Behavioral Therapy

All behavior is a form of communication and children are always communicating through their actions, even if they are not aware of it. Some behaviors can be seen a positive; like a child giving a high-five to another student after getting an A on a paper a teacher just gave back. Some behaviors can be perceived as less positive and somewhat problematic; such as when a child pushes another student out of the way to indicate that they are feeling overwhelmed by being close to others. We often hear from parents and schools when a child is ready to lose their school placement due to behaviors. We encourage families NOT to wait until this point to call us. When a family first becomes aware that their child is struggling, reach out to us and we can help. Early intervention is the key to success. 

Benefits of Reinforcement

Behaviors can increase when teachers, parents, or peers reinforce the behavior. This occurs when a child receives positive feedback or some type of tangible reward for the behavior. For example, a teacher gives a child a star on the board next to his name for completing homework. The child is excited to receive the star. This form of positive reinforcement increases the likelihood that the child will keep completing his homework. However, adults can unknowingly reinforce behaviors they are trying to decrease. For example, a child hates school and wants to stay home. He has learned that if he destroys things in his classroom, the school will send him home. Therefore, the child is getting what he wants, to be at home, because the school is reinforcing the wrong behaviors. 

Board Certified Behavior Analysts & ABA Therapy

Families and schools are often confused when presented with behaviors that need to change. Miriam’s Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA), a graduate-level professional who specializes in behaviors, work with parents, teachers, administrators, and children to ensure that everyone understands the motivation behind a child’s behaviors and that a coordinated plan is in place to help the child get his or her needs met in a positive and productive manner. The plan is continuously evaluated and adjusted to ensure that the correct behaviors are increasing.

The BCBA can formally provide a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) after completing a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) through Miriam’s testing department. The BIP provides a coordinated approach to helping the child be successful in their goals. Children with ADHD, anxiety, behavior disorders, and mild autism can benefit from a BIP and interventions. Children with more severe autism and other developmental disorders may need the BCBA to implement Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a research-based therapy that provides intensive interventions to increase positive behaviors. The BCBA may use Discrete Trial Training (DTT), modeling, the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), and reinforcement systems to decrease negative behaviors.

Paraprofessionals for In-School Support

Sometimes, children need extra help at their daycare, preschool, or school to act in safe and productive ways while they are working on adjusting their behaviors. The BCBA can oversee paraprofessionals who administer the BIP or ABA therapy within various community-based settings. Paraprofessionals are more economical than a BCBA and they are well versed in behavior interventions. All of Miriam’s paraprofessionals have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a social service related area and at least one year of experience working with children. Schools and/or parents must contract paraprofessionals for 40 weekly hours for the entire school year. When appropriate, schools and families can share the cost of a paraprofessional when the interventions are at the same location. Families should put in requests for paraprofessionals at least two months before they start, because Miriam begins the recruitment process once the request is made.