resource you’d like us to create, please let us know. We continually add new materials to support the needs of our families.

South Carolina offers a strong and growing network of organizations dedicated to helping families access information, guidance, and developmental resources. These community partners provide education, advocacy, parent training, support groups, and tools that make navigating services easier.

These organizations may include statewide disability advocacy groups, family resource centers, and community organizations committed to empowering families. Whether you’re looking for general support or specialized guidance, these groups are an excellent place to start.

Autism Society of South Carolina (SCAS)
https://scautism.org
Statewide nonprofit offering support, education, family services, and advocacy.

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Able South Carolina (Able SC)
https://www.able-sc.org
Disability-led advocacy organization providing peer support, independent living skills, and community resources.

Navigating the South Carolina School System

Understanding how to navigate the school system is an essential part of supporting your child. South Carolina provides a variety of educational resources to help families engage with schools, access special education services, and prepare for transitions.

Families can explore programs such as BabyNet (early intervention for children aged 0–3), district-level special education departments, state guidance from the South Carolina Department of Education, and transition services for older students. These resources help families advocate effectively, understand their rights, and collaborate with school teams to support student success.

BabyNet (Early Intervention, Ages 0–3)
https://www.scdhhs.gov/resources/programs-and-initiatives/babynet/families
South Carolina’s early intervention program offers free screenings, evaluations, and services for infants and toddlers.

Easterseals South Carolina
https://southcarolina.easterseals.com
Provides early intervention services, therapy supports, and developmental programs for children across the state.

IEP Support Resource

Dr. Morelisa Sabb-Cordes is an experienced educator and IEP Coach with over 20 years in the field of education. She supports parents in preparing for IEP meetings by helping them understand the process, clarify their child’s needs, and advocate with confidence.

​Through coaching and guidance, Dr. Sabb-Cordes empowers families to move from uncertainty to informed participation, ensuring they feel prepared, confident, and supported when navigating special education services.

Learn more: https://drmorelisasabbcordes.my.canva.site/

Additional South Carolina Providers Supporting Developmental Needs

Many families choose to enhance ABA therapy with other supportive services. Across South Carolina, you’ll find a variety of therapy and medical providers offering additional care options.

These may include speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, developmental pediatricians, autism diagnostic clinics, feeding specialists, and mental health providers. Each plays a valuable role in supporting communication, motor skills, behavior, emotional regulation, and overall development.
This section connects families with providers who complement and strengthen their child’s care plan.

Project Hope Foundation
https://www.projecthopesc.org
Provides ABA therapy, education programs, life skills training, and supportive services for individuals with autism.

Lowcountry Autism Foundation (LAF)
https://www.lafinc.org
Offers therapy support, early intervention, family support programs, and social skills activities for children and families.

South Carolina Programs & Funding Supports

South Carolina offers several statewide and county-level programs designed to support families seeking developmental services, financial assistance, or long-term care.

Families may qualify for resources such as Medicaid and managed care plans, the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN), Vocational Rehabilitation, and local DDSN board services. These programs help with funding, service coordination, respite care, employment support, and more.

Understanding these programs can open doors to additional help and long-term support options that benefit the entire family.

SC Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN)
https://ddsn.sc.gov/ddsn-divisions/autism
Offers eligibility evaluations, autism services, long-term supports, case management, and funding resources.

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South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department (SCVRD)
https://scvrd.net
Provides employment training, transition services, and job readiness programs for individuals with disabilities.

South Carolina Programs & Funding Supports

South Carolina offers several statewide and county-level programs designed to support families seeking developmental services, financial assistance, or long-term care.

Families may qualify for resources such as Medicaid and managed care plans, the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN), Vocational Rehabilitation, and local DDSN board services. These programs help with funding, service coordination, respite care, employment support, and more.

Understanding these programs can open doors to additional help and long-term support options that benefit the entire family.

SC Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN)
https://ddsn.sc.gov/ddsn-divisions/autism
Offers eligibility evaluations, autism services, long-term supports, case management, and funding resources.

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South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department (SCVRD)
https://scvrd.net
Provides employment training, transition services, and job readiness programs for individuals with disabilities.

Driving with Autism:

A Guide for Teens and Families

Learning to drive is a major milestone, but for individuals with autism, it can come with unique challenges and strengths. This comprehensive guide offers practical tips, safety considerations, communication strategies, and helpful insights to support autistic teens and young adults as they prepare for and navigate the driving experience.

Topics include:

• Sensory considerations while driving

• Building confidence behind the wheel

• Communication and social situations on the road

• Safety strategies and planning

• Support for parents and caregivers

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Resource Link:
Guide to Driving with Autism

Disclaimer:
This resource is provided for educational purposes only. Low Country Behavior & Wellness Agents does not endorse or guarantee the content of external websites. Families should consult with qualified professionals regarding individual needs and circumstances.