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Behavioral Concepts

BCI Announces New Springfield Location and New Regional Director

Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout Central Massachusetts, announces a new Springfield, MA center and new Regional Director.

Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Worcester, MA with a second location in Fitchburg, MA, BCI has grown to become the go-to provider of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders throughout Central Massachusetts.

BCI will officially open doors of their new ABA center located at 90 Carando Drive, in January 2019. BCI provides specialty Early Intervention ABA services to families throughout western Massachusetts, as there is a significant need for these specialty services ABA providers in the area. BCI’s Early Intervention Services are designed to assist infants and toddlers (birth to age three) in making significant strides in their development. These services are targeted, evidence-based, tailored to their needs, and usually provided in the home.

BCI is a partner agency that receives Early Intervention referrals from the Department of Public Health for children under age three with a diagnosis Autism Spectrum Disorder. BCI is currently providing Early Intervention services to 75 families throughout greater Springfield through their temporary office on Mill Street in Springfield.

The new location enables BCI to expand services. In addition to Early Intervention services, BCI will provide center-based insurance-funded ABA services for children over age three, beginning in January 2019. BCI’s new 7,200 square foot space consists of five classrooms, a main area, gym and outdoor play yard, with the capacity to serve 30 to 45 children in their onsite program.

Britney Catron, M.A., BCBA, LABA has been promoted to Regional Director of Greater Springfield to supervise, train and provide oversight of all onsite and offsite programs.

Catron holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and received her Master’s degree in Education in Applied Behavioral Analysis from Bay Path University in 2014. She is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and a Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA) in the state of Massachusetts. She began her career at BCI in 2011 as an ABA therapist prior to becoming a BCBA for BCI’s Worcester location.

BCI has a team of five BCBAs in Springfield, including Marcy Schulz, M.A., BCBA, LABA who is the Assistant Director of Early Intervention ABA Services. Schulz has a lengthy career with BCI and has significantly contributed to establishing ABA services in Central Massachusetts and obtaining new Early Intervention contracts.

“There is significant demand in this area for BCI’s specialty Early Intervention services, which include assessment, clinical design, consultation and transition to school,” said Schulz. “Essentially, we work with families to identify goals and then assist their children with learning new skills to achieve important milestones in their social development.”

“Our ABA services for children age 3 and older will open in January of 2019. We are excited to provide insurance funded, center-based programs as well as Early Intervention and home-based services,” said Catron.

To learn more about BCI’s Early Intervention services in Springfield, call 508-363-0200 or visit  https://bciaba.com/how-we-can-help/specialty-early-intervention-services/.

About BCI

Behavioral Concepts (BCI) provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children with autism and their families in central Massachusetts. We identify and facilitate effective personalized instruction that allows children to discover more, learn more, and be more – increasing their independence and enhancing their quality of life at home, in school, and in the community. BCI is a Massachusetts Department of Public Health approved provider of specialty ABA services for early intervention. BCI also provides center, home-based, and afterschool services through private and public health insurance. The organization was founded in 2002 by Dr. Jeffrey R. Robinson. Further information on BCI is available at https://bciaba.com.

BCI is part of the LEARN Behavioral family of companies, a national organization dedicated to helping all children succeed in school and life. Learn more at http://learnitsystems.com

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Behavioral Concepts Appoints New Assistant Director in Tewksbury Office to Oversee Northeast Region

Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout Central Massachusetts continues to branch out.

BCI is meeting the need for Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) providers in the area by providing specialty Early Intervention ABA services to families throughout the greater Lowell area, through their temporary office at 1501 Main Street, Units 29-30, in Tewksbury, MA.

Katherine Law, BCBA, LABA, a resident of Dracut, MA, has been promoted to Assistant Director and leads the Early Intervention services for the greater Lowell area. Prior to her promotion, Law was a Behavior Analyst in BCI’s Fitchburg office, where she provided Early Intervention services to children under age three and insurance-funded ABA services to all school aged children.

Previous to BCI, Law was an ABA therapist and Behavior Analyst providing Early Intervention services at the May Institute in Western Massachusetts. Law received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a certificate in Developmental Disabilities and Human Services from University of Massachusetts Amherst, and a Master of Arts in ABA from Westfield State University. She is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and a Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA) in the state of Massachusetts. She is a member of Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT).

“Our focus is on growing BCI’s Early Intervention services and increasing the number of referrals from Early Intervention agencies in the area,” said Law. “Our goal is to expand our services to children age three and up.”

BCI’s Early Intervention services are designed to assist infants and toddlers (birth to age three) in making significant strides in their development. Early Intervention services include assessment, clinical design, consultation and transition to school. They are targeted, evidence-based, tailored to a child’s needs, and usually provided in the home. BCI is a partner agency and receives Early Intervention referrals from the Department of Public Health for children under age three with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

BCI is already providing Early Intervention services to 50 families in the greater Lowell area, and there is a wait list for ABA services for children over age three. BCI is looking to site an ABA center in 2019, which will enable them to expand their offerings to include center-based insurance-funded ABA services that families can elect to have for children age three to 22 years old.

“During intake, families often express they would like to remain with the same provider that they began with, to ensure a seamless transition from Early Intervention to ABA over age three,” noted Law.

BCI accepts most major insurance plans operating throughout Massachusetts as well as Mass Health.

To learn more about BCI’s Early Intervention services in the greater Lowell area, visit https://bciaba.com/how-we-can-help/specialty-early-intervention-services/

About BCI

Behavioral Concepts (BCI) provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children with autism and their families in central Massachusetts. We identify and facilitate effective personalized instruction that allows children to discover more, learn more, and be more – increasing their independence and enhancing their quality of life at home, in school, and in the community. BCI is a Massachusetts Department of Public Health approved provider of specialty ABA services for early intervention. BCI also provides center, home-based, and afterschool services through private and public health insurance. The organization was founded in 2002 by Dr. Jeffrey R. Robinson. Further information on BCI is available at https://bciaba.com.

BCI is part of the LEARN Behavioral family of companies, a national organization dedicated to helping all children succeed in school and life. Learn more at http://learnitsystems.com

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Behavioral Concepts in Worcester is Now an Approved Site for Continuing Education. Training Session to be Offered November 29th.

Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout Central Massachusetts, has announced they are a Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.® (BACB®) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) provider, offering onsite Continuing Education events at their Worcester location as well as online.

On November 29, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., BCI will offer a continuing education professional development event entitled “Ethical Issues in Behavioral Feeding” at 345A Greenwood Street in Worcester as well as online. This training session will focus on the ethical issues related to implementing behavioral feeding strategies. Participants will also learn what medical, behavioral, and related service assessments should be completed before starting feeding therapy. The event will be presented by Melissa L. Olive, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA (CT & NY), Executive Director, Applied Behavioral Strategies LLC and is eligible for two type 2 ethics continuing education units (CEUs).

Board Certified Behavioral Analysts (BCBAs), Licensed Applied Behavior Analysts (LABAs) and ABA students interested in attending may register to attend in-person or virtually via a web login. Registration is open until November 22, 2018. Visit https://bciaba.com/careers/professional-development/continuing-education-events/

“Professional development is essential to stay current on the latest developments, skills, and technologies required in a given field,” said Candice Colón-Kwedor, Ph.D., LABA, BCBA-D, Director of Professional Development and Research at BCI. “The BACB® states that behavior analysts must maintain knowledge of current scientific and professional information in their areas of practice and pursue ongoing efforts to maintain competence. Today’s professionals must commit to a ‘career-long learning’ philosophy that enhances effectiveness and furthers the knowledge they have already gained.”

In addition to being an ACE provider, BCI offers their employees professional development opportunities that include extensive pre-service training and continuous in-service training for their ABA Therapists and Behavior Analysts. BCI is also committed to training current and future generations of clinicians in the field via undergraduate and graduate program affiliations including on-site degree support through their partnerships with Quinsigamond College (Registered Behavior Technician, Associate’s degree program) and Bay Path University (BCBA, Master’s degree program) as well as an off-site program  at Assumption College (BCBA, Master’s degree program).

For further information on continuing education, please contact Dr. Candice Colón-Kwedor,  BCI’s Director of Professional Development and Research at (508) 851-5259 or visit www.bciaba.com to view our scheduled continuing education events.

About BCI

Behavioral Concepts (BCI) provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children with autism and their families in central Massachusetts. We identify and facilitate effective personalized instruction that allows children to discover more, learn more, and be more – increasing their independence and enhancing their quality of life at home, in school, and in the community. BCI is a Massachusetts Department of Public Health approved provider of specialty ABA services for early intervention. BCI also provides center, home-based, and afterschool services through private and public health insurance. The organization was founded in 2002 by Dr. Jeffrey R. Robinson. Further information on BCI is available at https://bciaba.com.

BCI is part of the LEARN Behavioral family of companies, a national organization dedicated to helping all children succeed in school and life. Learn more at http://learnitsystems.com

Behavioral Concepts in Worcester is Now an Approved Site for Continuing Education. Training Session to be Offered November 29th.Read More

Family Fun Day at Great Wolf Lodge a Great Success – Autism Friendly Event

More than 200 Central Massachusetts families made tracks to Great Wolf Lodge New England in Fitchburg for HMEA’s Autism Resource Central’s Family Fun Day held on Sunday, September 23, 2018.

The autism-friendly event, which was exclusively sponsored by Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout Central Massachusetts, presented an afternoon of fun at the Great Wolf Lodge indoor waterpark followed by a pizza party.

In addition to sponsorship, BCI was on-site hosting a number of Sensory Fun Activities, such as water beads, Play Doh, kinetic sand, and other activity stations, throughout the afternoon.

The popular event was sold out within a day.

“We’re pleased to have an opportunity to partner with our friends at Autism Resource Central and provide a day of fun in a supportive environment to families and children with ASD,” said Jeff Robinson, Ph. D., BCI’s President and CEO.

About Autism Resource Central
Located in Worcester, MA, HMEA’s Autism Resource Central of Central Massachusetts is a non-profit organization that serves as an information and referral service for children and families affected by disorders within the Autism Spectrum; Autism, PDD NOS and Asperger’s. Autism Resource Central supports the needs of more than 3,000 families in Central Massachusetts. For more information, visit autismresourcecentral.org.

About BCI
Behavioral Concepts (BCI) provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children with autism and their families in central Massachusetts. We identify and facilitate effective personalized instruction that allows children to discover more, learn more, and be more – increasing their independence and enhancing their quality of life at home, in school, and in the community. BCI is a Massachusetts Department of Public Health approved provider of specialty ABA services for early intervention. BCI also provides center, home-based, and afterschool services through private and public health insurance. The organization was founded in 2002 by Dr. Jeffrey R. Robinson. Further information on BCI is available at http://bciaba.com.

BCI is part of the LEARN Behavioral family of companies, a national organization dedicated to helping all children succeed in school and life. Learn more at http://learnitsystems.com.
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BCI Announces “Halloween Full of Pieces” Autism Friendly Event October 28th

Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout Central Massachusetts, is proud to sponsor the second annual “Halloween Full of Pieces” autism-friendly Halloween party which will be held on October 28, 2018 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Knights of Columbus, 91 Manville Street, Leicester, MA. This event is open to the public.

Hosted by the Knights of Columbus Council 4528, this special event is a sensory-friendly and safe trick or treating experience for children with ASD. BCI’s Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapists will assist in the event alongside the Knights and staff volunteers.

The event will feature a haunted house, sensory-friendly activities, face painting and more.

There is no cost to attend “Halloween Full of Pieces” party and children may wear costumes if they wish.

“From all the scary decorations, lights and sounds to sensory issues with costume clothing fabric and accessories, Halloween can be an especially tricky time for children and families with autism,” explained Sally Burke, a Licensed Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) at BCI.

Below, Burke offers five tips to help families with autism celebrate Halloween:

1. If you think your child would like to (and can tolerate) wearing a costume, have him/her practice wearing it for short intervals while playing in the days/weeks prior to Halloween.

2. A visual social story or a book that discusses the topic of Halloween and what to expect prior to the event can be extremely helpful. Review it often in the days leading up to Halloween.

3. Practice trick or treating with a family member or neighbor you know well. Whether you and your child gets to one house or quite a few on Halloween, be sure to praise them for a job well done.

4. Plan your trick or treating route. Consider skipping homes with lots of lights, sounds and scary decorations.

5. Remember, staying home and passing out treats may be just as much fun for your child as going out, so don’t rule out the option.

About BCI
Behavioral Concepts (BCI) provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children with autism and their families in central Massachusetts. We identify and facilitate effective personalized instruction that allows children to discover more, learn more, and be more – increasing their independence and enhancing their quality of life at home, in school, and in the community. BCI is a Massachusetts Department of Public Health approved provider of specialty ABA services for early intervention. BCI also provides center, home-based, and afterschool services through private and public health insurance. The organization was founded in 2002 by Dr. Jeffrey R. Robinson. Further information on BCI is available at http://bciaba.com.

BCI is part of the LEARN Behavioral family of companies, a national organization dedicated to helping all children succeed in school and life. Learn more at http://learnitsystems.com.

BCI Announces “Halloween Full of Pieces” Autism Friendly Event October 28thRead More

BCI to Hold Open House in Fitchburg on July 28th

Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout Central Massachusetts will hold an Open House on July 28, 2018 from 12 PM to 3 PM at their Fitchburg location.

BCI opened their Fitchburg office at 207 Authority Drive in November 2017 and currently provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for over 150 children in the Fitchburg region.

BCI’s Open House will feature tours of their office and will enable families and the business community to meet staff including Jill McGrale Maher, Program Director and their Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and ABA Therapists. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn more about BCI’s clinical services held on site at their ABA Center which include: Intensive Day Services for preschool age and younger children; After-School Services which provide opportunities for school-age children to participate in social and physical activities; and Saturday Social Skills which provides instruction, guidance, and support for each child’s unique social, behavioral, sensory and communication needs.

BCI also provides Early Intervention Services (ages 3 and under) which help infants and toddlers reach important developmental milestones, and Home & Community Services, both which are provided in home and/or community settings.

BCI leases their office space from Boutwell, Owens & Co., Inc., one of the premier independent North American designers and manufacturers of printed paperboard packaging solutions. BCI’s Open House will be held in coordination with Boutwell, Owens & Co.’s Open House, as they celebrate their 131st birthday as a company. Additionally, Boutwell, Owens & Co. will provide information regarding employment opportunities and will be accepting job applications during the Open House.

Light refreshments will be served. The general public is welcome to attend.

About BCI

Behavioral Concepts (BCI) provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children with autism and their families in central Massachusetts. We identify and facilitate effective personalized instruction that allows children to discover more, learn more, and be more – increasing their independence and enhancing their quality of life at home, in school, and in the community. BCI is a Massachusetts Department of Public Health approved provider of specialty ABA services for early intervention. BCI also provides center, home-based, and afterschool services through private and public health insurance. The organization was founded in 2002 by Dr. Jeffrey R. Robinson. Further information on BCI is available at https://bciaba.com.

BCI is part of the Learn It family of companies, a national organization dedicated to helping all children succeed in school and life. Learn more at http://learnitsystems.com/family

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BCI Directors Speak at ABAI Conference in San Diego

Two Directors at Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) throughout Central Massachusetts, will speak at the Association for Behavior Analysis International’s (ABAI) 44th Annual Convention which will be held at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego and Marriott Marquis San Diego & Marina in San Diego, California, May 24–28, 2018.

Jill McGrale Maher, M.A., BCBA, LABA, Program Director at BCI’s Fitchburg location, will lead the workshop “Teaching Staff to Teach Social Skills Groups for Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder” on Thursday, May 24, 2018.

Maher will also speak on the topic of “Teaching Staff to Effectively Teach Groups of Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder” (assisted by BCI’s Katelyn Moisan) and on the topic “Making Significant Staff and Client Behavior Change Using Basic Strategies” (assisted by BCI’s Katelyn Moisan) on Saturday, May 26, 2018.

Maher, who is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA), has more than 35 years combined experience in special education and applied behavior analysis, leading programs for children with autism spectrum disorders. She has presented papers at numerous conferences and invited talks across the country and has several publications.

Maher joined BCI in 2017. She holds a master’s degree in human development and completed coursework towards her Ph.D. in developmental and child psychology from the University of Kansas. Maher is a state certified special education teacher as well as an adjunct professor at Endicott College and has previously taught at Worcester State University. She is a member of ABAI, the Berkshire Association of Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT), and the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA).

Candice Colón-Kwedor, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LABA, Director of Professional Development and Research at BCI’s Worcester location, will speak on the topic of “Response Interruption and Redirection Treatment Integrity Considerations” on Saturday, May 26, 2018.

Dr. Colón-Kwedor specializes in the assessment and treatment of severe challenging behavior in children and adolescents and has 13 years of experience providing consultative services and clinical services in the private school and residential setting. She joined BCI in 2017. Dr. Colón-Kwedor serves as adjunct faculty at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and previously held a similar position at Endicott College. More recently, she was elected to serve on the Board for the Berkshire Association of Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT). Dr. Colón-Kwedor received her doctoral degree from Western New England University and obtained a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from Northeastern University. She is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D) and Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA) in the state of Massachusetts.

She is a member of ABAI, BABAT, and the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA). Dr. Colón-Kwedor’s research has been published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis. She is also a contributing author to a BCBA supervision reference manual and has served as a guest reviewer for The Analysis of Verbal Behaviorand Behavioral Interventions.

To learn more about the ABAI conference, visit https://www.abainternational.org/events/annual-2018.aspx.

For more information about BCI, visit http://bciaba.com/.

About BCI

Behavioral Concepts (BCI) provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children with autism and their families in central Massachusetts. We identify and facilitate effective personalized instruction that allows children to discover more, learn more, and be more – increasing their independence and enhancing their quality of life at home, in school, and in the community. BCI is a Massachusetts Department of Public Health approved provider of specialty ABA services for early intervention. BCI also provides center, home-based, and afterschool services through private and public health insurance. The organization was founded in 2002 by Dr. Jeffrey R. Robinson. Further information on BCI is available at http://bciaba.com.

BCI is part of the Learn It family of companies, a national organization dedicated to helping all children succeed in school and life. Learn more at http://learnitsystems.com/family

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BCI Rebrands and Announces New Logo and Website

Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout Massachusetts, has rebranded and unveiled a new graphic identity and website.

BCI’s extensive rebrand, which has been in the works since early 2017 and recently completed, involved understanding the company’s culture and unique value proposition. The rebrand better represents the organization’s expertise, comprehensive services and community leadership – all which is reflected through a new graphic identity, collateral, tagline and the launch of a new website.

Jeffrey R. Robinson, Ph.D., founder and CEO, engaged the marketing and branding expertise of Bob Lodi, Rock Pixel Scissors of Uxbridge, MA to assist with the rebrand.

BCI has updated their original logo, which used symbolism such as primary colors for children and puzzle pieces for autism. Although the new logo bears some resemblance to the previous logo, it is an evolution of their prior “Sun” logo, where the sun’s rays have been moved inside the C and shown in a contrasting lime green color. Dr. Robinson used the sun symbol to represent giving families a sense of promise and hope, as well as transition from darkness into light. In the new logo, the sun symbolizes light and hope, as well as becoming MORE.

The company also has a new tagline of “Discover more. Learn more. BE MORE.”

“Given the right tools, resources and environments, children with autism can learn and grow. Through early intervention, home based therapies, afterschool activities and social-skill groups, BCI helps children BE MORE,” explained Dr. Robinson.

BCI has launched a new generation of their website, which includes a new URL, http://bciaba.com.

The site was developed using the latest responsive techniques and contains new content and photography. The website boasts an innovative, elegant design, and simple navigation which enables visitors to access content quickly. BCI’s site was reorganized to better focus on the solutions they offer, their expertise and recruitment of critical staff necessary to provide services to families affected by autism.

New and improved components of bciaba.com include a “How We Can Help” section that outlines their specialty early intervention services and ABA centers. Their enhanced “Careers” page highlights job listings, internships, professional development, research and success stories. Special components that have been added to the website include an online application for intake services, an employee portal and an E-Store. A BCI blog offers information, tips and news for families, providers, and others.

He continued, “The entire rebrand process was quite involved and included an in-depth analysis of our goals and company culture, as well as positioning for anticipated growth. Our rebrand reinforces our commitment to be the best in the profession by providing the highest level of service and support to children and their families.”

About BCI

Behavioral Concepts (BCI) provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children with autism and their families in central Massachusetts. We identify and facilitate effective personalized instruction that allows children to discover more, learn more, and be more – increasing their independence and enhancing their quality of life at home, in school, and in the community. BCI is a Massachusetts Department of Public Health approved provider of specialty ABA services for early intervention. BCI also provides center, home-based, and afterschool services through private and public health insurance. The organization was founded in 2002 by Dr. Jeffrey R. Robinson. Further information on BCI is available at http://bciaba.com.

BCI is part of the Learn It family of companies, a national organization dedicated to helping all children succeed in school and life. Learn more at http://learnitsystems.com/family

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Navigating Valentine’s Day – BCI Offers Helpful Social Tips for Teens with ASD

Valentine’s Day is around the corner. But, for teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a day focused on relationships and filled with social interaction can create an array of emotional confusion.

From understanding non-verbal social cues and holding “successful” conversations to dealing with anxiety, making friends and dating – it is imperative that teens on the spectrum learn social skills and social relatedness. Not only will learning social skills better enable them to relate to their peers while in school, it sets them up for future success when it comes to living independently, holding a job, and building relationships.

Jill McGrale Maher, M.A., BCBA, LABA, Program Director at Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with ASD throughout Central Massachusetts, explained, “It’s important to first identify your older child’s fears and deficits in the area of social skills in order to help untangle the emotions involved.”

McGrale Maher offers four key tips for parents of teens with ASD:

•    Teach your teen about different situations that may happen on Valentine’s Day by role playing the exchange of Valentine’s cards or treats.
•    Discuss the purpose behind Valentine’s Day and provide more detail. Role-play and rehearse everything including personal space, eye-contact, voice volume, and turn taking.
•    Several days prior to a Valentine’s Day event, role-play and rehearse exactly what is expected.  It can be very helpful in alleviating anxiety to actually visit where the event will take place as well.
•    For teens who may have a date, review everything including hygiene, manners, what to say, conversation starters, endings, and how to save a conversation. Again, roleplay as much as you can.

According to McGrale Maher, “Social skills deficits are one of the first indicators of ASD. Additionally, evidence clearly indicates that when young adults with ASD are not successful in life and work situations, it is almost always due to a lack of social skills.”

Fitchburg and Worcester After School Programs Focus on Social Skills
BCI has developed After School and Saturday programs to teach social skills to children and teens, with the goal of imparting skills to ensure a happy, successful, blended life in the community.

Social skills programming encompasses social pragmatics, group working skills, play skills, imitation, observational skills, perspective taking skills, how to act in a variety of situations, relationship development, self-awareness, and self-management. The teen social skills programs are more expansive and include dealing with frustration, anger and anxiety, advanced conversational skills, reading non-verbal cues, building and maintaining relationships, dealing with family and school demands, and decision making.

After identifying and assessing each child’s current social skills, the children are divided into three group levels. Typically, level one is for young children, level two for ages eight to 11 years-old, and level three is for teens. The after-school sessions run a minimum of two hours, and Saturday morning and afternoon sessions are each three hours long. The Fitchburg program has capacity for 30 students, while Worcester can accommodate 60 students.

For more information about BCI’s After School and Saturday programs, visit bciaba.com

About BCI
Behavioral Concepts (BCI) provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children with autism and their families in central Massachusetts. We identify and facilitate effective personalized instruction that allows children to discover more, learn more, and be more – increasing their independence and enhancing their quality of life at home, in school, and in the community. BCI is a Massachusetts Department of Public Health approved provider of specialty ABA services for early intervention. BCI also provides center, home-based, and afterschool services through private and public health insurance. The organization was founded in 2002 by Dr. Jeffrey R. Robinson. Further information on BCI is available at http://bciaba.com.

BCI is part of the Learn It family of companies, a national organization dedicated to helping all children succeed in school and life. Learn more at http://learnitsystems.com/family.

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