Behavior Intervention
The WWA Behavior Intervention program offers two components; early intervention behavior services and intensive behavior intervention services. The focus of Early Intervention Behavior services is on skill acquisition through the implementation of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques. Moreover,Discrete Trial Training (DTT) is utilized to systematically introduce new skills and promote the maintenance and generalization of previously learned skills.Intensive Behavior Intervention services focuses on increasing appropriate desired functional behaviors, as well as reducing inappropriate excessive behaviors. Positive behavior support strategies are utilized in addition to behavior reduction techniques to teach the learning of replacement and socially appropriate behaviors.
School Behavior Services
Working With Autism Inc. (WWA), strongly adheres to and incorporates the guidelines and principles of Positive Behavior Support in providing students with behavior intervention in the school setting. WWA’s main focus is to teach and/or reinforce the skill acquisition of appropriate school related behavior(s), while reducing the student’s reliance on targeted problem behavior(s). In addition, WWA programs for generalization of skills and interventions to allow school personnel in the natural environment to assist the student, which ultimately facilitates the fade out of Behavior Related Services. Evidenced based interventions and procedures derived from Applied Behavior Analysis are utilized with emphasis on promoting skills that will enable students to access their classroom curriculum to the maximum extent possible. When behavior related services are deemed warranted by the Division of Special Education Staff or IEP team, WWA considers the student’s social interaction, physical freedom, personal privacy, human dignity, and ability to be successful in the least restrictive environment.
Supervision
Based on information obtained during the initial evaluation, your WWA case supervisor will develop an individualized intervention program for your child. Following the initial evaluation, bi-monthly team meetings and observations are conducted to monitor progress and maximize the efficacy of the program. Each component of the behavioral intervention and academic curriculum is observed and discussed. Using data sources such as log notes, parent and instructor interview, and direct observation, the case supervisor will determine whether any portion of the program needs to be added, removed or modified. The observations allow the case supervisors to promote consistency across settings as this is imperative for generalization and to make recommendations for implementing an effective behavioral strategy in alternate settings. The team meetings are also used as a forum for parents to discuss behavioral issues they see at home, and obtain recommendations for how the behaviors should be addressed.
IEP services
WWA case supervisors are available to attend IEP meetings upon parent invitation. In addition to attending the meeting, case supervisors provide progress reports and proposed goals, including both annual goals and tri-annual benchmarks. The case supervisor can also assist the IEP team in determining how behavioral services can be most beneficial and appropriate for the child in the school setting.
Professional Consultation
Finally, case supervisors consult with other professionals on the child’s team. This includes consultation with parents and/or instructors between clinic meetings, consultations with other paraprofessionals (e.g., speech therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, medical professionals), and consultations with the Clinic Director, Assistant Clinic Director and/or Clinical Coordinator. Consultations are essential for maintaining consistency within a large team of service providers. In addition, telephone consultations and meetings give the case supervisor access to additional input that may be helpful in maintaining an effective program. Our experience has shown that multiple sources of data and knowledge enhance program development and ultimately facilitate the success of our clients.