​First-Rate Curriculum

​Pono Academy is a non profit, private educational organization based on applied behavior analysis and verbal behavior. Our founder and mentor DeAnne Salzer is a behavior analyst and speech language pathologist and utilizes combined expertise to optimize learning and teaching for her staff and students.

​Commitment to Excellence

​Evidenced based practice is the foundation to learning by well trained and certified staff in an environment where we build bridges to overcome barriers and skills for socially significant outcomes. 

​The Science Driving the Success of Our Keiki 

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is best known for its success in treating individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities (e.g., Down syndrome, intellectual disabilities). Treatment in this area is effective across an individual’s lifespan (i.e., childhood, adolescence, adulthood). In young children with developmental disabilities such as ASD, the goal of intensive, comprehensive intervention is to improve cognitive, language, social, and self-help skills. Decades of research have shown that intensive ABA treatment is the most successful approach for children with autism, and it is widely recognized by a number of sources including the U.S. Surgeon General, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the National Institute of Mental Health. When applied to older individuals, ABA involves teaching behaviors essential to functioning effectively in the home, school, and community. ABA can also decrease severe problem behaviors that endanger health and safety, and limit educational, residential, or vocational options. ~From the Behavior Analyst Certification Board Website: 
​ https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/Behavioral-Treatment-of-Autism-and-Other-Developmental-Disabilities-Fact-Sheet_190520.pdf