Our Founder

Joanna Acosta
MA, BCBA

Joanna has been providing services to those with developmental disabilities since 2011. She began her career as a Registered Behavior Technician, and now serves as a Supervising Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She has conducted extensive research in Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT), and specializes in conducting ACT as a BCBA.

Joanna started her own company in 2022. When developing FlutterFlies, inclusivity and flexibility were the core focus. She was driven by the apparent absence of social opportunities for children with ASD. Arts and crafts, sports, music classes, and group fitness activities are often inaccessible. Educators, coaches, trainers and other leaders are often not equipped to accommodate beyond the needs of neurotypical children. Joanna sought to remedy this by combining mindfulness, community development and ABA Therapy.

Joanna’s family has a history of serving in the United States Military. She is in a position of being uniquely aware of the stress that can come with military life. Therefore she is committed to providing comprehensive care for both your child and your family.

What is ABA Therapy?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) derives tactics from basic behavior principles and applies them systematically to improve socially significant behavior. This process identifies the variables responsible for behaviors and behavior changes.

ABA therapy is the only proven treatment for autism backed by research. Evidence-based practice combines the best research, clinical expertise, and your family’s unique needs, culture, and preferences.

For ABA programs to be effective they must be analytical, adaptable, practical, systemic, applied and effective.

ABA therapy aims to reduce interfering behaviors and increase communication. these goals ultimately improve daily living and socialization skills by establishing routines.

Here are some studies on the efficacy of ABA Therapy:

Kehoe, Megan, “The Effectiveness of Applied Behavior Analysis” (2015). Education Masters. Paper 30

Healthline (2021, June 21). Is Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Right for Your Child? Retrieved May 26, 2023

5 Key Reasons Applied Behavior Analysis is so Effective. Applied Behavior Analysis Programs Guide. (2021, October 29). https://www.appliedbehavioranalysisprograms.com/lists/5-key-reasons-applied-behavior-analysis-is-so-effective/

What Makes FlutterFlies different?

The Compassionate Care Approach

FlutterFlies focuses on using positivity and creativity to produce positive behavioral change. We track and celebrate incremental goals, because we understand that even the smallest achievements can improve the life of you and your child. Compassionate care means affirming your child and supporting your family.

Compassionate Care Practices

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

an action-oriented approach that helps clients stop avoiding their emotions and accept that these feelings are appropriate responses to their situation. We help clients accept their difficulties and commit to making necessary changes.

Skill Based Treatment (SBT)

treatment that consists of progressively teaching communication, toleration, and contextually appropriate behaviors

Happy Relaxed Engaged (HRE)

when a child is happy, relaxed,
and engaged, we can show them that they are heard, seen and supported. This often means they are less likely to engage in severe behaviors which allows them to learn more challenging skills!

Synthesized Reinforcement

item, person, scent, location, and sound all working together at the same time rather than isolating one function more reliably to demonstrate analytic control over
behavior

Prosocial

applying acceptance and commitment training to social groups, families and
communities

Trauma Informed Care

recognizing that someone’s lived experience with mistreatment, neglect, prejudice, misjudgment, or social rejection, has a direct impact on their triggers and overall behavior