The behavioral based intervention is a 30-hour program using primarily Behavior Modification as a technique to teach children with ASD and their families. Behavior Modification is based on Operant Conditioning Theory that states a behavior will increase if it is rewarded and decrease or extinguish if it is not rewarded. Skills that are deficient are taught and behaviors that are excessive are reduced using behavioral methods.

Initially, each skill being taught is broken down into its most simple components in order for the child to learn, and the child is consistently rewarded for exhibiting the desired behavior. The process requires extensive repetition and the child may need to be prompted to exhibit the desired behavior. However, the prompt used to initially elicit the behavior are gradually removed so that the child's independent performance and initiation of the behavior are rewarded. This differential reinforcement increases the strength of the behavior until it is fully acquired and generalized. Once skills have been broken down and taught individually, the skills are chained together to produce behaviors that are more complex and functional.

Concurrent with the acquisition of new behaviors, the child's inappropriate behaviors do not receive rewards This eventually decreases the excessive behavior, replacing it with a more functional and desired behavior, enabling the child to better interact, communicate, and learn from his or her environment.

After the child's ability to respond to Behavior Modification is assessed, recommendations and assistance will be provided in order to help the families continue receiving this type of treatment. Linking them to the appropriate service will better meet their child's individual needs.