Who We Are
At Aventura Behavior Therapy, we are dedicated to helping children and families reach meaningful goals through compassionate, individualized ABA therapy. We provide in-home ABA services designed to support the development of communication, social, daily living, and behavioral skills in a familiar environment.
Our family-centered approach focuses on each child's unique strengths and needs, working closely with caregivers to create personalized treatment plans that promote lasting success. Proudly offering services in both English and Spanish, we strive to build trusting relationships and empower families every step of the way—because every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.
Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive—and every family deserves a partner they can trust.
At Aventura Behavior Therapy, we provide individualized, evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy designed to help children build meaningful communication, social, play, and daily living skills. Every child’s program is tailored to their unique strengths, needs, and learning style.
We also practice an assent-based approach to care, which means we prioritize each child’s comfort, engagement, and willingness to participate. Therapy is most effective when children feel safe, respected, and supported, so we continuously look for cues of assent (interest, engagement) and withdrawal (discomfort, refusal, or avoidance) and respond appropriately.
Our Services
Discrete Trial Training (DTT) – Structured Skill Building
Discrete Trial Training (DTT) is a structured teaching method used to build foundational skills step by step. Complex skills are broken into smaller, teachable parts to help promote understanding and success.
During DTT, the therapist presents a clear instruction, supports learning as needed, and provides immediate reinforcement such as praise or meaningful rewards when the child responds correctly. Progress is tracked closely using data to guide teaching decisions and measure growth.
Types of ABA
Natural Environment Teaching (NET) – Learning Through Everyday Life
Natural Environment Teaching (NET) uses real-life situations and daily routines as opportunities for learning. Skills are taught and practiced where they naturally occur—at home, in school, and in the community.
Examples include requesting help during mealtime, practicing communication during play, or following instructions during daily routines.
Pivotal Response Training (PRT) – Building Motivation & Engagement
Pivotal Response Training (PRT) focuses on key developmental “pivotal” skills such as motivation, initiation of communication, and social engagement. Strengthening these core areas helps support broader learning across many skills.
PRT is play-based and child-led, using activities and materials that naturally interest the child to increase participation and learning opportunities.
Verbal Behavior Therapy (VBT) – Functional Communication Skills
Verbal Behavior Therapy (VBT) focuses on teaching communication based on its purpose and function, not just labeling objects. Children learn how to request, comment, ask questions, and express their needs effectively.
This approach helps children develop communication skills they can use in real-life situations to connect with others and navigate their environment.
Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) – Early Learning Foundations
Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) is a comprehensive ABA approach designed for young children, often involving a higher number of therapy hours per week to support early development.
EIBI focuses on building foundational skills in communication, play, social interaction, and daily living routines during critical early developmental years.
Our Team
Grizel Barragan, M.S., BCBA, LBA
Founder & Clinical Director
Hello, I’m a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) dedicated to helping children and families achieve meaningful, lasting progress.
I have more than seven years of experience supporting children and families and over five years of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). My professional journey began working with youth in both secure and non-secure juvenile programs, where I developed a strong foundation in behavior support, communication, and family-centered care.
Since entering the ABA field, I have served in a variety of roles, including Student RBT, Clinic Assistant, and Lead BCBA. Throughout my career, I have conducted initial assessments and reassessments, developed individualized treatment plans and behavior intervention plans, supervised behavior technicians, trained new staff, and partnered closely with families to support their child’s growth. I have extensive experience utilizing assessments such as the VB-MAPP, Vineland, AFLS, and ABLLS to design individualized programs that build communication, social, adaptive, and daily living skills.
As a bilingual BCBA fluent in both English and Spanish, I am committed to ensuring families feel understood, supported, and actively involved throughout the therapy process. I believe every child has unique strengths, and I am passionate about creating compassionate, individualized treatment plans that help children reach their full potential.
At Aventura Behavior Therapy, my mission is to provide high-quality, family-centered ABA services that empower children to thrive while giving families the confidence, guidance, and support they need every step of the way.