Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, the most effective treatment for autism, has been in high demand in recent years. If you’re interested in becoming an ABA therapist, here’s everything you need to know about the benefits and challenges of this job and the key qualities that make a great therapist.
Benefits of Being an ABA Therapist
ABA therapists work one-on-one with children with autism and other developmental disabilities using the principles of applied behavior analysis. ABA therapy is successfully used for teaching independent daily living skills, improving communication, and decreasing unwanted behaviors through reinforcement. This is an individualized treatment, tailored to address the particular needs of each child.
Being an ABA therapist is a rewarding career that holds numerous benefits, for example:
Working as an ABA therapist allows you to make a difference in the lives of children with autism and other special needs. This career will provide you with a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment because you’ll be able to affect someone’s life in a positive way.
ABA therapists work with children across the autism spectrum, their families, teachers, and other professionals. If you enjoy working with people and helping others achieve their full potential, then becoming an ABA therapist might be the right career choice for you.
Each day working as an ABA therapist brings new challenges and rewards. You will encounter a wide range of behaviors in different settings and use a variety of creative techniques that keep the job dynamic and interesting.
As an ABA therapist, you will be supervised by a board certified behavior analyst (BCBAs) who will provide plenty of support and advice in challenging situations.
Working as an ABA therapist is a fulfilling profession, but like all other careers, it has its disadvantages. Let’s see what they are.
Challenges of Being an ABA Therapist
ABA therapy involves difficult situations that require lots of consistency and patience. Below, we list the main challenges of being an ABA therapist that you should consider before choosing this career.
Being an ABA therapist is a very demanding job that requires a lot of effort and perseverance. You will be expected to manage challenging behaviors of children who also suffer from sensory issues and have difficulties communicating and responding appropriately to others. Besides, you will need to make quick decisions, for example, react in a situation when a child displays aggressive or destructive behaviors.
ABA therapists must have an excellent understanding of different approaches and techniques in order to facilitate the learning and improvement of children with autism spectrum disorder. At the same time, they have to treat each child in accordance with the individual Behavior Support Plan (BSP).
The job of an ABA therapist is often emotionally exhausting, which might increase the risk of stress, depression, and burnout. It’s essential to be able to set boundaries and separate the work as a therapist from personal life.
We’ve seen some of the advantages and disadvantages of being an ABA therapist, but what are the essential qualities that define a successful therapist? Read on to find out what personality traits you should have to effectively help others.
Traits of a Great ABA Therapist
The basic requirements for becoming an ABA therapist are the right qualifications and professional knowledge, but these qualities alone won’t make you a great therapist. If you want to excel in your career, you also need to have the following traits:
Enjoy working with children
As an ABA therapist, you will be mostly working with children with autism spectrum disorder. It is essential that you enjoy spending time with children and are invested in their progress.
Be passionate about your work
To become a successful ABA therapist, you must have the curiosity to learn new strategies and principles of applied behavior analysis and implement them in your work.
Have empathy and compassion
A great ABA therapist must take the time to understand the feelings and behaviors of an autistic child. You have to empathize with your patients in order to make them feel understood and provide them with adequate help.
Have patience
As an ABA therapist, you will regularly work with children with moderate or severe behavioral issues who progress very slowly. You will need to have lots of patience to be able to do your job successfully and help them improve.
Remain calm in challenging situations
When working as an ABA therapist, you have to remain calm in tough and emotional situations, for example when a child displays aggressive or destructive behaviors.
Have problem-solving skills
As an ABA therapist, you will spend a great amount of time observing your patients. Based on these observations, you will have to be able to identify problems and offer appropriate solutions.
Be flexible
Because ABA therapy has to be adapted to the needs of each child, an ABA therapist must be flexible. This means that you have to accept that methods that work well with one child may be ineffective for others, and use each child’s behaviors and challenges to determine the best possible treatment.
Have excellent communication skills
ABA therapists have to communicate with many different individuals, from children and their families to teachers and other therapists. You should be able to explain things in a way that others can understand and present various therapeutic solutions in easy, non-scientific terms.
Be a good listener
As an ABA therapist, you should have a great capacity for listening to others’ needs and points of view and be able to take these into account during treatment sessions.
Remain professional
Having integrity is an essential trait of a great ABA therapist. You have to maintain confidentiality and establish a relationship of trust and respect with your patients and their families.
Work well with others
ABA therapists work with many other people, including parents, teachers, counselors, and behavior analysts. To be a good therapist, you need to be able to get along with others and accept their constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement.
Conclusion
Although sometimes it may be challenging to be an ABA therapist, the end result is very rewarding. If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York, New Jersey or Indiana, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.
ABA therapy, also known as applied behavioral analysis therapy is a popular form of therapy commonly used with children with behavioral issues. ABA therapy is a fairly common form of therapy, and it has many applications in day-to-day life. If you are interested in learning more about ABA therapy jobs and what a career in ABA therapy looks like, please read on!
What is ABA Therapy?
ABA therapy is a type of behavioral therapy that uses observations of a patient’s day-to-day behaviors to create a scientific treatment plan. ABA therapists spend lots of time one-on-one with their patients to deeply understand and learn all about their learning and behavioral processes.
ABA therapy is also a way to help ingrain new behaviors in a patient. The majority of patients in ABA therapy are children because it is easier to change the behaviors of younger people.
Because this kind of therapy is based on observations and practical applications of psychology, it is deeply rooted in science and the science of learning and behavior. ABA therapists are experts in knowing how people learn and behave in certain situations and how to change those behaviors.
Why People Become ABA Therapists
Many people become ABA therapists because of the opportunity it provides to work one-on-one with patients to help them achieve a more positive life. It is also a very hands-on job and allows therapists to use lots of different skill sets.
ABA therapy combines various aspects from different fields of the social sciences. The most prominent social sciences involved in ABA therapy are psychology, education, counseling, and social work. ABA therapy allows therapists to work in a variety of different fields all at once.
This form of therapy is great for people who are passionate about helping others and interested in studying human behavior in its rawest form. People often become ABA therapists because it allows them to interact with other people and helps them discover new patterns of behavior and new methods of learning so that they can create a better life for themself.
What Training Do You Need to be an ABA Therapist?
With all types of therapy, to become a therapist, there are certain things that you need to accomplish and achieve before you can open a practice. The following training and certifications are needed.
The first certification that you need is a Registered Behavior Technician certification. This includes the following criteria:
No college degree requirement
The certificate holder must have a high school diploma
Must be at least 18 years of age
Must complete 40 hours of ABA training
Must take and pass the RBT exam
This type of certification is for paraprofessionals, and this requires that the holder of the certificate review their certification every year. The certificate holder must also follow very specific ethical codes and work under the supervision of a professional in the therapeutic field.
Another certification in the ABA therapy world is the board-certified assistant behavior analyst, which has the following criteria.
A bachelor-level college degree in education
Certification level for an ABA therapist
Must have a bachelor’s degree
Must take ABA coursework
Must undergo a supervised experience
Must pass the certification exam to receive certification
In addition to the requirements above, the certification holder must complete 20 CEUs every two years. The certificate holder also must maintain supervision and follow highly specific ethical and moral codes.
The requirements to become a board-certified analyst doctoral certified therapists are as follows. You must have completed the requirements for the BCBA listed above, be actively certified as a BCBA, and have a doctoral degree.
You do not get any additional privileges as a BCBA-D over a BCBA, but you will get a separate distinction from the group of BCBA because you have a doctoral degree.
Training for ABA Certification
If you believe that becoming an ABA therapist may be a career path you would like to follow, you are probably interested in knowing what training to become ABA certified entails. Here, we will discuss what students looking to become trained in ABA therapy will learn.
Students will learn how to write and create behavior support plans based on a patient’s behaviors. This will include being able to view a patient objectively and subjectively and design a treatment plan for them and their life. These behavior plans are incredibly unique and designed for each patient an ABA therapist sees. No two plans are alike because no two patients are alike.
Students will learn how to implement these behavior plans in a patient’s day-to-day life. This part often means communicating with teachers, parents, family, and other figures in the patient’s life. The behavior plans must be conducive to the patient’s lifestyle and must not be overwhelming, otherwise, the patient may not flourish.
Implementing behavior plans also means working closely with those who are in the patient’s life. This means making sure parents and family are on board with the behavior plan and are willing to work with you.
Students learn how to analyze data as well. This data can come in many forms and from many situations. Most of the data will come from analyzing a patient while they are in therapy, but you must also be able to communicate effectively with parents and other family members about their patient’s behavior at home, at school, and in public.
Lastly, and most importantly, students will learn how to conduct functional behavioral assessments and therapy sessions. This means students will learn how to meet with a patient for the first time and begin to observe how the patient behaves and learns. This also includes learning about observation and picking up on small details of a patient’s behavior.
Is ABA a Growing Field?
As with most therapeutic fields, the field of ABA therapy is expected to grow over the next two years. There is a continued need for behavioral analysis and therapy in the world, and there will likely be plenty of jobs within the ABA therapy industry.
Jobs for Trained ABA Professionals
Behavior analysts
ABA consultants
Clinical directors in schools
If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York or New Jersey, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.
Autism clothing is becoming more and more popular as people become more aware of autism. There are many different autism clothing companies that cater to a wide range of needs.
Some autism clothing companies focus on making sure that all the clothes are sensory friendly, while others make fun and trendy clothing for children and adults alike. No matter what your needs are, there is sure to be a clothing company that can help!
Autism Clothing Challenges
Children with autism may also have sensory processing disorder. This means that they may be sensitive to certain textures, colors, or patterns. This can make it difficult to find autism clothing that is both comfortable and stylish. For autistic children, clothing may feel scratchy, or stiff.
Tags and seams can also be a challenge for those with autism as they can be irritating to the skin. It is important to find autism clothing that is soft, and free of any tags or seams that might cause discomfort.
Some autism clothing companies use special fabrics that are designed to be gentle on the skin, and are also free of any harmful chemicals. These types of clothing can be a bit more expensive, but they are worth the investment.
Another concern when it comes to autism clothing is finding clothes that are easy to get on and off. Many people with autism have difficulty with fine motor skills, so buttons and zippers can be a challenge. Look for autism clothing that has Velcro closures, or is slip-on.
In addition, many children with autism have a hard time keeping still, which can make clothes that need to be pulled up or down challenging.
Common Articles of Clothes that Cause Stress for Autistic Children
Tags
Seams- especially sock seams
Elastics
Tough materials
What You Can Do to Help Your Autistic Child Feel Comfortable?
If your autistic child is having trouble finding clothing that they like, there are a few things you can do to help.
Talk to your child’s occupational therapist or doctor about what kind of clothing would be best for your child.
Try to identify the problem. Is it the waist band? The tags?
Adjust the problem if possible
Find practical solutions. If your child has an issue of undressing in public, find ways to prevent them from doing so. Have closures be in the back so they can’t reach it.
Buy soft clothes that your child feels comfortable in
Avoid items like denim and waistbands that may irritate your child
Try tag-free and elastic-free options
Try pressure clothing. This has built in compressions that many autistic children find comforting.
Have your child involved in the process of getting dressed. Give them options and let them decide what they want to wear
When you find a product your child likes, buy multiples of it.
This company has a wide range of autism clothing that is both stylish and comfortable. They use natural fibers like cotton, and their clothes are free of any harmful chemicals.
Their OEKO-TEX certified cloth is designed to be gentle on the skin, and they have a no-pinch waistband that is perfect for autistic children.
They offer great prices and you can find sales too.
This company makes seamless autism clothing that is perfect for those with sensory processing disorder. Their clothes are soft, and free of any tags or seams. They even have socks without seams.
They also offer Pressure Wear which has built in compressions. This can be very helpful for children who find it helpful to wear compressions on their body.
While not exclusively for autistic children, Hanes does offer autism clothing that is both affordable and comfortable. Their tag-less t-shirts are a great option for those with autism, as they are soft and free of any irritating tags.
They also have no-pinch waistbands on their pants, which can be very helpful for autistic children who have Sensory Processing Disorder and do not like elastics.
Conclusion
Just because your child has autism, doesn’t mean they can’t find clothes that they feel comfortable in.
With a little bit of research, you can find autism clothing that is soft, free of tags and seams, and easy to get on and off. You may even find brands that offer special features like built-in compressions or no-pinch waistbands. The most important thing is to involve your child in the process, and find clothes that they feel good in.
If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York or New Jersey, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.
Children with autism often struggle in their personal, social, and educational environments. As a parent, it may not always be easy to know how to help and support them so as to promote the best possible behaviors and discourage the negative ones. ABA services at home can be an effective way to address these challenges in a familiar and comfortable way.
In this guide, we will look at how to design a Behavior Support Plan, what applied behavioral therapy is, and what kind of professional help you should seek for your child.
What is a Behavior Support Plan
A Behavior Support Plan is a personalized plan designed to help, support, and promote healthy and positive behaviors in a person’s life who may be struggling with challenging behavior. The design of the plan is done to center the participant’s needs and health.
why would a child be given a BSP?
A child may be given a BSP when they are displaying challenging behaviors that are interfering with their ability to learn, communicate, or participate in daily activities. These behaviors may include aggression, self-injury, tantrums, noncompliance, and other disruptive behaviors. The BSP outlines specific strategies and interventions that can be used to help the child manage their behavior more effectively.
The goal of a BSP is to provide the child with the support and skills they need to be successful in their environment. The plan may include a range of interventions such as teaching alternative behaviors, modifying the environment, providing visual supports, and using positive reinforcement.
Overall, a BSP is a critical component of a comprehensive behavior support plan for children with challenging behaviors, as it provides a roadmap for parents, teachers, and other professionals to help the child manage their behavior and achieve success in their daily lives.
Steps of a Behavior Support Plan
A Behavior Support Plan (BSP) is designed to help provide extra, personalized support for a child or student. These plans take into account the child’s difficulties, their homes and learning environments, and other needs the child may have. Let’s consider different aspects of creating the best possible BSP for your autistic child.
Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)
According to the PACER Center for children with disabilities, a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) is “a process for identifying problem behaviors and developing interventions to improve or eliminate those behaviors.” The process takes into account the particular difficulties a child with autism may have in terms of learning, communication, and completing day-to-day tasks.
There are different instances in which an FBA is required for a child such as:
“[A] child “is removed from school for more than 10 consecutive days for behavior that is a manifestation of the student’s disability.”
“[A] child is removed for more than 10 school days for conduct that is not a manifestation of the disability but the IEP team determines that an FBA is necessary.
“[A] child is placed in an interim alternative educational setting for not more than 45 school days for behavior involving a dangerous weapon, illegal drugs or infliction of serious bodily injury.”
Building a Behavior Support Team
According to the Wyoming Department of Health, it is crucial for the behavior support team to be made up “of individuals who play an active role in the participant’s life” and who can work together to improve behaviors. This may include:
Teachers
Parents
Friends
Case Manager
Psychologist
Medical Staff
Program Supervisor
It is important that the people involved in the support team have had significant interaction with the participant so they can best identify the specific struggles they have. This is also why having a diversity of people involved in the team can be useful: teachers may have a better idea of the social struggles the participant may face, while parents may have a better idea of their struggles with daily tasks.
It is also crucial for the people involved in the team to be able to communicate in a respectful and open manner, and keep the participant’s wellbeing as the goal of the group. Remember, the goal of the group “is to create a team that represents all of the key individuals that will interact with the participant both in and outside of your program.” The team has a responsibility to create a supportive space and network for the individual.
Person Centered Planning (PCP)
According to PACER, Person Centered Planning (PCP) refers to “groups of people focus on an individual and that person’s vision of what they would like to do in the future.” The idea with PCP is to create a space where the behavioral support team can come together to help develop a plan to help the person gain autonomy over their life in a safe and productive way.
One advantage of Person Centered Planning is that it is creative and adapts to the person involved in the plan. If the participant is feeling unsure about someone in their team, a specific step which is being implemented, or about the direction the plan is taking, Person Centered Planning allows for them to be vocal about these issues and for the plan and the team to adapt accordingly.
What Should Person Centered Planning for Children Look Like?
Ideally Person Centered Planning design should focus on the following:
Keeping the child at the center of decisions and planning
Celebrating the child’s successes and accomplishments
Help the child learn to best express their desires and needs
Show the child that they are respected and deserve to be
Help the behavioral support team listen to the child
How is Person Centered Planning Different From Other Kinds of Planning
What Person Centered Planning provides in particular against other forms of conventional planning is that it considers the person as a multifaceted individual with different environments, social conditions, and personality traits. It considers what the particular individual needs given their conditions rather than merely applying generic, pre-designed plans on the person.
Steps for an Person Centered Plan
There are certain steps which should be taken into account when implementing Person Centered Planning. These steps include:
assessing a child’s current skills and difficulties
setting goals and objectives – for example, learning how to say ‘hello’
designing and implementing a program that teaches the ‘target’ skill
measuring the ‘target’ skill to see whether the program is working
evaluating the program itself and making changes as needed.
These are steps which can provide effective and adaptive changes to your child’s behavior. As with all therapy, Applied Behavioral Analysis is a process, and requires time to take effect.
What is included in a Behavior Support Plan?
The specific components of a BSP can vary depending on the child’s individual needs and the results of the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA). However, a typical BSP may include the following elements:
Summary of the challenging behavior: A description of the behavior(s) of concern, including frequency, duration, and intensity.
Antecedent strategies: Strategies for preventing or reducing the occurrence of the behavior(s) of concern by modifying the environment, routines, or interactions with others.
Replacement behaviors: A description of the replacement behaviors that the child can use instead of engaging in the behavior(s) of concern. These behaviors should be functional, socially appropriate, and meet the child’s needs.
Consequence strategies: Strategies for responding to the behavior(s) of concern, including positive reinforcement for appropriate behavior and consequences for inappropriate behavior.
Crisis management plan: A plan for managing crisis situations that may arise when the behavior(s) of concern occur.
Data collection and monitoring: A plan for collecting data on the behavior(s) of concern and monitoring the effectiveness of the BSP over time.
Training and support: A plan for training parents, teachers, and other professionals on the implementation of the BSP and providing ongoing support to ensure its effectiveness.
Monitoring Behavior Support Plans
The proper monitoring of the behavioral support plan is just as crucial as the implantation of a Behavior Support Plan. This ensures that it is providing the most effective support possible.
To do so, it is important to monitor both the achievements and the problems which may emerge throughout the course of the plan implementation. Monitoring achievements means observing what behaviors the child is best performing and what kinds of situations they best respond to. In that way, the child can be rewarded and appreciated for their work, and encourage them to continue the positive behavior.
It is important for the participant to feel that they are making progress themselves, and that the hard work they are putting into changing their behaviors is acknowledged by the people surrounding them.
Monitoring problems means considering what kind of difficulties arise in the child’s behavior whether those be social, educational, or in their day-to-day life. This is where communication between the team members is crucial so they can touch base about the different issues the child may be having and change or adapt the plan accordingly.
Tips for Behavior Support Plans
There are certain things which are important to keep in mind when creating a Behavior Support Plan. In this section, we will be going over some tips and advice for anyone looking to create a Behavior Support Plan.
Keep Behavior Support Plans Simple
Keeping Behavior Support Plans simple is important so that the goals are clear and transparent. Overcomplicating the plan’s design can sometimes make it more difficult to know exactly what to do or at which part of the process the participant is.
Adjust the Plan When Necessary
While sticking to the plan is in most cases the right way to go, it is crucial to allow for flexibility and the possibility to change and adapt to obstacles and events that may come up. This includes staying attentive to changes in the participant’s desires or needs which may change over time. This may include changing the time frame of the plan if the participant is pacing faster or slower than expected.
Stay Focused on Specific Behaviors
Behavioral therapy is designed on focusing on specific behaviors and behavioral cycles in the participant, and changing those which are negative or causing challenges in their lives. If new negative behaviors develop, it is important to adapt the plan to have those behaviors accounted for.
Keep the Environment Supportive
Therapy is not always easy for either the participant or their support team. Keeping an open communication both about how the plan is going, as well as for the participant to communicate about their feelings regarding the evolution of the plan. This also means regularly checking in with the participant to make sure they feel safe, respected, and supported.
What is Golden Care Therapy?
Golden Care Therapy is a New Jersey-based ABA therapy provider that helps children with autism through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. This center designs personalized treatment for the child as well as Parent Training to help parents support their autistic child.
If you are a New York, New Jersey or Indiana resident looking for high-quality and professional therapeutic support for your autistic child, we recommend Golden Care Therapy.
What Golden Care Therapy Does to Help
Golden Care Therapy uses ABA therapy to best help the child involved and their parents reach their goals in a sustainable way. Its personalized design helps account for all of the different aspects of the child’s life which may require adaptation to ensure success. The focuses of Golden Care Therapy’s program include:
Golden Care Therapy also offers Social Skills Groups designed to help children with autism practice social skills in a safe and supervised environment. This is a great way for your child to put into practice the skills they acquire during one-on-one therapy in a fun way.
How Does the Golden Care Therapy Process Work?
If you are a parent looking for quality therapy for your child with autism, Golden Care Therapy has made the process especially easy to access the help you need. The Golden Care Therapy website has outlined the simple steps you will take once you decide to seek professional help.
Inquiry
The first step of the process is to either call Golden Care Therapy or fill out one of the online forms which can be found here.
Assessment
The second step is to send in insurance information and the formal diagnosis of the child. Once received, the clinical director will meet with your child and yourself for evaluation and to establish the specific therapeutic needs.
Approval
Once the assessment has been done, a report will be written out by one of the members of the Golden Care Therapy team which will then be submitted to your insurance. After receiving the insurance’s approval, the child will be able to begin the therapy.
The final steps will be setting up a schedule to best fit you and your child’s personal agendas.
If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York, New Jersey or Indiana, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.
Given the vast disinformation spread and lack of knowledge surrounding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), many adults and children are unaware of how the effects of the neurodevelopmental disorder may affect their peers. Educating children without autism on the disorder and the benefits of ABA therapy at home is a great way to help them understand the challenges their autistic peers face and hopefully, decrease bullying.
Why is it important to explain autism to children?
It’s important to explain autism to children for several reasons. Here are a few:
Promotes understanding and acceptance: When children are taught about autism, they are more likely to understand and accept their peers who have autism. This can help to promote positive relationships and reduce social isolation for children with autism.
Reduces stigma and misconceptions: Educating children about autism can help to reduce stigma and misconceptions about the condition. This can help to create a more inclusive and accepting society.
Helps children with autism understand themselves: When children with autism are taught about their condition, they may better understand why they think, feel, and act differently than their peers. This can help to promote self-awareness and self-acceptance.
Facilitates communication and support: When children understand autism, they may be better able to communicate with and support their peers with autism. This can help to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for all children.
Explaining autism to children is an important step in promoting understanding, acceptance, and inclusion for all children. By teaching children about autism, we can help to create a more compassionate and supportive society for everyone.
How to explain autism to a chld
Explain What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (AS) which is commonly referred to as ‘autism’ is considered a developmental disability. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the developmental disability is defined as potentially causing “significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.”
Explain that autism is a disability that affects many children. These children are just like other children but they have difficulty fitting in with their peers socially, behaviorally and academically.
What Causes Autism?
Explain that autism is not something the child chose and doctor’s aren’t 100% sure what the causes are. Autism is not an illness, and should not be treated as such.
Certain factors have been identified as likely having an effect on the presence of autism, “including environmental, biologic and genetic factors.” Some factors which make children more likely to have autism include:
Having a specific type of gene
Having a sibling with autism
“Individuals with certain genetic or chromosomal conditions, such as fragile X syndrome or tuberous sclerosis”
There is no evidence to back up the dangerous and unscientific claim that vaccines cause autism. Several studies have shown that there is no link between vaccines and autism. The CDC has an informative page detailing the lack of scientific basis for such a claim.
Share Information Specific to Your Child
Autism is a spectrum disability. Explain that everyone with autism is different. In some children it might not be noticeable at all, while with other children they are completely nonverbal. You can help children understand where your child stands on the autism spectrum scale and what can be expected.
Autism should not be spoken about as something which is bad and to be feared. In fact, there are many resources available online to help with communicating about autism. If you are unsure about the kind of information you should share with your child, you can contact an educational professional or a therapist specialized in autism for help.
Read Books About Autism and Autistic Characters
As with all subjects, books are a great and effective way to help children understand difficult concepts. There are many books written and designed to help make ASD a more comprehensible notion which will help children, both with and without autism, understand the condition and what it entails.
Books can also make the conversation more interactive and less stressful for the child reading. They can be a helpful bonding activity, as well.
Different Like Me and My Brother Charlie are great books to read to children to help them understand autism.
Explaining Autistic Meltdowns to Children without Autism
Meltdowns of autistic children can be some of the most difficult behaviors for children without autism to understand. According to the National Autistic Society, a meltdown is “an intense response to an overwhelming situation [which] happens when someone becomes completely overwhelmed by their current situation and temporarily loses control of their behavior.”
This can lead to the expression of a variety of behaviors, such as verbal ones including shouting, screaming, or crying, and physical ones, such as kicking, hitting, and biting. It may also be the other way around: for some people with autism, a meltdown may result in “[refusing] to interact, withdrawing from situations they find challenging or avoiding them altogether.”
By explaining that children with autism have difficulty with communicating their feelings can help other children have more empathy when their autistic peer is having a meltdown .
Let them know what to do in the event of a meltdown. Make sure they know they are not responsible for the autistic child, but they can try to help them. Here are some ideas for dealing with a meltdown:
Give them some time - it can take a while to recover from information or sensory overload.
Calmly ask them (or their parent or friend) if they’re OK, but bear in mind they’ll need more time to respond than you might expect.
Make space – try to create a quiet, safe space as best you can. Ask people to move along and not to stare, turn off loud music and turn down bright lights – whatever you can think of to reduce the information overload, try it.
Building a Bond Between Siblings with and without Autism
Building a bond between siblings is important for any family especially if one has autism and one does not. That being said, it may be difficult for the sibling who does not fall under the ASD spectrum to understand their sibling with autism, making the creation of bonds sometimes more difficult than in other cases.
Here is a list of different ways siblings may struggle with having an autistic sibling:
It is important to listen to each sibling about their struggles and to try to understand why they may feel the way they do.
Honest Questions are Not Rude
One situation which children without autism may struggle to understand is when children with autism ask questions in ways that appear, at first sight, to be rude or too straightforward. By explaining to typical children that people with autism may struggle with social cues or to incorporate social norms in the way they speak. As a result they may ask questions in a way that seems mean without intending it to be at all.
How an ABA Therapist Can Help
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapists are a great way to help children with autism work with their loved ones and family in order to create and promote healthy, communicative relationships. An ABA therapist can help explain to other children the disorder and also incorporate them in sessions to promote the relationship. In this section, we will look at what ABA is, how it can help with children with autism, and where you can find high-quality, professional ABA therapy.
What is ABA Therapy?
ABA focuses on identifying harmful behaviors and promoting positive behaviors. It works with the individual child, their problematic behaviors and their family’s to overcome challenges. The use of positive reinforcement aims to change negative behaviors into positive ones.
ABA therapy can also be effectively used with other behavioral problems such as addiction, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.
What Golden Care Therapy Does to Help
Golden Care Therapy uses ABA therapy to best help the child involved and their parents reach their goals in a sustainable way. Its personalized design helps account for all of the different aspects of the child’s life which may require adaptation to ensure success. The focuses of Golden Care Therapy’s program include:
Golden Care Therapy also offers Social Skills Groups designed to help children with autism practice social skills in a safe and supervised environment. This is a great way for your child to put into practice the skills they acquire during one-on-one therapy in a fun way.
How Does the Golden Care Therapy Process Work?
If you are a parent looking for quality therapy for your child with autism, Golden Care Therapy has made the process especially easy to access the help you need. The Golden Care Therapy website has outlined the simple steps you will take once you decide to seek professional help.
Inquiry
The first step of the process is to either call Golden Care Therapy or fill out one of the online forms which can be found here.
Assessment
The second step is to send in insurance information and the formal diagnosis of the child. Once received, the clinical director will meet with your child and yourself for evaluation and to establish the specific therapeutic needs.
Approval
Once the assessment has been done, a report will be written out by one of the members of the Golden Care Therapy team which will then be submitted to your insurance. After receiving the insurance’s approval, the child will be able to begin the therapy.
The final steps will be setting up a schedule to best fit you and your child’s personal agendas.
Tips for parents explaining autism to children
Here are some tips for parents explaining autism to their children:
Keep it simple: When explaining autism, use age-appropriate language and concepts that your child can understand.
Focus on strengths: Emphasize the strengths and positive qualities of individuals with autism, such as their unique abilities, interests, and perspectives.
Use visual aids: Visual aids such as pictures, videos, or books can be helpful in explaining autism to children. This can make the information more concrete and easier to understand.
Encourage questions: Encourage your child to ask questions about autism and provide honest and accurate answers. This can help to promote understanding and reduce misconceptions.
Use real-life examples: Use real-life examples of individuals with autism who your child may know or have heard of. This can help to make the information more relatable and meaningful.
Practice empathy: Teach your child to practice empathy and understanding towards their peers with autism. Encourage them to be patient, kind, and accepting of others who may think, feel, or act differently than they do.
Be positive: Emphasize the positive aspects of diversity and how differences make our world more interesting and vibrant.
Conclusion
In this guide, we considered how to best explain autism to children who do not have autism, what the best strategies are for difficult situations of communication, and what kind of professional help is available to help for children with autism struggling in their behavior.
If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York, New Jersey or Indiana, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.
If you are looking for a career in the field of behavioral health, becoming a registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is a great option. RBTs play an important role in providing support to individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.
But what is the typical salary for an RBT in New Jersey? In this article, we will take a look at RBT salaries in New Jersey and discuss some of the factors that can affect wage rates.
What is an RBT?
An RBT or registered behavioral technician, is a professional who provides support to individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. RBTs work under the supervision of a licensed therapist or behavior analyst. They may provide services in homes, schools, clinics, or other community settings.
They work on behavioral challenges , social skills, daily living skills, and communication.
How to Become RBT certified
There are several ways to become RBT certified but you need to be at least 18 years old.
One way is to complete an RBT training program that has been approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
Training is usually about 35-40 hours long and covers topics such as autism spectrum disorders, positive behavior support, basic principles of behavioral analysis, and data collection.
RBTs must also complete a supervised work experience or practicum. This can be done by working under the supervision of a licensed therapist or behavior analyst for at least 400 hours.
Another option is to earn a degree in applied behavior analysis or a related field, and then pass the RBT exam administered by the BACB.
To apply for a certification, you will need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete an RBT training program, and pass the RBT exam.
What is the average RBT salary in New Jersey?
There is no one answer to this question as RBT salaries can vary depending on a number of factors. However the average salary for an RBT in New Jersey is $37,594. That is equivalent to $18.07 an hour.
However, RBTs in some areas of the state may make less than this amount. For example, those working in rural areas may earn less than their counterparts in more urban areas.
What are the benefits of becoming an RBT for Golden Care?
There are many benefits to becoming an RBT for Golden Care. Some of these include:
-salary of $35 an hour
-$1000 sign on bonus
-The opportunity to work with a variety of clients
-The chance to make a difference in the lives of those we serve
Conclusion
If you are looking for a career in the field of behavioral health, becoming an RBT is a great option. There are many benefits to working as an RBT, including the potential to earn a good salary. If you are interested in becoming an RBT, contact Golden Care today. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about our program and the certification process.
If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New Jersey, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.
When it comes to autism therapies, ABA therapy is one of the most common and well-known. But do you need an autism diagnosis to qualify for ABA therapy? In this article, we will explore that question and give you some information on ABA therapy and autism. Keep reading for more information!
What is ABA therapy?
ABA therapy is a form of behavioral intervention that is often used to help those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ABA therapy focuses on teaching new skills and behaviors through positive reinforcement. This type of therapy can be extremely beneficial for those with ASD, as it can help improve communication and social skills, as well as reduce problem behaviors.
How to Diagnose Autism
If you think that you or your child may have ASD, it is important to seek out a professional evaluation.
Your doctor or pediatrician can do a basic screening for ASD, but a diagnosis can only be made by a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.
This evaluation will typically involve a comprehensive assessment that looks at your child’s developmental history, behavior, and cognitive functioning. Based on this information, a diagnosis of ASD can be made.
Signs of Autism
There are a number of different signs that may indicate that someone has ASD.
Some common signs include:
– delays in speech and language development
– difficulty making eye contact
– difficulty with social interactions
– repetitive behaviors or interests
If you notice any of these signs in yourself or your child, it is important to seek professional help.
Do You Need an Autism Diagnosis to Qualify for ABA Therapy?
The answer to this question is not entirely black and white.
You don’t need to have a diagnosis of autism to benefit from ABA therapy.
Some insurance companies may require a diagnosis of ASD in order to provide coverage for ABA therapy, so it is important to check with your insurance provider.
Additionally, some ABA therapists may only work with those who have an official diagnosis of ASD. However, there are also ABA therapists who will work with individuals who do not have a formal diagnosis but show signs of ASD.
If you are seeking ABA therapy for a child who is not diagnosed with autism, it is important to ask the therapist about their policy.
If you feel like you or your child may benefit from ABA therapy, don’t hesitate to seek out a professional evaluation. You can work with your doctor and a therapist who can help you along the diagnosing process. Once you receive a diagnosis your can discuss coverage with your insurance.
Is ABA only used for autism?
While Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is most commonly associated with autism, it can be used to support individuals with a wide range of developmental and behavioral challenges, as well as those without any diagnosis at all.
ABA is a scientifically validated approach to understanding behavior and how it is influenced by the environment. The principles of ABA can be applied to a variety of settings and populations, from schools to hospitals to homes, and from young children to adults.
Some examples of areas where ABA can be used outside of autism include:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and other behavioral disorders
Intellectual disabilities
Learning disabilities
Anxiety disorders
Substance abuse disorders
Traumatic brain injury
Developmental delays
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
In each of these areas, the principles of ABA can be used to assess and understand the individual’s behavior, identify the factors that influence that behavior, and develop interventions to support positive change. The specific techniques used may vary depending on the individual’s needs, but the underlying principles of ABA remain the same.
Overall, while ABA is most commonly used for autism, it is a flexible and adaptable approach that can be used to support individuals with a wide range of developmental and behavioral challenges.
Conclusion
So, do you need an autism diagnosis to qualify for ABA therapy? The answer is not always black and white. Some insurance companies may require a diagnosis of ASD in order to provide coverage for ABA therapy, while others may not.
If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York, New Jersey or Indiana, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.
Technology has been a huge help to those living with autism. From assistive technologies that help them communicate, to apps that keep them organized.
In this article, we will discuss the benefits of technology when it comes to assisting those with autism. We will also look at some of the most popular technologies and how they have helped autistic children live more independently and productively.
What is assistive technology?
Assistive technology refers to any device, equipment, software, or system that is used to enhance the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Assistive technology can range from simple tools like magnifying glasses, hearing aids, or pencil grips to more complex devices like speech-generating devices, motorized wheelchairs, or computer software that helps with communication, learning, or cognitive tasks.
The goal of assistive technology is to increase the independence, productivity, and overall quality of life of individuals with disabilities, by helping them to overcome the barriers that they face in everyday life. Assistive technology can be customized to meet the specific needs of the individual, and can be used in a variety of settings, including home, school, work, and community environments.
Read on to find out why more and more children with autism are using assistive technologies to help them.
Assistive Technologies for Autism
People with autism use assistive technology for a variety of reasons. Many individuals with autism experience challenges in areas like communication, social interaction, sensory processing, or executive functioning, which can impact their ability to participate fully in everyday life activities. Assistive technology can help to support these areas and improve the individual’s overall quality of life.
For example, some individuals with autism may have difficulty with verbal communication and may benefit from the use of communication devices like speech-generating devices or picture exchange communication systems (PECS). These tools can help the individual to express their thoughts, feelings, and needs more effectively, and improve their social interaction with others.
Others may have sensory processing difficulties and may benefit from sensory tools like weighted blankets, sensory swings, or noise-cancelling headphones, which can help to regulate their sensory input and reduce anxiety.
In addition, assistive technology can help individuals with autism to participate more fully in educational or vocational activities, by providing tools like educational software programs or organizational tools to help them stay on task and manage their time more effectively.
Overall, assistive technology can play an important role in supporting individuals with autism to overcome the challenges they face and achieve their full potential. By identifying the specific needs of the individual and selecting the appropriate technology to support those needs, individuals with autism can enhance their independence, productivity, and overall quality of life.
Technology That Helps Those with Autism
Here are some skills that can be improved with technology:
Communication Devices
One of the most common types of assistive technology for autism is a communication device. These devices can range from simple picture boards to more complex speech-generating devices.
Picture communication boards consist of a board with pictures or symbols that represent different words or concepts. The child can point to the picture to communicate their needs. It’s beneficial for children who are nonverbal or have difficulty speaking. They can also be used by children who are just beginning to learn to talk.
Some of the most popular apps that help children communicate include Proloquo, AAC TouchChat, and Autism Talk Now.
Modeling Behaviors
Many children with autism have difficulty understanding and responding to social cues. Modeling behaviors is a type of technology that can help them learn how to interact with others. It involves showing the child how to perform a certain behavior, such as making eye contact or asking a question.
There are many different software programs that model behaviors, but some of the most popular ones include The Social Express, Autism & Beyond, and Talking Mats.
Scheduling
Assistive technologies can also help children with autism stay organized . Scheduling apps can help them keep track of their day-to-day activities. And reminder apps can help them remember to do things like take their medication or brush their teeth.
Some of the most popular scheduling apps include iDO, myHomework Student Planner, and Time Timer.
Motivation
Many children with autism need motivation to stay on task. And rewards can be a great way to provide that motivation. There are many different apps that use rewards to help children with autism stay focused.
Some of the most popular apps that use rewards include Autism iHelp, Task Analyzer, and ABA Flash Cards HD. Zoolingo , an app that teaches children about animals, is also a great way to motivate and reward kids for completing tasks.
Social Skills
Social skills are another area where technology can help children with autism. There are many different apps that teach children how to interact with others.
Look in My Eyes Restaurant is an app that helps children with autism practice making eye contact. And The Social Express is an app that helps children learn how to start and carry on a conversation.
Technology can help children with autism in many different ways. And the benefits are endless. If you’re looking for ways to help your child with autism, consider using technology.
How Parents Can Use Technology to Help Their Autistic Children
As a parent of an autistic child, you may be wondering how technology can help your child. Here are some ways that technology can help children with autism:
Use apps that improve quality of life
Dreampad is an app that helps autistic children sleep better. And myHomework Student Planner can help them stay organized and on track.
Use the device as a reward
Children with autism are motivated through rewards. You can use their iPad or computer as a reward for completing tasks.
Technology as a model
Many children with autism have difficulty understanding social cues. Modeling behaviors is a type of technology that can help them learn how to interact with others. It involves showing the child how to perform a certain behavior, such as making eye contact or asking a question.
Teach through games
There are many games that help children with autism learn in general and especially learn social skills.
Conclusion
Technology can be a great tool for helping children with autism. It can help them communicate, stay organized, and learn new skills. And it can provide motivation and rewards. There are many different types of technology available, so there is sure to be something that can help your child.
Talk to your child’s doctor or therapist about what technology might be right for your child. And consider using technology to help your child with autism reach his or her full potential.
If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York, New Jersey or Indiana, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.
ABA therapy is an evidence based therapy that can be an effective way to help children with autism reach their full potential.
In this article, we will take a closer look at what ABA therapy is, and how it can help children with autism improve their social skills and communication abilities.
What is ABA Therapy?
ABA therapy is a type of behavior therapy that uses positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors. It is tailored for each child with autism to help them learn new skills, such as how to communicate with others or how to control their emotions.
ABA therapy is usually provided by trained therapists, who work one-on-one with the child, parents and caregivers to help them reach their goals. It can be used in a variety of settings, including at home, at school, or in a clinical setting.
How Does ABA Therapy Work?
ABA therapy is based on the principle of operant conditioning, which means that behaviors are learned and can be changed through reinforcement or punishment. In ABA therapy, positive reinforcement is used to increase desirable behaviors, while negative reinforcement is used to decrease undesirable behaviors.
For example, if a child with autism completes a task, ABA therapy would use positive reinforcement to encourage the child to engage in more desired behaviors. This could include verbal praise, physical affection, or rewards such as stickers or toys.
Conversely, if a child with autism is engaging in self-injurious behavior, ABA therapy would use negative reinforcement to decrease this behavior.
ABA therapy can be used to help children with autism improve their social skills, communication abilities, and overall quality of life.
Behaviors That ABA Therapy Aims to Manage
ABA therapy aims to manage the following behaviors and challenges of autistic children:
The cause of autism is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Early diagnosis and intervention is important for children with autism, as they can make significant progress with treatment.
Is There a Cure For Autism?
There is no cure for autism, but there are a variety of treatments that can help children with autism reach their full potential. ABA therapy is one of the most effective treatments available and can have a significant impact on a child’s development. For more information about ABA therapy and how it can help your child, please contact us at Golden Care today.
Conclusion
In this article, we have taken a closer look at what ABA therapy is, and how it can help children with autism improve their social skills and communication abilities. Every child with autism is different, and will respond to treatment in different ways. However, ABA therapy can be an effective way to help children with autism reach their full potential.
If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York, New Jersey or Indiana, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.
If you are wondering how ABA therapy can work over a virtual medium, then you have come to the right place! Here, we will give you the information you need to make an informed choice about whether virtual ABA therapy is right for your situation.
What is ABA Therapy?
ABA stands for applied behavior analysis and is a method of therapy. ABA therapy is a method of behavioral therapy designed to help change a persons’ behaviors using a tailored system of rewards and reinforcement.
ABA therapy can help to improve social skills, communication, interpersonal connection, and learning skills through steady reinforcement and encouragement. ABA therapy is considered a very effective form of therapy for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, also known as ASD.
ABA is an effective form of therapy for people with autism spectrum disorder because it can help them to create social bonds, strengthen interpersonal skills, enhance communication skills, and help them to learn learning skills.
Where Can ABA Therapy be Done?
ABA therapy can be done in a variety of places. It does take constant awareness and focus on the person in ABA therapy because it is heavily reliant on reinforcing “good” behaviors. That means when the person in therapy does something that shows they are learning a new skill, it needs to be reinforced.
Some places that you can practice ABA therapy with the person in therapy are:
It is important to note that if you decide that you want your child to practice the ABA therapy methods in school, you need to make sure you communicate actively with the school and your child’s teachers so they know what behaviors are being reinforced and how they are being reinforced.
Telehealth ABA Therapy
In this section, you will learn more about telehealth ABA therapy and how it can occur, help, and be effective for your child!
What is Telehealth ABA Therapy?
Telehealth ABA therapy is a form of ABA therapy that is done over a form of digital communication! It makes ABA therapy more accessible, easier to do during a pandemic, and easier for families to coordinate times and therapists.
Telehealth ABA therapy also allows the child to stay in their home, which helps to keep them relaxed. For some children with autism, a new environment that breaks their routine can cause them a lot of stress, which can lead them to not give their attention to the therapy.
Telehealth ABA Therapy Examples
The following are some of the ways your child can get telehealth ABA therapy!
Zoom
FaceTime
Skype
Google Meet
These are all very easy to set up and use, plus because they are video chats, it allows both the child and therapist to see each other, which can help increase the bond. The better the bond between the therapist and child, the better the trust which can help the child learn these skills easier and faster.
Advantages of Telehealth ABA
One of the benefits of telehealth ABA therapy is that your child can attend therapy if the therapist is sick or if the child is sick. Either way, the other participant in therapy is protected from germs and everyone can feel better quicker!
Plus, if your child is the one sick, they can do their therapy in a more relaxed and rested space; their home. No one likes leaving the house when they are sick and children are certainly no exception to that rule.
Another benefit of telehealth ABA therapy is the ability to do therapy anywhere! You can have therapy at home, at a babysitter’s house, at daycare, at the park, at Grandma’s, or on vacation! You do not have to miss out on valuable therapeutic time because you are unable to go to the office or you are out of town.
Plus, telehealth ABA therapy comes with a nice cost reduction, so your pockets will thank you as well!
What is Included in Telehealth ABA Therapy?
In telehealth ABA therapy several aspects are included. First, there is the initial assessment where a therapist meets with the child to get to know them, observe their behavior patterns, communication, learning skills, and interactions with others.
This helps the therapist learn all about what skills your child is already doing well and which ones need support from ABA therapy.
The second aspect is included in the therapy plan. The therapy plan is a personalized system and plan created by the therapist that will be the treatment path for your child. No two plans are the same because no two children are the same, so you are guaranteed a personal plan with ABA therapy.
Third, you as parents are included in the process. The therapist will give you plenty of educational time where parents can learn all about the treatment plan, the skills that the therapist and child are working on, and how to support your child during the treatment.
Of course, the next thing you will receive is the ABA therapy itself! This is a long-term aspect of the treatment plan where the treatment plan is put into action and the therapist begins to work with the child to improve their behavior and reinforce good learning habits.
Lastly, the therapist will monitor the behavioral changes in your child over time as the therapy progresses to make sure that the proper goals are getting reached. Sometimes the therapist may have to tweak or alter the treatment plan depending on how your child is responding to the therapy.
Things to Consider Before Virtual Therapy?
Below are some questions you should ask yourself or your therapist before signing on to a virtual ABA therapy commitment.
Does the therapist have virtual therapy experience?
What will the goals of the ABA therapy look like in your case?
How long will the sessions be?
Is the therapist’s technology reliable?
Is your technology reliable?
Will telehealth ABA therapy benefit your child?
If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York, New Jersey or Indiana, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family.
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