If you've received ABA therapy services before, then you have probably heard of a behavior plan. Or if you are new to ABA, then your child will soon have their very own. Why do behavior plans matter anyway? Read on to find out exactly what you should know and what to do once you have one.
The official name of this document is a Behavior Intervention Plan, also referred to as a BIP or treatment plan. After the assessment and observation portion (called the Functional Behavior Assessment), a Behavior Analyst will write a custom BIP to help children replace challenging or socially inappropriate behaviors with adaptive ones. This treatment plan will be unique and individual to your child.
Writing a behavior plan is a lengthy and involved process, typically ranging from 25 - 40 pages long. The lead behavior therapist will take the data from the assessment and use it to create goals specifically for your child. This is where their experience and education pay off, as the information written in the plan will be implemented with your child. It is key to choose a company and behavior therapist that will take the time to do things properly and keep your needs in mind.
The standard components of a behavior plan include your child's demographics, medical history, and basic information. The therapist will recommend a number of hours for aba therapy dependent on your child's needs, typically 20 - 30, and state their reasoning for their recommendation. Further down there will be a write up of the challenging behaviors, including their function or cause and the data taken from the assessment. Also written here will be skills your child will work on developing.
Next will include the strategies to decrease the socially inappropriate behaviors and steps for the skills being worked on. This is the goal portion of the treatment plan, and the things written here will be implemented with your child during services.is also the collected data in sheets or graphs to monitor success. If applicable to your child, a safety plan may also be included.
Once the behavior plan is completed, it will be submitted to your insurance company for approval. This can take anywhere from 2-3 weeks, as adjustments may need to be made to meet their particular requirements. Once they give the green light, the ABA therapy is approved to begin.
Before starting services, your therapist should take time to thoroughly go over the treatment plan with you and answer any questions or concerns you may have. This meeting is critical to ensure providers and family are both on the same page.
Behavior intervention plans don't stop here, they are continually evolving. As the therapist and assistants administer services to your child, they will take data on your child's skills and behaviors. This data is used to keep track of progress and update the plan, making adjustments as needed. Collecting and analyzing data is critical to ensure the treatment effectively addresses target skills and behaviors. When changes are made to the treatment plan, this is called protocol modification. Please note that the ONLY person authorized to make changes and edit the plan, is the lead therapist working with your child.will learn about these updates and how to implement them at home during parent training meetings. Parent training meetings are also a place to ask any questions, bring up concerns, make recommendations, and talk about how your child is doing overall.
Every 6 months, an updated behavior plan will be resubmitted to your insurance company for reauthorization, which is a request for services to continue.
Because your child's behavior plan is considered a medical document, we follow HIPPA compliance and privacy laws. That means the only people with access to your plan are those who directly work with your child, and your insurance provider. You have full access to the behavior plan and can request an updated copy for any reason, at any time. The other people who will view your child's treatment plan is the lead behavior therapist on the case, and the registered assistants working with your child. Sometimes, other people will want access to the behavior plan such as a teacher, principal, relative etc. As a company, we will not grant access without explicit written consent. You, however, may give your copy of the plan to whomever you see fit!
To simplify, the behavior treatment plan is just a document that contains relevant information about your child and how they are progressing with aba therapy services. The lead analyst reviews and updates it as necessary, while the assistants follow the changes made during sessions with your kiddo.
If you have any questions about behavior intervention plans, or aba therapy in general please reach out! We are here to support your family in any way we can.
For more information about the basics of ABA, check out other blog posts.
Are you still stuffed from turkey on Thursday? Because I am! It's day 2 post-thanksgiving and our fridge is bulging with leftover meat, potatoes, and apple pie. No complaints though haha.
When I was a kid, I remember going to the library each December to do Christmas crafts with my siblings. It was one of my favorite parts of the holiday, and something I looked forward to every year! I still have one of the crafts I made, this mini-Christmas ornament.
Sam the Southern Snowman - today I'm going to show you how to make it! It's super simple, and a great way to get your kids involved in the decorating this year. As we discussed in a past blog post, crafts are a FANTASTIC way to help your special needs kiddos strengthen fine motor skills, express creativity, and increase confidence.
Here is what you will need:
- an empty ornament
- salt
- peppercorns or black beads
- orange construction paper
- ribbon
You can use an any size ornament, when I originally made this, we used the mini ones which turned out super cute! However, smaller hands might have an easier time with a larger bulb.
Fill your ornament halfway with salt. You can use regular table salt, epsom salt, or even white glitter. If your salt container doesn't have a spout, fill the ornament using a funnel or paper cone.
Drop in peppercorns or black beads for the eyes and buttons! I used 2 eyes and 3 buttons.
Cut a small triangle out of construction paper for the 'carrot nose' and drop that inside as well. Then close the ornament and tie a bow with some ribbon.
These are so simple and make a creative, inexpensive gift for family and friends. Spend an afternoon making several with your kiddo, and let them give these gifts to teachers, neighbors, and relatives!
As always, reach out with any questions or concerns and we would love to help with anything you need.
It’s the time of year that we all look forward to! Gathering with family and friends over a delicious feast, what could be better?
Thanksgiving is supposed to be a holiday that brings families together in the spirit of gratitude and love. However, for some families this isn’t the case. Families with special needs children, especially autism, may dread the gathering. Guests may not understand your child’s picky eating habits, or unwillingness to socialize and have silly conversations. Instead of laughter and thanksgiving what you really have is arguing, food refusal, tantrums and explosions!
Well-meaning family members give unsolicited advice and tell you if you just do “this” it will all be fixed. If this sounds like your life during the holiday season, then this article is for you. Here are tips to keep your gatherings as stress free as possible and still enjoying time with loved ones.
#1 Prepare in Advance
This step cannot be overlooked! To best support our kiddos with special needs, it's our responsibility to be prepared. Let your guests know what they can expect and what not to expect from your child. Having open communication with others will help when the day arrives, and boundaries are in place. Let family members know if they can help or if its best that they don’t interfere. Encourage everyone to be open minded and to follow your lead without judgement, you know your child best! Remember to prepare your neurodivergent family member as well. Rehearse the day with your kiddo and them know what will be happening and what is expected. Be creative! Preparing can be addressed with a story, game or a conversation. This step cannot be overlooked. Proper preparation is a must!
#2 Involve Everyone
Involve your family members in setting up. The house changes, decorations come out and different foods are presented. This is a lot for someone to take in who may not like change. Involve your kiddo in the process as much as you can. Let them help with decorating! Ask them to color a picture you can display. Let go of a 'perfect decorations expectation' and include your child.
#3 Feasting
Special occasions often present unfamiliar foods reserved for these large gatherings. This is part of the fun! Waiting all year to make Grandma's special apple pie or homemade dinner rolls. While many of us enjoy these special treats, our special needs kiddos may have a harder time with the unfamiliarity. Maybe all your kiddo will eat is mac n cheese. Have this to offer as well! Now isn’t the time to demand he or she eat new and unfamiliar foods. This has to be done in a calmer, less stimulating environment. Make sure there is a favorite food your kiddos are comfortable with so they can enjoy the holiday too.
#4 Safe Space
Set aside a quiet space ahead of time to decompress. Don’t wait until a tantrum or crisis occurs to look for a calming area. Plan this ahead of time and let your special needs child know where it is. Say something like… "this is where you can come when you get upset or feel overwhelmed." If you see your kiddo start to show signs of overstimulation, then you may need to remind him or her to go to the calming area. This can be any space that has been set up with some familiar items where your kiddo can go to destress and be alone if needed. You may also want to use this area for mini breaks throughout the day as well to prevent a behavior crisis. When your child feels safe, they will naturally act calmer. Staying calm is key. Remember, we teach our kids by example, and they feed off our energy. If we are stressed and overwhelmed, they will be too.
#5 Take Care of You
Last but certainly not least, make plans for you the caregiver as well! Once this busy day is over (or days) then make sure you schedule in some 'me' time. Often family members want to help they just don’t know how to. Ask for help! Let them know you need a few hours or an evening to go do something that you love. Doing this will help you recharge and prepare you for the next holiday around the corner, Christmas!
We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy this time to reflect on your blessings! As always, for more tips on how we can help with ABA Therapy please reach out.
I don't know about you, but post Halloween I have pumpkins EVERYWHERE! And like potato chips, you can't have just one. Or two, or three...
We have big pumpkins, small pumpkins, orange pumpkins, white pumpkins, a whole lotta fake pumpkins, and a couple real ones to.
As we've been transitioning into Thanksgiving coming up, I was looking for a way to repurpose some of the pumpkins. So, after searching the internet, I found this ingenious idea from 'The Crazy Craft Lady' of making pumpkins look like adorable little turkeys! I mean, just look how cute this is.
And they are so simple to make. She says the first step is to paint the face on, but I feel like it would be easier for little hands to use markers. If you want to be really fancy, you can use paint pens.
Then you cut out some construction paper feathers, securing with hot glue to the base of the stem. Or, with younger kiddos you can roll pieces of tape and use that to secure the leaves just fine!
That is pretty much it, super easy and simple. Definitely check out her blog post with more detailed instructions.
But what if you don't have an abundance of pumpkins like some of us?
Well, you can make some!
I've made these construction paper pumpkins several times and they are pretty simple. I linked a great video with detailed instructions. In the video she uses glue, but I've found that using a stapler holds up much better. Then when you have your finished pumpkin, it is easily turned into a turkey with colored pencils and some tape.
Besides being cute, crafts actually serve an important role in our kiddos' development.
Bending, shaping, and gluing items together helps to develop dexterity and strengthen fine motor skills. Alongside the physical benefits, using our hands to create fosters a sense of pride and satisfaction. Not only that, but research has also show that it increases self-confidence, decreases stress, and helps relieve anxiety.
Doing crafts with your kiddo is also a fun way to help them practice following one-step instructions such as 'grab the marker', or 'tape this on.' Crafts help them learn planning skills, practice problem solving, and increase patience.
So, try this one out at home! We would love to see how it turns out. You can email us at admin@sunshineabatherapy.com or tag us on social media.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Links
Mini Turkey Pumpkins - A Simple Thanksgiving Craft - The Crazy Craft Lady
Easy Kids Craft: Construction Paper Pumpkin - YouTube
Creativity, Happiness and Your Own Two Hands | Psychology Today
Happy Halloween!
Can you believe it is already the end of October? Things definitely got away from us this year; I didn't even have time to carve our pumpkin.
This is the holiday kids wait all year for and most parents' dread. From the excess candy, itchy costumes, and "mom can you carry me" it's no wonder Halloween often becomes stressful. But it doesn't have to be! We wanted to share a few tips to make tonight a more readings and enjoyable experience for your family.
This post and several of the tips are inspired from an article linked below by iloveaba.com. Check it out!
Tip #1 Familiarity
If you do choose to trick or treat, consider going to homes that your kiddo is familiar with first. Your good neighbors, friends, and family members that live nearby. People you know will already be familiar with your child's special needs, and seeing a friendly face answering the door will help your kiddo feel more comfortable.
Tip #2 Going When It's Light
Typically trick or treating starts at night, but for kiddos afraid of the dark, this may not be the best option. There is nothing wrong with starting earlier in the evening! This makes it easier to keep an eye on your child and beat the Halloween rush. When you've had your fill of fun, head inside to help your kiddo with their night routine and prepare for school the next day.
Tip #3 Ditch Normal
Does your child refuse to wear a costume? Or have their face painted? Maybe they want to wear pajamas or won't say 'trick or treat.' Who cares! It is alright if your Halloween meets your family's individual needs, whatever they may be. Avoid comparing and do what makes your kiddos happy.
Tip #4 Other Options
If trick or treating doesn't work for your family, that is ok! There are plenty of other options you can do to celebrate from the comfort of your home. From painting, watching a fun cartoon, pumpkin pancakes for dinner, etc. the options are endless.
That's it for this week. Going forward we are changing our blogging style from 'Training Tip Tuesday' to a general weekly post. In these blog posts you'll still see training tips, as well as craft ideas, things explained, recommendations, and more. Definitely stay tuned!
Happy Halloween from the Sunshine Family
October is the month where I feel like things really start to change. The weather gets a bit cooler, school sports have started playing games, bands are having concerts and competitions. The end of the year also brings exciting holidays and family gatherings with relatives we don't get to see often. With the season changing, family changes, and time flying by the way it does, we also have exciting business changes to announce.
As of last week we officially opened the Orlando clinic where you can come with your kiddos for services!
Working on a room with a dinosaur theme.
While we are still working hard to get everything organized and put together, some clients and families have been able to enjoy sessions in the clinic. To learn a bit more about the benefits of therapy in a clinic setting, check out our previous post announcing the Orlando location :)
If you are looking for clinic based ABA therapy, now is the time to start! While we still have open availability, spots are going pretty quickly.
Message us and we would be more than happy to help you!
Did you see part 1 of this post last week?? If not definitely go check it out! We discussed strategies for staying 'Cool During Crisis' and ways to help your tantruming child.
So, the hard part is over… now what? After something frustrating happens with raw emotions, our natural tendency as parents is to remind our children what upset us. Aka, 'The Lecture.'
Do you remember 'The Lecture' when you were a child? I do. It didn't happen very often, but I remember sitting down on the couch and talking through what I had done wrong, why it was a problem, and what my consequences were now. When my own stubbornness got in the way, I would refuse to make eye contact or try to argue. Causing 'The Lecture' to last longer.
Typically following a lecture, a parent will teach their child not to do it again by implementing a punishment. Although this may seem like the best course let's take a step back and think through some things.
First, how mature is your child? For me, a lecture was effective. I was mature enough to handle it and understand my wrong actions and corresponding consequences.
If you have a special needs child, remember their maturity level is often behind that of their same age peers. In addition, all children are immature (I was too, even though I often thought otherwise).
It can be helpful to ask yourself questions such as:
What is the goal?
Are we planning on teaching or punishing?
As parents we should focus mainly on teaching. This is where true progress is made. So before jumping into that lecture or punishment, consider the following tips.
Tip #1 Love First
Have an attitude of love. Remembering how much you love your child and want the best for them will help as you decide the right way to phrase your thoughts. Your kiddo will be able to pick up on it too. When I was having a lecture, even if I knew my parents were dissapointed, I never questioned that they still loved me and my mistake could be fixed.
Tip #2 Discussion
When your child has calmed enough to talk (if verbal), try discussing what happened and remind them they are safe. Working through the logic of what happened can help with emotional regulation and personal understanding.
Tip #3 Give Attention
Show an increase of attention. Kids get a lot of attention when they are having a tantrum but when it is all over, we want to walk away. This sends the message to the child that attention is given most when I am upset. We want to increase our positive attention given when our kids are calm and happy. Help them understand by our behavior that we give increased attention when they are more calm and rational.
If a mess was made during the tantrum, now is a good time to let them know you need them to help with clean up. Clean up is not the punishment and should not be seen that way. Clean up time is a natural consequence of the child’s actions. As a parent we should willingly help our kiddos clean up. Doing this sets a good example and sends the message to our children that we will always be there for them, building a foundation of trust. Don't be hesitant to make it fun! Playing music, singing songs, and making it silly can turn a negative into a more positive experience. Overall, the goal is getting the child to help clean up the mess made.
Set realistic goals for the future. Expect another outburst, but also be prepared. Likewise, it is important to prepare your child. This is the time to practice with your child how to respond during a tantrum. What calming strategies can be used? If your child doesn’t like to breath or count when upset, think outside of the box. How about breathing disguised as blowing bubbles? Who doesn’t love bubbles! How about a favorite “calm down” song that you play or sing when things get heated? Having effective calming strategies helps distract from an escalating tantrum and teaches your child how to calmly work through difficult emotions.
Lastly, if a consequence is needed be sure it is a teaching consequence. Think and plan ahead with this question.. what will this teach my child so they can do better next time? As families, we should all be striving together to help each other navigate the daily nuances of life.
For more tips and strategies in working through behavior, please reach out! We support clients and their families, supporting you no matter what.
It's been long day.
You picked up your kiddo from school and stopped at the grocery store to grab a few things for dinner. As you are checking out, you notice the king size chocolate bar in their hands. Now, a moment of internal conflict. Do you take the candy knowing full well an explosive tantrum will ensue? Or do you let them have it in an effort to keep the peace?
We all have those moments when we realize our child is about to explode. A full on, screaming, arms flailing tantrum! Not only can it be frustrating and embarrassing, but you may even question your parenting abilities.
After the hurricane passes and peace has been restored, we are left wondering... what just happened? Was there more I could have done?
For Training Tip Tuesday, we decided to share 10 tips to help your child during crisis! Sometimes we can recognize signs that our kiddo is going to go into a tantrum. While each child is unique, the signs and behavior patterns are often consistent.
Ideally, we want to try to stop a tantrum before it begins. You can do this by noticing the behavior signs that signal a tantrum is coming, and then intervene. Redirecting to a different preferred topic, asking simple questions or changing the environment can break the tension before it escalates out of hand.
If this pre-intervention is not working or you don’t catch the tantrum in time, then the following tips will help you deescalate an already tense situation.
#1 Stay Calm
Easier said than done for sure! But this is not the time for you to lose it too. Stay calm and in control, taking deep breaths or even counting to yourself if necessary.
#2 Even Tone
Along with keeping your body language calm, be mindful of your tone of voice. Use a calm even tone. Avoid yelling or sounding overly stressed and anxious.
#3 Time and Place
There is a time and place for everything. Do not try to teach, lecture or negotiate with a screaming child. This is not the time for that, and it will only make you both more frustrated. When someone is screaming, no one is learning. Save the teaching for when you are both in the right frame of mind.
#4 Change Your Environment
If it's possible, move to a quiet, calm environment with less noise and distractions.
#5 We All Need Space
Sometimes we just need space to breathe and process our emotions alone, without the added stress of another person's input or emotions. Prioritizing your child's safety, allow them to have their space. Do not over crowd or hover.
#6 Be Clear and Concise
When speaking use clear, calm language. Ask questions such as, "Are you ready to talk to me?" or "Do you want a drink?" This will distract from the tantrum but will not give in to the demands that may have caused it in the first place. If the child says no or screams say "Alright, we will try again in a few minutes." Interject every few minutes as needed.
#7 Coping Strategies
If your child previously learned a coping strategy such as breathing, blowing pretend bubbles, or stretching then this is the time to redirect to this strategy. A caregiver can set the example and model the behavior we want to see the child use.
#8 Praise
Calmly praise their attempts to self-calm or self-regulate. Say statements such as "I see you are taking deep breaths, thank you." and "I see you are sitting nicely; I like that."
#9 Use a Visual
Sometimes just refocusing the child on a visual timer, favorite stuffed animal or sensory object may help your child redirect to a calm state.
#10 Refresh and Restart
Once the tantrum has passed and calm is returning, both the caregiver and child should take a drink of water and begin to relax. Taking a drink allows you to reset and move forward with a better focus.
For more information on how to handle post-tantrum, keep your eyes open for part 2 next week. You won't want to miss it!
As always, we are here for you and your family's individual needs. If you have any questions or concerns, definitely reach out! We are ready to help you.
