Services

BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST

The Behavior Specialist service is available to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The process consists of a collaborative, functional assessment-based approach to developing effective interventions for problem behavior. The aim is to build effective environments in which positive behavior is more effective than problem behavior, so that lifelong change can be achieved, The service is provided in the environment where there is a need for change.

The behavior support process consists of activities outlined by the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and is administered based on the service description provided by ODP which includes:

Collection and evaluation of behavioral data

Observation of the consumer in various settings

Collaboration and consultation with the consumer, their family, staff, and their support team

Conducting functional assessments of behavior problems

Developing and updating Behavior Support Plans

Conducting trainings, for staff and family members, on techniques and strategies in the Behavior Support Plan

Monitoring implementation of the plan and revising it based on behavioral data collected

Riverside Associates employs Master and Bachelor level clinicians with educational and clinical training in Applied Behavior Analysis. Our clinicians have successfully treated verbal/physical aggression, sensory difficulties, a variety of skill deficits, sexually offensive behavior, obsessive compulsive tendencies and anger management deficiencies.

BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST (SENSORY REVIEWS)

The purpose of a Sensory Review is to gain insight into the relationship between sensory stimuli found in a client’s everyday environment and his/her behavioral responses to them. Most often, we receive referrals to complete Sensory Reviews based on the displayed behavior being viewed as obtrusive, inappropriate, or harmful. Behavioral Specialist operate with an understanding that behaviors serve a variety of functions that allow clients to obtain a desired item, to escape an undesirable activity/task, to gain social attention, and/or to meet a sensory need. For this reason, it may become crucial to a client’s treatment that his/her team better understand how a behavioral response is an attempt to meet a sensory need that is not currently being fulfilled. Information obtained related to the underlying cause of the behavior, will provide the team with a better understanding of the individual and an opportunity to develop client specific interventions. “If we make the mistake of addressing only the behavioral aspect of the problem, the base sensory problem will still exist” (Murray-Slutsky, Paris, 2005).

Riverside staff use many tools to complete the Sensory Review and to develop a plan for the team. The Sensory Profile 2, Adolescent / Adult Sensory Profile Questionnaire, and a Sensory Checklist (Raising a Sensory Smart Child), 2005 are just a few of the tools we use. Other key components include on-site environmental observations and identifying preferred and non-preferred items ,as these are essential in creating successful interventions. The Sensory Review and Preference Assessment help the team develop a behavior support plan that will create long-lasting behavioral changes. This review is completed by a Master Level clinician with the assistance of a Bachelor Level Clinician. Teams will be provided with a summary of how the individual responded during the review, specific recommendations to create a sensory rich environment, along with where each item can be purchased. Teams also receive a sample sensory schedule to assist them in getting started. The assessment can be completed in the home or day program setting.

Following the presentation of the review, Riverside Associates is also able to provide the team with an 8-week training course, that assist the team in establishing the sensory rich environment.

COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST

Communication is a key component to developing meaning relationships, exploring new environments and maintaining an overall positive quality of life. Riverside Associates acknowledges the importance of communication and; therefore, strives to provide each client with a communication form that first meets the client on his/her level then looks to increase knowledge by building upon foundational skills to develop a functional form of communication. Functional Communication Training developed by Mark Durand and The Essentials for Living by Patrick McGreevy, Troy Fry and Colleen Cornwall are just a few of the assessment tools utilized to assess the individual and to develop functional communication skills.

The Communication Assessment consists of:

· Interview/Observation- a clinical interview with communicative partners

· Communication Testing-formal testing the individual’s current method of communicating

· iPad/AAC Assessment-an assessment of possible AAC devices to be used in the training plan

· Report Development- the development of a plan to teach the individual communication skills in any

appropriate form (speech, pictures, signs, gestures)

The assessment is completed by the Functional Communication Assessor, a clinician with additional training in functional communication and communication systems. The assessment occurs in the home and other environments the individual visits regularly. Following the assessment, it is necessary to have a plan for assessing individuals and devising strategies to improve their communication skills. Riverside Associates will provide you with a plan of action along with an 8-week Communication Training course to support the team.

TRAINING AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT

Our team of professionals is ready to assist you and your team with onsite trainings. We come with years of experience and knowledge in many subject areas. Our clinicians have experience working in educational administration, special education instruction, social work, applied behavior analysis and functional communication. We welcome the opportunity to work with you. In addition to the topics listed below we can customize a training course based on your needs:

Act on the Antecedent
Reducing Echolalia
Addressing Interrupting Behaviors

Putting Together the Pieces: Autism and Behavior Support
The ABC’s of ABA
IEP to ISP-learning to talk the language