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.
There is nothing physically noticeable about how a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) looks compared to their peers. However, as they continue developing, kiddos with ASD may communicate, learn, and interact differently from children their age.
As a parent you may start to notice speech delays, behavior differences, and changes in the way they interact with people around them. This doesn't mean there is something wrong with your child, they are simply neurodivergent. If you think your child may have ASD, this article will help point you in the right direction and simplify the diagnosis process.
It is recommended that all children are screened for autism during their 18- and 24-month checkup. If you aren't sure if your kiddo has been screened, you can request this from your pediatrician. While this test is important, it is NOT a complete diagnosis. If the screener indicates that you child may have a greater chance of having autism, you'll need to get a full medical evaluation.
The evaluation must be conducted by a medical professional. This includes your pediatrician, a child psychologist, a pediatric neurologist, etc. Unfortunately, families often wait weeks or months before seeing a specialist. This is why it is important to know your rights.
According to Autism Speaks,
"If your child is under the age of 36 months:
During the evaluation appointment, the healthcare provider will guide your child through activities appropriate for their age. Taking into account their development and behavioral history, the Doctor may ask questions, prompt conversation, and play games.
Because this process can take several hours, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled on a different day. During this visit, you will sit down with the healthcare provider and discuss the child's official diagnosis including their strengths and weaknesses. They should also take the time to recommend some resources and begin next steps.
During this appointment, you'll likely receive lots of paperwork. Some of the most important forms here are your CDE and referral. The comprehensive diagnostic evaluation (CDE) is a detailed document outlining your child's behavior and development compared to the national standard. Simply put, the confirmation of your child's diagnosis and what led the Doctor to that conclusion.
Often, different therapists, school systems, and healthcare professionals will request your CDE. NEVER give your original CDE documents away, you will need them throughout your child's life. Instead, send a copy to whomever made the request.
Your doctor likely also wrote a referral for therapies they believe will best help your child succeed. Some of the common ones are ABA, speech, and occupational therapy. While these therapies are not cures for autism, when started from an early age they help create foundational skills for your kiddo as they continue to grow.
Getting diagnosed with autism is a lifechanging event for you family. That's why we are here to help you through every step of the process and point you in the right direction. Give us a call with questions anytime!
We are nearing the end of the first week of 2024! And with every new year comes New Year's resolutions. Personally, I love making New Year's resolutions. It is a time for me to reflect on the past year and think about how I want to progress in the future.
Some people (like myself) really enjoy the process of planning and goal setting. Others prefer to go with the flow, seeing where life's journey takes them. Whether you are writing in your brand-new planner or rolling your eyes at the annual ritual, there is something valuable for you in this post.
Every year we hear the same resolutions.
"I'm finally going to go to the gym"
"This year, I'm getting that promotion"
"I'm going to learn a new language"
"It's time to start eating healthier"
Or wake up early. Or travel. Or stop procrastinating. You get the gist.
And while these are great goals, there are so many other things to consider! Especially when you are the main caretaker of a special needs child, it can be hard to manage priorities and keep everything straight. That's why we wanted to recommend some resolutions to consider that will make your life easier in the long term.
#1 Increase Your Learning
They say that knowledge is power. And while this is true, I think it goes a step further. One of my favorite quotes from horse trainer Clinton Anderson says 'frustration begins where knowledge ends.' I've seen this happen so many times in my life. This year, consider gaining extra knowledge to empower you and your child.
#2 Spend Quality Time
We get it. As primary caregiver, you have so much on your plate. Doctor appointments, therapy, IEP meetings, and general advocating for your kiddo. Not to mention other family members in the home and personal responsibility too. With the hustle and bustle of life, how often are you able to spend quality one-on-one time with your kiddo? Maybe you are doing fantastic already! Or there could be room for improvement. Whatever the case may be, giving individual attention is the best thing you can do to help your child. Research shows spending quality time will improve your connection, strengthen attachment, and build a foundation for other things to build off of - including compliance and cooperation!
#3 Make Things Fun
It is so easy to get caught up in the mundane parts of life. Day in and day out, it all starts to blur together. If you let this go on too long, it becomes your whole life! Now, I'm not saying make every day a crazy new adventure, but a little variety never hurt anyone. Consider ways you can add spice to your family's 2024. Maybe you can start a new tradition, learn a new skill, take on a challenge etc. Even something as small as trying a new recipe is enough to bring some excitement. Work to incorporate any fun and simple things y'all can look forward to!
#4 Take Time for You
We've said it before, and we will say it again. You can't fill another's cup if yours is empty. As much as you want to give until you can't give any more, that won't do any good. Take a step back and see if you are lacking in anything mentally, physically, or emotionally. Maybe you need some quiet time, more physical activity, or to learn a new skill. Whatever the case may be, taking some time to check in with yourself will help you go much further than you thought you could.
Any other resolutions you are working on? We would love to hear about them! Reach out anytime with comments, questions, or concerns. And if you do work on these, we would love to hear how they go :)
I think one of the saddest days of the year is December 26th. The realization that Christmas is a whole 365 days away is enough to give anyone the winter blues. Maybe that is why we celebrate the new year with bright sparklers, delicious food, and colorful fireworks!
New Year's Eve poses unique challenges for those with sensory processing disorder, and other special needs. Loud fireworks, bright lights, and large gatherings can lead to overstimulation and explosive behavior. Since the day is quickly approaching, we wanted to offer some training tips to make your day fun for the whole family!
#1 Planning Ahead
Everything goes smoother with a solid plan in place. Take some time to structure your day and jot down ideas. Are you celebrating with family or joining up with friends? Staying home or going out? Will there be food available for picky eaters? Decide what time you want to want to start and end your celebration. When some guidelines are in place, share the plan with the rest of the family so everyone is on the same page.
#2 Early Preparation
Get things prepared ahead of time! This will alleviate additional stress for you and your family. Consider food, decorations, and activities, etc. Reevaluate things that may cause sensory overload and escalate to crisis.
#3 Think about Triggers
Consider the environment where you will be and the possible triggers. Even if you stay home, there will likely be loud noises from neighborhood fireworks and bright lights. Be prepared with items that will help your child cope. Noise cancelling headphones, ear buds, or sunglasses are all great options to minimize stimulation. Bring quiet activities such as a favorite blanket, soft toy, or something to fidget with. Think about a safe space your kiddo can escape and deescalate if needed.
#4 Inclusion
Your child wants to feel included with the rest of the family. If breaking your night - time routine is not a good idea, celebrate earlier! This is your New Year's Eve so create your own traditions with an earlier evening, counting down to noon, or even morning activities. I've never really enjoyed staying up until midnight, so my traditions are different and suited to my own needs and wants. Which is totally ok! You do what is best for your family.
#5 Be Flexible
Even the most meticulously thought-out plans can go out the window. And that is alright too. Remember not to put too much pressure on yourself, do your best and try to be flexible with whatever happens. Any tension or stress not only makes you feel miserable but creates difficulties for everyone involved. Take deep breaths and know it will all be ok!
We hope you have a great New Year enjoying time with family and friends, because at the end of the day that is what really matters most! Be happy and find the joy in life's little moments. If you have any questions, please reach out and I'd be more than happy to help answer them.
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
