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Compassionate, Evidence-Based ABA Services on the Big Island

Locally owned and operated on the Big Island of Hawaii, Sharky Hearts Behavior Support Services aims to provide quality Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to those on the Autism Spectrum. Sharky Hearts came from a combination of the founder’s love for sharks and special needs, both of which are commonly misunderstood. The infinity logo represents a symbol chosen from the autism community to represent diversity and acceptance across the spectrum while the gold represent the first two letters in autism, the compound of gold.

Sharky Hearts Behavior Support Services was established in 2022 to provide quality Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children and families on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. We provide clinic, home, and school-based services, with our clinic located in Palani Court in Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi.

What is Applied Behavior Analysis?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based therapy that focuses on improving the lives of individuals with behavioral challenges. ABA focuses on behaviors that are observable and measurable and uses positive reinforcement to teach new skills, increase helpful behaviors, and decrease behaviors that may interfere with learning or everyday life.

Depending on the needs of the child, ABA may focus on areas such as communication, social skills, play skills, daily living skills, independence, safety, emotional regulation, and reducing challenging behaviors.

Individualized Treatment

At Sharky Hearts, we understand that every child is different, which is why each child receives an individualized treatment plan based on their specific needs and goals.

Treatment begins with observations and assessments completed by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). From there, a treatment plan is developed that includes individualized goals, intervention strategies, baseline data, and parent or caregiver training. Treatment plans are updated as children make progress and their needs change.

Sessions are typically provided one-on-one by a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and overseen by a designated BCBA. Data is collected during sessions using a program called Rethink Behavioral Health and closely monitored so that we can track progress and make changes to programming when needed.

Several members of our team are also trained in Practical Functional Assessment (PFA) and Skill-Based Treatment (SBT). This approach can be used with children who engage in challenging behavior and focuses on teaching important skills such as communication, tolerating delays and denials, flexibility, and coping with everyday situations.

Clinic, Home & School Services

Our Kailua-Kona clinic at Palani Court gives children the opportunity to work on their individual goals in a structured environment while also providing opportunities to practice social and play skills with peers.

We also provide in-home services, allowing children to work on skills within their everyday routines and natural environment, as well as school-based services when appropriate and authorized.

At Sharky Hearts, our goal is simple: to provide quality, individualized ABA services while helping children gain skills that improve their independence and overall quality of life.

Check out some photos of the clinic!

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