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Behavioral Concepts

“Halloween Full of Pieces” Autism-Friendly Halloween Party on October 29th.

With lots of lights, sounds and scary decorations, Halloween can be an especially tricky time for children and families with autism.

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 first annual “Halloween Full of Pieces” autism-friendly Halloween party which will be held on October 29, 2017 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Knights of Columbus, 91 Mannville Street, Leicester. This event is open to the public.

Hosted by the Knights of Columbus in Leicester, this special event is a sensory-friendly and safe trick or treating experience for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). BCI’s Applied Behavior Analysis Therapists (ABAs) will oversee the event alongside the Knights and parent volunteers.

The event will feature a sensory corner, haunted house, and a variety of activities such as face painting, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin painting, sugar cookie decorating, paper plate monsters and more. A raffle and bake sale will also be held.

There is no cost to attend and children may wear costumes if they wish. RSVP to the party by visiting http://conta.cc/2xK7LUC.

According to Sally Burke, a Licensed Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) at BCI, “Some children with autism struggle with pretend-play, and can have issues related to different types of costume clothing fabrics as well as to costume accessories. Social skills may be an area of need and some children may not be able to engage in appropriate responses that may possibly lead to other behavioral challenges.”

Burke continued, “You want your child to be part of this exciting experience and engage in these fun traditions, but you are worried that Halloween may just not be for you and your child.”

Burke offers the following five tips to help families with autism celebrate Halloween:

  • Create a visual social story or find a book that discusses the topic of Halloween and all it offers and what to expect prior to the event.
  • Look for opportunities to practice trick or treating. Review and rehearse the act of trick or treating and practice the skill with a family member or neighbor you know well.
  • Know their limits. If they can only handle a few houses, do not push them to do more and be sure to praise them for a job well done.
  • Go to places where your child may already be comfortable, such as relatives, friends, etc. This pairs the new activity of trick or treating with already established places and people. Consider skipping homes with lots of lights, sounds and scary decorations.
  • Consider staying home and having your child help you pass out treats. They may enjoy this just as much as going out.

For more information, visit www.bciaba.org.

About Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI)

Behavioral Concepts (BCI) provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children with autism and their families in central Massachusetts.  BCI identifies and facilitates 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. As a Massachusetts Department of Public Health approved provider of specialty ABA services for early intervention, BCI provides center, home-based, and after-school 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.

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HMEA’s Autism Resource Central Celebrates 20 Groundbreaking Years – Gala to be held October 20th

BCIBehavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout Central Massachusetts, encourages the community to join them in celebration and support of HMEA’s Autism Resource Central’s 20th Anniversary.

Autism Resource Central is considered “The Center of the Autism Community” providing information and referral services as well as support and family activities to more than 3500 families in Central Massachusetts over the last 20 years. BCI is proud to sponsor Autism Resource Central’s 20th Anniversary Gala, which will be held at Cyprian Keyes in Boylston, MA on October 20, 2017 from 6 to 11 p.m.

The 20th Anniversary Gala will be an exciting red carpet event featuring dinner, dancing, silent auction, raffles and the “Guiding Star” awards ceremony.

Since 2002, Autism Resource Central has been presenting Guiding Star Awards honoring those in the autism community who go the extra mile for individuals and families challenged by autism spectrum disorders. This year, there are 15 nominees ranging from educators and ABA professionals to coaches and doctors, as the center believes that those who work to improve access to the community and acceptance of autism deserve to be commended for their efforts. Scott Morin, an ABA Therapist at BCI has been nominated by a family for a Guiding Star Award.

Among those being recognized are Janet George Ph.D., Assistant Commissioner, Policy, Planning, and Children’s Services for Department of Developmental Services (DDS), and Jeff Robinson, Ph.D., Founder and Executive Director of BCI.

“We are delighted to be a part of this very special event that celebrates Autism Resource Central and their positive impact on the community over the last two decades,” explained Dr. Robinson. “Autism Resource Central has always been at the forefront – creating awareness, educating families and the community and providing essential information and resources. For the past 15 years, BCI has proudly worked alongside Autism Resource Central, serving children and families throughout Central Massachusetts and providing services that increase their independence and enhance their quality of life at home, in school, and in the community.”

Over the years, BCI’s dedicated team members have volunteered countless hours at Autism Resource Central. BCI proudly supported many of the organization’s signature events in 2017: the 5K Run & Walk for Autism Acceptance held in April; Tee Up For Autism held in August; Autism Acceptance Day at Great Wolf Lodge held in September; and the 20th Anniversary Gala in October.

Dr. Robinson continued, “HMEA’s Autism Resource Central and BCI’s missions are similar. It is that synergy; our mission of family-first, which makes this a special partnership.”

“The autism community is made up of families, providers and state agencies all working together,” said Susan Loring, Director of Autism Resource Central. “BCI and HMEA have been working together for a long time, building that community and making the connections. We’ve come a long way and have made groundbreaking advances – such as getting legislation passed to ensure that services for children with ASD are covered by insurance.”

As one of seven autism centers in the state supported by DDS, Autism Resource Central supports thousands of children, adults and their families in the Central Massachusetts area. The center provides support, information, referral, family activities and events, activities for adults on the spectrum, educational programs for parents, and therapeutic programs for children with autism as well as siblings, school vacation events and community partnerships to area businesses. Membership is free, and all of the programs and events are free or low cost, with all fees collected going right back into supporting the center’s mission.

Loring continued, “The 20th Anniversary Gala is a ‘feel good’ night. We’re celebrating those who go above and beyond the parameters of the job to touch the lives of people with ASD and make their lives better. It’s not just a job, it’s a passion.”

Tickets to Autism Resource Central’s 20th Anniversary Gala are $75 per person and available on their website at http://www.autismresourcecentral.org/event-registration/

About Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI)

Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI) provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children with autism and their families in central Massachusetts.  BCI identifies and facilitates 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. As a Massachusetts Department of Public Health approved provider of specialty ABA services for early intervention, BCI provides center, home-based, and after-school 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

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Behavioral Concepts, Inc. Offers Tips to Help Children Adjust to a New School Year

BCIIs your child ready for school? Many parents and students feel anxious about the changes a new school year brings.

Janice McNeill, MS, BCBA, LABA, Director of Hockomock Area Services at Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout Central Massachusetts, offers tips to better prepare families for some of the challenges and obstacles faced at the start of a new school year.

Visit the school, classroom, and or teacher to help prepare your child for the school year. During your visit, encourage your child to sit in the chairs, at their desk or on the rug, whichever is appropriate for their level of schooling. Take pictures of your child in their classroom, with their teacher, on the bus, with the bus driver, and in any other school or transition settings. You can use these pictures informally or you may choose to develop a social story about their school day.

Share pertinent details about your child with the school team. Information about your child’s preferences (both their likes and dislikes); your goals for your child during the coming days and school year; as well as any changes in allergies, medications, behavior, or learning needs should be shared with your child’s school team. This is particularly important if your child is new to school, attending a school new to them, or has had changes in any of the above information. It is often beneficial to communicate by email since this provides a written record for your reference.

Set up a visual schedule. Similar to a “chore chart”, outlining a child’s daily responsibilities can help them follow a routine and gain independence at home and at school. If your child can brush their teeth, make their bed, and get themselves dressed for school, but does not do so without prompting from you to move from one activity to the other, the use of a visual schedule may help to increase their independence, and increase the time you have available for the morning routines and activities you need to complete.

Calendars are key. Calendars help us all schedule our commitments and plan our time, but they can also help to increase your child’s awareness of when certain activities will take place or when activities will be available. For example, if your child struggles with understanding when they can go swimming, show them a calendar with a swimming sticker on swim day (e.g. Saturday). Make a point of marking an “x” through each day before bedtime to mark the passage of time which may help them learn when they can go swimming and help increase their ability to wait.

Get more rest. Studies show in general that those of us living in the U.S. do not sleep enough, which can be a particular area of difficulty for student and parents. Setting a specific time for bed (or at least quiet time in their room until sleep occurs) and rising at the same time each morning can help the transition to increased sleep.

Set up and practice morning and evening routines. A sleep inducing bedtime routine could include listening to relaxing music, using a night light instead of leaving a light on, and enjoying a warm drink. Consider foods, eaten two hours or so before bedtime, that can induce sleepiness such as bananas, almonds, milk, cereal, oatmeal, and cherries (taking care to avoid allergens).

“Above all, consider individual strengths and struggles – yours and your child’s,” said McNeill. “Making a plan for decreasing the areas of struggle can help increase your child’s skills and your resourcefulness. Using tools such as calendars and schedules, and creating and sticking to routines will significantly help with the transition to a new school year.”

About Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI)

Behavioral Concepts (BCI) provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children with autism and their families in central Massachusetts.  BCI identifies and facilitates 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. As a Massachusetts Department of Public Health approved provider of specialty ABA services for early intervention, BCI provides center, home-based, and after-school 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.

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BCI of Central Massachusetts Addresses Inclusion in the Workforce

BCIBehavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout Central Massachusetts, is striving to create greater awareness and inclusion of adults with autism in the workforce.

Trends in Hiring

A growing number of companies, including human services organizations as well as companies with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) job openings, are recognizing the unique skills and attributes of individuals with ASD.

“Adults with ASD are extremely valuable employees,” explained Jeff Robinson, Ph. D., BCI’s founder and CEO. “Many possess unique skill sets that may include an elevated attention to detail, and the ability to perform specialized jobs and tasks consistently and accurately.”

Working to their strengths, BCI employs three individuals with ASD.

Dr. Robinson continued, “As behavioral clinicians specializing in the treatment of persons with ASD, we are a company that truly understands the unique challenges that occur during the interview (of an adult with ASD) and within the workplace. We provide a supportive environment to enable our employees to succeed. BCI is changing the hiring landscape on a local level in Central Massachusetts and is proud to hire individuals with ASD.”

The company recently hired Ryan Litchfield, speaker and autism advocate, as an Administrative Assistant. Litchfield is a resident of Rutland, MA.

Litchfield, who was diagnosed with autism at two years of age and believed to never be able to speak or function, recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Assumption College in Worcester, where he majored in Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies. Litchfield has also earned a Certificate in Aging Services through career and continuing education and is certified in Gerontology Studies.

Litchfield, an ASD advocate, strives to educate audiences and the general public on acceptance of people with disabilities and help them access resources associated to activities of daily living for those with ASD. For more than five years, Litchfield has been a speaker for ASD, sharing his personal experiences speaking at the Central Massachusetts Special Education Collaborative in Worcester and to schools in Wachusett Regional School District, as well as Light It Up Blue events for the Assumption Disability Awareness Promotion Team (ADAPT) in Worcester.

Previous to joining BCI, Litchfield was an administrative assistant at Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging in West Boylston, and also at the Worcester Institute for Senior Education at Assumption College. He served an intern at HMEA’s Autism Resource Central in West Boylston, MA.

“Ryan’s knowledge, positive attitude, and advocacy make him a wonderful addition to our team,” said Dr. Robinson.

Another staff member and speaker, Intake Coordinator Christian Tsetsos, recently celebrated his 10-year anniversary with BCI. Tsetsos oversees insurance authorizations and intakes and also maintains the client database among a number of other directed, highly detailed tasks. For the last seven years, Tsetsos has been a guest speaker on Asperger’s at the Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) Summer Institute for Educators as well as at other AANE conferences and panels. Tsetsos has also addressed educators at Dover-Sherborn Middle School and the Newton School District Faculty and Administrators. He is a 2014 graduate of Worcester State University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Urban Studies.

“Christian has assumed increasing responsibility during his employment with BCI. As our Intake Coordinator, Christian is the first voice that parents hear when they inquire about BCI services. He is our ever-important liaison with insurance companies. He welcomes visitors and new employees as part of his receptionist duties. Christian has truly become the BCI good-will ambassador,” said Dr. Robinson.

About Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI)

Founded in 2002, BCI provides educational, behavioral, consultative and assessment services to children with autism and their families. These services are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and are tailored to meet the unique needs of their clients. BCI’s goal is to maximize individual potential, increase independence and enhance clients’ quality of life within their home, school and community.

BCI provides center- and home-based services through health insurance and is an approved provider of Specialty ABA Services for Early Intervention in Central Massachusetts. BCI’s main care center, located at 345A Greenwood Street in Worcester, Massachusetts, offers intensive treatment for young children aged 3 to 6 years of age, an after-school program for all school aged children and a weekend social skills program. BCI offers similar services at a second location at 207 Authority Drive in Fitchburg, MA. BCI also provides in-home services within a one-hour radius of Worcester.

For complete information, visit  http://bciaba.com or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, call (508) 363-0200.

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Behavioral Concepts, Inc. Appoints New Director at Worcester Location

Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout Central Massachusetts, has appointed Candice Colón-Kwedor, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LABA, as Director of Professional Development and Research.

Dr. Colón-Kwedor specializes in the assessment and treatment of severe challenging behavior in children and adolescents and has more than a decade of experience providing consultative services and clinical services in the private school and residential setting.

In her new role as Director of Professional Development and Research at BCI, she will oversee the training curriculum for, and the professional development of behavior therapists and Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). She will also oversee therapist level in-service trainings and internal BCBA level continuing education events, as well as BCI’s new research initiative.

In addition to serving as BCI’s Director, Dr. Colón-Kwedor serves as adjunct faculty at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Endicott College. For seven years previous to BCI, she served as Clinical Director and Senior Clinical Director at the May Institute’s May Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities in Randolph, MA. Her role involved the supervision of clinical directors, assistant clinical directors and behavior specialists as well as the oversight of school wide ABA clinical services for approximately 160 residential and day students.

Dr. Colón-Kwedor received a Doctoral degree in Behavior Analysis from Western New England University and a Master of Science degree 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 serves on the Board of the Berkshire Association of Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT) as Member at Large. She is a member of the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA) and the Berkshire Association of Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT). For the past six years, Dr. Colón-Kwedor has volunteered at the annual convention for 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 Behavior and Behavioral Interventions.

She is a resident of Upton, MA.

About Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI)

Founded in 2002, BCI provides educational, behavioral, consultative and assessment services to children with autism and their families. These services are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and are tailored to meet the unique needs of their clients. BCI’s goal is to maximize individual potential, increase independence and enhance clients’ quality of life within their home, school and community.

BCI provides center- and home-based services through health insurance and is an approved provider of Specialty ABA Services for Early Intervention in Central Massachusetts. BCI’s main care center, located at 345A Greenwood Street in Worcester, Massachusetts, offers intensive treatment for young children aged 3 to 6 years of age, an after-school program for all school aged children and a weekend social skills program. BCI offers similar services at a second location at 207 Authority Drive in Fitchburg, MA. BCI also provides in-home services within a one-hour radius of Worcester.

For complete information, visit http://bciaba.com or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, call (508) 363-0200.

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BCI of Worcester Takes Strides for 5K Run & Walk for Autism Acceptance on April 29th

BCI’s Jocelyn Miller and Britney Catron at last year’s race.

Worcester, MA based Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), is stepping up and taking strides in the 5K Run & Walk for Autism Acceptance on Saturday, April 29 at DCR’s Lake Park.

April is National Autism Awareness Month, and BCI is supporting the 5K Run & Walk for Autism Acceptance, which benefits HMEA’s Autism Resource Central of West Boylston, MA, by participating in and sponsoring the event.

BCI’s 5K team of seven staff has been fundraising and gearing up to walk/run in this event. BCI staff will also host a “Kids Corner” of activities and entertainment for all children, which will include spin art Frisbees, face painting, a photo booth with a “make your own” frame, kinetic sand tables, and more.

BCI, a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism in Central Massachusetts, is a major sponsor of the 5K Run & Walk for Autism Acceptance with their contribution of $7,500.

“The Autism Resource Central’s run/walk is BCI’s signature event during National Autism Awareness month,” said Jeff Robinson, Ph. D., BCI’s founder and CEO. “We believe that the services provided to families by Autism Resource Central are critical to strengthening, educating and supporting families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder.”

To learn more or make a donation, visit the 5K Run & Walk for Autism Acceptance fundraising page at: http://bit.ly/2oFdXW4

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 about Autism Resource Central, visit autismresourcecentral.org.

About Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI)

Founded in 2002, BCI provides educational, behavioral, consultative and assessment services to children with autism and their families. These services are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and are tailored to meet the unique needs of their clients. BCI’s goal is to maximize individual potential, increase independence and enhance clients’ quality of life within their home, school and community.

BCI provides center- and home-based services through health insurance and is an approved provider of Specialty ABA Services for Early Intervention in Central Massachusetts. BCI’s main care center, located at 345A Greenwood Street in Worcester, Massachusetts, offers intensive treatment for young children aged 3 to 6 years of age, an after-school program for all school aged children and a weekend social skills program. BCI offers similar services at a second location at 207 Authority Drive in Fitchburg, MA. BCI also provides in-home services within a one-hour radius of Worcester.

For complete information, visit http://bciaba.com or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, call (508) 363-0200.

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New service offers insurance insights for parents of children with autism.

WORCESTER, MA…

For most parents, preparing your child to go back to school means a trip to the mall for school supplies, a new outfit or two and maybe some new shoes. For parents of children with autism, back to school means all that plus deciphering what programs and assistance is available for their child through the school and what’s available through insurance. A new service offered by Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the treatment of children with autism, is helping parents in Central Massachusetts solve that riddle.

“When the school year begins, many parents utilize the programs available through the school but are unaware that home support and services are available through their private health insurance,” said BCI Founder and Director Dr. Jeff Robinson. “We provide home and community services that meet the individual needs of the child and their family. In short, BCI helps students and their families navigate the system.”

Based in Worcester, Mass and with offices Mansfield and West Boylston, Mass., BCI provides much needed services to children with autism and their parents. The process begins with an assessment by qualified and certified behavior analyst. Once an assessment has been made, BCI clinicians develop a treatment plan that remediates behavioral challenges and teaches new skills and replacement behaviors.

Said Robinson, “Since we have experience collaborating with public schools and providing health insurance based services, we can tailor a program for children with autism that fits the child’s unique needs and family’s schedule—while optimizing the full benefits offered by both the schools and the health care provider.”

BCI instructional programs are delivered using discrete trial, task analysis, and systematic prompting procedures implemented by ABA therapists who have successfully completed pre-service training, on-site, and quarterly evaluations by their clinical supervisors. Instruction is provided in: Activities of daily living, functional and augmentative communication, functional academics (children over the age of 7) / academics (under the age of 7), social and play skills, leisure skills, toileting, and food tolerance.

BCI accepts Harvard-Pilgrim, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Behavioral Health, Tufts, Aetna and coverage from other major health care providers.

For complete information, visit http://bciaba.org or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, please call (508) 363-0200

About Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI)

Founded in 2002, BCI provides educational, behavioral, consultative and assessment services to children with autism and their families. These services are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and are tailored to the unique needs of the individuals BHC works with. It’s BCI’s goal to maximize student potential, increase independence and enhance our clients’ quality of live within their home, school and community.

BCI’s main treatment center is located at 170 Goddard Memorial Drive, in Worcester, Massachusetts. BCI operates its BASICS services at 100 Hartwell Street in West Boylston, Mass. The BASICS program is a sub-contract arrangement between Behavioral Concepts, Inc. and the Central Massachusetts Special Education Collaborative. BASICS provides services to children aged 7-22 with autism and maladaptive behaviors. BCI’s Corporate Offices are located in Mansfield, Mass.

For complete information, visit http://bciaba.org or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, please call (508) 363-0200

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