The Stepping Stones Group and C.B.E.S.T have joined together for a common mission. ‘We help bring out the best in your child.’ At C.B.E.S.T., Inc. we pride ourselves on providing the best care and treatment to children with autism and other related disorders. We accomplish this by elevating the quality of education in the classroom to meet each child’s unique needs. Established in 2002, we are certified by the California Department of Education (CDE) and are solely committed to providing Behavior Therapy. Our team is comprised of Clinical Psychologists, Case Supervisors and Behavior Specialists who assess and develop effective positive behavior intervention plans for each child. We specialize in working with students who have neurodevelopmental and/or emotional disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder, an intellectual disability, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, speech/language issues, and specific learning disorders.  We specialize in these evidence-based treatments:

• Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
• Behavior Contingency Management
• Pivotal Response Training (PRT)

What sets us apart from other treatment agencies?

1. We Partner With You: We work with parents, teachers, and the school district using a team-based approach that produces phenomenal outcomes both inside and outside the classroom.
2. Up-to-the-Minute Care: We gather real-time data on your child’s progress, assess the effectiveness of treatment, and make immediate adjustments where needed.
3. We Do What Works: Our highly qualified Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) professionals have specialized training in evidence-based treatments.

Dr. Shah Bahador is the founder and Clinical Director at the Center for Behavioral, Educational & Social Therapies (C.B.E.S.T.), Inc.

Being a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Bahador has devoted his entire career to helping children with neurodevelopmental disorders. He obtained his Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology with extensive training and experience in the assessment and treatment of childhood disorders, specializing in autism spectrum disorders. His portfolio includes an APA Accredited clinical internship at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) with an emphasis in the assessment and treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Dr. Bahador initially received training in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) while studying Psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). At the UCLA Behavioral Clinic, he received training under the expert guidance of world renowned Dr. Ivar Lovaas. Consequently, he worked several years at both the Center for Autism & Related Disorders (CARD) and Focus Psychological-Educational Services, conducting 1:1 ABA treatment, planning, consultation with school districts, as well as staff hiring, training and supervision. To further enhance his skills as an Applied Behavior Analysis practitioner, Dr. Bahador completed a post-graduate level training program in ABA through the Florida Institute of Technology.

Dr. Bahador is passionate about helping children with special needs. He feels very privileged to work with a wonderful team of like-minded therapists who are extremely devoted and committed to making a difference in children’s lives.

‘Celebrating the small steps to learning and living.’ For many of us parents and educators, raising children with special needs can be a very complex journey filled with stress and overwhelming responsibilities. We understand how difficult this can be for you and your family, and we are here to help you every step of the way. At C.B.E.S.T, Inc., we get to know your child's strengths so that we can build on their weaknesses. We use scientific-based treatment strategies to encourage learning socially appropriate behavior in order to give your child access to a successful educational environment. To understand the unique needs of every child, we have compassionate and highly trained behavior specialists who start with a thorough observation and assessment of behavior functions, and consequently, along with their supervisors, design a customized behavior treatment plan tailored to meet your child’s specific needs. We collaborate with the school team to implement the most meaningful and achievable program possible. Further, we collect data during every treatment session for periodic evaluations and progress measurement along the way. In all, this allows us to provide you and your child’s IEP team the necessary feedback to support his/her optimal development. Contact us today to get started!