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BCI Director to Present at 39th Annual BABAT Conference

October 10, 2018 by Lauren Bavosi

FITCHBURG, UPTON AND WORCESTER, MA… Candice Colon-Kwedor, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LABA, Director of Professional Development and Research at Worcester, MA- based Behavioral Concepts (BCI), will present at the upcoming Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT) 2018 Annual Conference.

Dr. Candice Colón-Kwedor

Dr. Colon-Kwedor oversees the training curriculum and professional development of ABA Therapists and Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) in her role at BCI, a company specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout Massachusetts. She will chair and speak at BABAT’s 39th annual Behavior Analysis Conference, October 10-12, 2018 hosted at University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

BABAT is one of the oldest and largest behavior analytic organizations in the country and Dr. Colon-Kwedor serves on the Board of BABAT as Member at Large.

On Thursday, October 11th, Dr. Colon-Kwedor will chair the Panel Discussion “Developing Cultural Competence: Translating Tradition to Supportive Training Programs and Socially Valid Treatment”. The presentation is 1.5 CEUs: BACB, and panelists are Hanna Rue of Autism Spectrum Therapies, Sara Litvak of The Behavior Health Center of Excellence, and Jorge Reyes of Westfield State University.

On Friday, October 12th, Dr. Colon-Kwedor will chair the Panel Discussion “Behavioral Skills Training: A Comparison of Four Pre-service Training Models”. The presentation is 1.5 CEUs: BACB, and panelists include Julie Bazinet, who is also from BCI, Jill Harper of MELMARK NEW England, and Hanna Rue of Autism Spectrum Therapies, and Jessica Wenig of Advances Learning Center.

Also, on October 12th, Dr. Colon-Kwedor will present “Treatment Integrity Considerations when Treating Automatically Maintained Behavior” following the Symposium entitled “THE Automatic Reinforcement Symposium (Bing, bing, boom, boom)”, which is 1.5 CEUs: BACB, with William H. Ahearn of New England Center for Children as Chair and Discussant.

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. In addition to BABAT, she is a member of the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (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.

Conference registration options include one or two-day, with CEU’s or without, and live stream of select talks. For more information about the conference, visit

https://babat.org/event/2018-annual-conference/

About BCI

Behavioral Concepts (BCI) provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children with autism and their families in central Massachusetts. We identify and facilitate 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. BCI is a Massachusetts Department of Public Health approved provider of specialty ABA services for early intervention. BCI also provides center, home-based, and afterschool 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.

BCI is part of the LEARN Behavioral family of companies, a national organization dedicated to helping all children succeed in school and life. Learn more at http://learnitsystems.com.

BCI Announces “Halloween Full of Pieces” Autism Friendly Event October 28th

October 1, 2018 by Brittany Ault

LEICESTER AND WORCESTER, MA… 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 second annual “Halloween Full of Pieces” autism-friendly Halloween party which will be held on October 28, 2018 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Knights of Columbus, 91 Manville Street, Leicester, MA. This event is open to the public.

Hosted by the Knights of Columbus Council 4528, this special event is a sensory-friendly and safe trick or treating experience for children with ASD. BCI’s Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapists will assist in the event alongside the Knights and staff volunteers.

The event will feature a haunted house, sensory-friendly activities, face painting and more.

There is no cost to attend “Halloween Full of Pieces” party and children may wear costumes if they wish.

“From all the scary decorations, lights and sounds to sensory issues with costume clothing fabric and accessories, Halloween can be an especially tricky time for children and families with autism,” explained Sally Burke, a Licensed Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) at BCI.

Below, Burke offers five tips to help families with autism celebrate Halloween:

If you think your child would like to (and can tolerate) wearing a costume, have him/her practice wearing it for short intervalswhile playing in the days/weeks prior to Halloween.

A visual social story or a book that discusses the topic of Halloween and what to expect prior to the event can be extremely helpful. Review it often in the days leading up to Halloween.

Practice trick or treating with a family member or neighbor you know well. Whetheryou and your child gets to one house or quite a few on Halloween, be sure to praise them for a job well done.

Plan your trick or treating route. Consider skipping homes with lots of lights, sounds and scary decorations.

Remember, staying home and passing out treats may be just as much fun for your child as going out, so don’t rule outthe option.

About BCI

BCI is part of the LEARN Behavioral family of companies, a national organization dedicated to helping all children succeed in school and life. Learn more at http://learnitsystems.com.

Family Fun Day at Great Wolf Lodge a Great Success – Autism Friendly Event

September 15, 2018 by Brittany Ault

FITCHBURG AND WORCESTER, MA… More than 200 Central Massachusetts families made tracks to Great Wolf Lodge New England in Fitchburg for HMEA’s Autism Resource Central’s Family Fun Day held on Sunday, September 23, 2018.

The autism-friendly event, which was exclusively sponsored by Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout Central Massachusetts, presented an afternoon of fun at the Great Wolf Lodge indoor waterpark followed by a pizza party.

In addition to sponsorship, BCI was on-site hosting a number of Sensory Fun Activities, such as water beads, Play Doh, kinetic sand, and other activity stations, throughout the afternoon.

The popular event was sold out within a day.

“We’re pleased to have an opportunity to partner with our friends at Autism Resource Central and provide a day of fun in a supportive environment to families and children with ASD,” said Jeff Robinson, Ph. D., BCI’s President and CEO.

About Autism Resource Central

Located in Worcester, MA, 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, visit autismresourcecentral.org.

About BCI

BCI is part of the LEARN Behavioral family of companies, a national organization dedicated to helping all children succeed in school and life. Learn more at http://learnitsystems.com.

Behavioral Concepts Partners with Assumption College to Offer Master’s Degree Program to their Workforce

August 15, 2018 by Brittany Ault

WORCESTER, MA… Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout Central Massachusetts, has recently partnered with Assumption College in Worcester to provide a graduate education opportunity to their workforce.

Through the partnership with Assumption College, BCI’s staff members can now work towards their master’s degree and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®) certification without having to travel very far. They receive classroom instruction at Assumption’s campus at 500 Salisbury Street, Worcester, while completing required field work at BCI, located at 345A Greenwood Street or at the Center for Applied Behavioral Instruction (CABI), a school for children with autism located in the adjacent building.

The BCBA® is master-level certification in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis and is issued by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board®. The Assumption College program enables BCI’s employees to conveniently continue their graduate education and training towards this credential while working in Worcester.

As part of the program with Assumption College, BCI underwrites 60 percent of the tuition cost. Students/staff who take part in the program commit to working for BCI for two years after receiving their BCBA®.

In 2016, BCI forged a similar and very successful partnership with Bay Path University. Their second cohort of 14 graduated this June. BCI is dedicated to providing a supportive culture and opportunities for professional development. In 2017, BCI was a finalist for the Worcester Telegram and Gazette’s Best Places to Work.

“We’re striving to meet fast-growing demand for assessment, behavioral and consultative services for children with ASD and their families throughout Central Massachusetts,” said Jeff Robinson, Ph.D., BCI Founder and CEO. “Our partnership with Assumption supports our staff’s development and enables us to better address the critical need for ABA clinicians in this area. By providing graduate opportunities, we can continue to bring certified clinical practitioners into the field to better meet the needs of the community.”

The first BCI/Assumption cohort of four students began this August.

For more information about Assumption College, visit https://www.assumption.edu

For more information about BCI and becoming a BCBA, visit https://bciaba.com/careers.

About BCI

BCI is part of the LEARN Behavioral family of companies, a national organization dedicated to helping all children succeed in school and life. Learn more at http://learnitsystems.com

Filling a Critical Need in the ABA Workforce BCI Announces Second Wave of Graduates from Bay Path University Partnership

August 1, 2018 by Brittany Ault

FITCHBURG AND WORCESTER, MA… Thirteen Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapists enrolled in the Bay Path University on-site graduate and continuing education program at Behavioral Concepts (BCI) of Worcester, have graduated.

The Next Generation of BCBAs

BCI, a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout Central Massachusetts, announced that 13 of their full-time ABA Therapists have earned Master’s degrees through Bay Path University and are now eligible to take the exam for Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®) certification and licensing.

BCI is proud to announce the 2018 Bay Path University cohort graduates: Katie Branson, Justin Chambers, Brandon DiTullio, Bridget Healey, Katherine Lamoureux, Jocelyn Medas, Scott Morin, Sheri Morse, Abbey Nelson, Erica Stead, Cara Stevens, Katelyn Tierney, and Marissa Valentine.

This group is the second cohort graduating from Bay Path University’s on-site program at BCI. A third cohort running now, and the application process for the fourth cohort with a graduation date of 2020, is underway.

“We are very proud of the BCI Bay Path students and very excited about the success of our partnership with BCI,” said Susan Ainsleigh, EdD, BCBA-D®, Director of Graduate Program in Applied Behavior Analysis; Associate Professor. “Together we are committed to preparing top-notch scientists and practitioners in the field of applied behavior analysis.”

The Bay Path University program enables BCI staff members to get their classroom instruction from Bay Path University professors at BCI’s 345A Greenwood Street, Worcester location. The BCBA® is a master-level certification in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis and is issued by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board®. To be eligible for the BCBA® certification, a Master’s degree is required as well as 1,500 hours of supervised experience in the field. Students complete their required fieldwork at BCI’s Worcester or Fitchburg ABA Centers or working in Home and Community Services.

As part of the program with Bay Path University, BCI underwrites 60 percent of the tuition cost. Students/staff who take part in the program commit to working for BCI for two years after receiving their BCBA®.

“BCI has a unique partnership with Bay Path University to provide an onsite graduate program for our staff on the ABA career path,” explained Jeff Robinson, Ph.D., BCI Founder and CEO. “They on an upward trajectory and are the next generation of BCBAs who fill a critical need in the ABA workforce. Essentially, this program helps ensure that we continue to meet the fast-growing demand for assessment, behavioral, consultative and educational services for children with ASD and their families throughout Central Massachusetts.”

PHOTO CAPTION:

Bay Path University graduates – (Back row left to right) Scott Morin, Bridget Healey, Justin Chambers, Erica Stead, Naja Smith, Sheri Morse, Katherine Lamoureux

(Front Row left to right) Cara Stevens, Jocelyn Medas, Abbey Nelson, Katie Branson, Katelyn Tierney. Not shown – Brandon DiTullio, Marissa Valentine

To learn more about BCI’s ABA career path, visit http://bciaba.com/careers/.

For more information about Bay Path University, visit http://www.baypath.edu/.

About BCI

BCI is part of the LEARN Behavioral family of companies, a national organization dedicated to helping all children succeed in school and life. Learn more at http://learnitsystems.com.

About Bay Path University

Bay Path University was founded in 1897. With locations in Longmeadow (main), East Longmeadow (Philip H. Ryan Health Science Center), Springfield (MA), Sturbridge (MA), and Concord (MA), Bay Path’s innovative program offerings include traditional undergraduate degrees for women, The American Women’s College on-ground and online, the first all-women, all-online accredited bachelor’s degree programs in the country; over 25 graduate programs for women and men; and Strategic Alliances, offering professional development courses for individuals and organizations. Bay Path’s goal is to give students confidence in the fundamentals of their chosen field, the curiosity to question the ordinary, the leadership to show initiative, and the desire to make a difference.

BCI to Hold Open House in Fitchburg on July 28th

July 23, 2018 by Lauren Bavosi

FITCHBURG AND WORCESTER, MA… Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout Central Massachusetts will hold an Open House on July 28, 2018 from 12 PM to 3 PM at their Fitchburg location.

BCI opened their Fitchburg office at 207 Authority Drive in November 2017 and currently provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for over 150 children in the Fitchburg region.

BCI’s Open House will feature tours of their office and will enable families and the business community to meet staff including Jill McGrale Maher, Program Director and their Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and ABA Therapists. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn more about BCI’s clinical services held on-site at their ABA Center which include: Intensive Day Services for preschool age and younger children; After-School Services which provide opportunities for school-age children to participate in social and physical activities; and Saturday Social Skills which provides instruction, guidance, and support for each child’s unique social, behavioral, sensory and communication needs.

BCI also provides Early Intervention Services (ages 3 and under) which help infants and toddlers reach important developmental milestones, and Home & Community Services, both which are provided in-home and/or community settings.

BCI leases their office space from Boutwell, Owens & Co., Inc., one of the premier independent North American designers and manufacturers of printed paperboard packaging solutions. BCI’s Open House will be held in coordination with Boutwell, Owens & Co.’s Open House, as they celebrate their 131st birthday as a company. Additionally, Boutwell, Owens & Co. will provide information regarding employment opportunities and will be accepting job applications during the Open House.

Light refreshments will be served. The general public is welcome to attend.

About BCI

BCI is part of the Learn It family of companies, a national organization dedicated to helping all children succeed in school and life. Learn more at http://learnitsystems.com/family

The Importance of Swim Safety for Children with Autism

May 24, 2018 by Jessica Stott

As the summer heat settles in, many families head to pools, beaches become crowded and our time spent near the water becomes part of our routines. What seems like a standard summer activity for most, can be challenging for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families. Sadly, drowning after elopement is the leading cause in death in children and adults on the Autism Spectrum. In fact, according to the National Autism Association (June 2016), the risk of death by drowning is twice as high for children with ASD than in the general population.

Given the impairment in cognitive functioning and language that is associated with ASD, several experts have hypothesized that children with Autism tend not to see water as a danger. Rather, their impulsivity and therapeutic love for the sensations of the water can take over. However, a study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, provides an initial indication that children with ASD can develop skills to avoid drowning.

What does that mean for us as parents and providers? It means exposure, precautionary measures, strategies and discussion.

Here are a few tips and suggestions to consider:

Exposure: The earlier the better. Sign up for local swim lessons which are offered at most recreational centers in surrounding areas. Some specialize in adaptive programs geared towards children with special needs which can provide an individualized approach to learning to swim while building confidence and safety near the water.
Precautionary measures: If you own a pool or live near water, ensure the use of locks, gates and other barriers around these areas. After using any small kiddie pools, large tubs, or water play areas, take a few minutes to empty these when done.
Strategies: Provide rules to your loved one with ASD. Practice and review these rules prior to going near water and throughout a visit or trip to a pool or ocean. Present these rules and other strategies in a way that can easily be understood and reviewed often. This can be done through the development of Social Stories™ outlining the expectations of what it means to be safe near water. Provide replacement behaviors such as how to enter water and/or when it is safe to be in the water. Teach children to identify and respond to common safety signs related to water. Model appropriate behavior when swimming or near water.
Discussion: Communicate with neighbors that own pools about your child, the local police department and your community. As a parent, you are the best advocate for your child, especially your child’s safety. Some police departments provide a safety plan or alert form which would allow for your child’s likes, fears and behaviors to be documented.

With a few extra proactive steps and clear directives, a successful trip involving swimming isn’t out of question. Go enjoy the beach, plan to visit the local pool, but don’t forget the power of being prepared and communicating with your local support systems!

Jessica Stott is Program Director at Behavioral Concepts (BCI). BCI has two locations, Worcester and Fitchburg, and 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. For more information, visit https://bciaba.com.

Sources:

Gray, C. (2018) What is a Social Story? Retrieved from https://carolgraysocialstories.com/social-stories/what-is-it/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016, April 28.) Unintentional Drowning: Get the facts. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/water-safety/waterinjuries-factsheet.html

Alaniz, M.L., Rosenberg, S.S., Beard, N.R. et al. (2017). The Effectiveness of Aquatic Group Therapy for Improving Water Safety and Social Interactions in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Program. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 47(12) 4006-4017. doi.org/10.1007/s10803-017-3264-4

BCI Directors Speak at ABAI Conference in San Diego

May 4, 2018 by Brittany Ault

FITCHBURG, UPTON AND WORCESTER, MA… Two Directors at Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) throughout Central Massachusetts, will speak at the Association for Behavior Analysis International’s (ABAI) 44th Annual Convention which will be held at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego and Marriott Marquis San Diego & Marina in San Diego, California, May 24–28, 2018.

Jill McGrale Maher, M.A., BCBA, LABA, Program Director at BCI’s Fitchburg location, will lead the workshop “Teaching Staff to Teach Social Skills Groups for Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder” on Thursday, May 24, 2018.

Maher will also speak on the topic of “Teaching Staff to Effectively Teach Groups of Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder” (assisted by BCI’s Katelyn Moisan) and on the topic “Making Significant Staff and Client Behavior Change Using Basic Strategies” (assisted by BCI’s Katelyn Moisan) on Saturday, May 26, 2018.

Maher, who is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA), has more than 35 years combined experience in special education and applied behavior analysis, leading programs for children with autism spectrum disorders. She has presented papers at numerous conferences and invited talks across the country and has several publications.

Maher joined BCI in 2017. She holds a master’s degree in human development and completed coursework towards her Ph.D. in developmental and child psychology from the University of Kansas. Maher is a state certified special education teacher as well as an adjunct professor at Endicott College and has previously taught at Worcester State University. She is a member of ABAI, the Berkshire Association of Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT), and the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA).

Candice Colón-Kwedor, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LABA, Director of Professional Development and Research at BCI’s Worcester location, will speak on the topic of “Response Interruption and Redirection Treatment Integrity Considerations” on Saturday, May 26, 2018.

Dr. Colón-Kwedor specializes in the assessment and treatment of severe challenging behavior in children and adolescents and has 13 years of experience providing consultative services and clinical services in the private school and residential setting. She joined BCI in 2017. Dr. Colón-Kwedor serves as adjunct faculty at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and previously held a similar position at Endicott College. More recently, she was elected to serve on the Board for the Berkshire Association of Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT). Dr. Colón-Kwedor received her doctoral degree from Western New England University and obtained a Master of Science 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 is a member of ABAI, BABAT, and the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (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.

To learn more about the ABAI conference, visit https://www.abainternational.org/events/annual-2018.aspx.

For more information about BCI, visit https://bciaba.com/.

About BCI

BCI is part of the Learn It family of companies, a national organization dedicated to helping all children succeed in school and life. Learn more at http://learnitsystems.com/family

BCI Director to Present at 39th Annual BABAT Conference

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