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Blog

It’s a Journey: Continuing to Push the Boundaries of Awareness

April 19, 2019 by Brittany Ault

By: Candice Colón-Kwedor, PhD, BCBA-D, LABA

This year marks the twelfth annual World Autism Awareness Day (April 2, 2019). But of course, many families and advocates were working tirelessly to promote awareness long before this day was created, and they continue to do so today. The Merriam -Webster dictionary states that awareness is the “knowledge and understanding that something is happening or exists.” Knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is important but the true part of awareness that should be focused on is understanding, which may only be brought about via experience and education.

When I first started off in the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA) working with children diagnosed with ASD, the services provided to families in the state of Massachusetts were either school-funded or privately paid by the family.  I still remember the many families who reached out in despair and one family’s story in particular, will always remind me of just how far we have come. I remember the mother who would recount her experiences of trying to teach her young daughter basic communication skills. For instance, I can remember the time this mother recalled sitting on her kitchen floor for what seemed like forever until her daughter finally made one simple request and at the end both her and her daughter sat in tears. No doubt these were tears of frustration, but ultimately tears of joy over a victory of progress that they both experienced. This was a mother dedicated to teaching her daughter, but not naïve to the fact that substantial progress would require a team of qualified professionals to help support her daughter. A mother who knew that the parent support she received from the school was good, but it wasn’t good enough, as she needed additional in-home support to provide her daughter with additional learning opportunities tailored to her daughters’ individual needs in their home and community. This same mother would tell stories of long arduous telephone calls with the insurance company trying to get them to fund in-home services for her daughter. The answer she received time and time again was “No”, that at most she could receive outpatient services once a week for one to two hours at a time, and that “ASD was categorized like depression or bipolar” and those were the services she could expect. She would sit on the other end of the phone trying to explain her child’s actual needs; she needed skill building exercises, assistance with her challenging behavior and most of all parent training and collaboration in her home so that she could also help to support her daughter. Unfortunately, these explanations always resulted in no change on the part of insurance company representatives.

As a young professional in the field of ABA and as someone who knew just how much support was needed to make meaningful progress, my heart was heavy when I heard this mother and others tell of their struggles.  I wished I could do more for these families to help them receive additional services. Fortunately, over the last decade, education and advocacy has improved health insurance coverage for medically necessary treatments such as ABA. These advocacy efforts have not only resulted in a trend towards appropriate funding for insurance-based ABA services across the United States but also assisted in awareness regarding the prevalence of ASD and the unique service needs associated with the diagnosis.  For instance, An Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism (ARICA), was a law passed in 2010, requiring private health insurers in Massachusetts to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of ASD. More recently, Current Procedural Terminology codes or CPT codes for ABA, which are codes maintained by the American Medical Association and used by medical providers to bill insurance companies for services, have transitioned from temporary (experimental, but effective treatments)  to permanent (treatments proven effective via scientifically supported evidence) as of January 1, 2019. This change generally requires insurance companies to reimburse for ABA services as medically necessary treatments for those who need services.

Due to such efforts, today the child I mentioned above has had several years of access to insurance-based services in addition to school-based services and the impact has been remarkable for her progress. However, as fruitful as these changes have been, it is important to remember that there are still opponents to insurance based funding who argue that services for those diagnosed with ASD are the responsibility of parents and school systems and continue to raise concerns that mandating coverage for ASD significantly increases insurance premiums. Therefore, I am sure that maintaining funding and, in some states, establishing funding will continue to be a battle in many capacities. Therefore, we must remain dedicated to educating people about the wide range of effects ASD presents and continue to raise awareness and financial support for programs that make the lives of those diagnosed with ASD and their families happier, healthier and safer.

In addition, there must be a focus on education for the general public in order to reach an ultimate understanding of this vast spectrum of needs so that each person affected by ASD can receive acceptance, support and the necessary action to obtain continual improvements and progress. As I reflect on the changes over the course of my career, I am inspired by those who fought tirelessly to advocate for insurance-based services, but I also know that there is still much to be achieved. For instance, we still have much work to do in the area of the general public’s understanding regarding the diversity of those diagnosed with ASD and the varied level of support that each individual may actually require. No two people diagnosed with ASD are alike and in turn either are the level of services they require. For instance, the 14-year-old boy who needs to be accompanied by his mother or a one-to-one aide in the rest room of the local target isn’t a spectacle to be stared at nor is he a child who should be scolded for being in the women’s restroom. He simply needs the support of an adult to supervise him at all times. The parents of the child engaging in a tantrum in the middle of the mall don’t need to be chastised or labeled as bad parents, they are simply parents who are likely working through a skill with their child or perhaps they are in despair because they are in need of additional services. And, then there is the child who you probably don’t see out in public very often, the one who is still working on safety skills, the one who has to wear protective equipment such as a helmet or arm limiters due to his severe self-injurious behavior, this child isn’t to be forgotten because he too is diagnosed on the autism spectrum (even though you may not be aware of him)  and he too is deserving of support and understanding from his community members. Therefore, I encourage each member of the community to remain open-minded, challenge their judgments, and seek a genuine understanding of ASD via education inclusive of listening to the experiences of those directly affected by this disorder so that awareness can be fully achieved.

Filed Under: Blog, News Room

Empathy: it’s what matters most

April 16, 2019 by Brittany Ault

By: Sally Burke, M.S. Ed., BCBA, LABA

For the past 25 years, I have worked in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis.  As I reflect on Autism Awareness Month, I recognize that working with people is the most rewarding part of my job. In my role as the Director of Specialty Early Intervention Services, I have the privilege of working directly with the clients and families we serve, my fellow staff, and other providers . I value everything that each of them has to say regarding the well-being of the children we serve and services that we provide.  The ability to empathize with these wonderful people around me has helped to define me as the professional I am today.

Empathy is the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another of either the past or present without having the feelings, thoughts, and experience fully communicated in an objectively explicit manner (Merriam-Webster, 2019). Or, as the old saying goes, “put yourself in another person’s shoes.”

Demonstrating empathy with families is imperative.  Being able to understand what is happening within the family unit not only makes you a better Behavior Analyst but it makes you a better person. You can have the best clinical idea for treatment in mind but if you can’t understand and respond to the individual family’s needs, you have not fulfilled your obligations as a clinician nor have you maximized the potential outcome.

In the workplace, having empathy can show respect for co-workers and communicate that you care about them as a person.  This can go a long way in developing meaningful relationships, increasing team morale, and building loyalty.  It gives people a sense of being heard and feeling understood. Empathy is a powerful tool in the workforce.

Autism awareness and acceptance starts with empathy. It’s not always easy to understand why someone thinks or feels the way they do about a situation.  It takes time and effort to show awareness and understanding.  If you work hard at this it will eventually become natural to you.

I’m not saying every day will be perfect, however, if you can focus on this attribute, I guarantee you will enjoy life more and do a better job at whatever you do.  Embrace empathy in everything you do, it gets easier and, in my opinion, it’s what matters most.

Work Cited

“Empathy.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, 2019, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/empathy.

Filed Under: Blog, News Room

Behavioral Concepts CEO Honored as 2019 Large Business Leader of the Year

April 13, 2019 by Lauren Connors

FITCHBURG, SPRINGFIELD, TEWKSBURY AND WORCESTER, MA… Jeffrey R. Robinson, Ph.D., president and CEO of Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), has been honored as the 2019 Large Business Leader of the Year by the Worcester Business Journal.

On April 4, 2019 at the Worcester Business Journal’s Business Leaders and Hall of Fame Awards held at Cyprian Keys Golf Club in Boylston, Dr. Robinson was honored with the 2019 Large Business Leader of the Year award for his distinctive leadership and accomplishments over the past year and beyond. Dr. Robinson was joined at the event by BCI’s dedicated team of directors, BCBAs, Behavior Technicians and administrative staff.

With a passion for special education services and 39 years of experience in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Dr. Robinson is dedicated to best-practice applied behavior analysis services.

Dr. Robinson founded BCI in Worcester in 2003 to provide families and schools with highly specialized consultative and direct services for children diagnosed with autism. BCI is a Massachusetts Department of Public Health approved provider of specialty ABA services for early intervention (infants and children up to three years of age). BCI also provides center, home-based, and afterschool services through private and public health insurance. The organization has grown from its initial six employees to over 500 employees and is among the largest insurance-based ABA service providers in Massachusetts. BCI’s main headquarters remain in Worcester, with satellite offices in Springfield, Fitchburg, and Tewksbury.

Over the past year, Dr. Robinson has successfully expanded BCI’s services to three new areas of the state, establishing Greater Springfield, Northeast and Southeast Programs. Based on BCI’s record of clinical excellence, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health had approached BCI to expand their Early Intervention contracts to under-served areas within the commonwealth.

Leading through the years

Dr. Robinson is renowned throughout Central Massachusetts as a visionary leader in the field. His work has been published in peer-reviewed journals and he has presented at conferences across the country. Dr. Robinson earned his Ph.D. in special education from Boston College.

For more than 25 years, Dr. Robinson has been consulting with school districts throughout Central and Southeastern Massachusetts, most notably holding a contract with Worcester Public Schools from 1999 until 2014. He was the senior ABA consultant helping Worcester Public Schools to formally develop an autism program.

Building a workforce of clinicians
In 2014, to address an industry-wide workforce shortage in board-certified clinicians, BCI partnered with Bay Path University to create an onsite graduate program in Applied Behavior Analysis. BCI has had 25 graduates from this program partnership over the past two years.

Last year, BCI struck a partnership with Assumption College in Worcester to provide an on-campus graduate program for staff looking for a more traditional graduate program experience. BCI employs, on average, more than 30 Assumption College alumni each year. As an additional incentive, BCI pays 60 percent of the tuition cost for employees.

Dr. Robinson’s accomplishments and advancements in the special education sector reach beyond BCI. In 2014, Dr. Robinson co-founded the Center for Applied Behavioral Instruction (CABI) with Dr. Brian Doyle. CABI is a private, special education day school for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Behavioral Challenges. Students are referred to CABI from local school districts when they need more intensive educational and behavioral interventions. CABI serves students from more than 30 school districts and recently renovated their school space in anticipation of increased enrollment.

“We are absolutely thrilled that Jeff has been recognized as Business Leader of the Year,” said Dr. Doyle. “Jeff is passionate about working with children, which is one of the reasons why BCI is so successful. Jeff is a tremendous leader and mentor. It is a well-deserved honor.”

The number of children diagnosed with ASD continues to rise. New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that autism affects one in 59 children. Dr. Robinson, who is set retire from BCI in August, leaves quite a legacy in ensuring that specialized consultative and direct services for children diagnosed with autism are provided to hundreds of families in Massachusetts through BCI.

Dr. Robinson was honored by the Worcester Business Journal along with four other Business Leaders of the Year and four Hall of Fame Inductees. For more information about the event, visit www.wbjournal.com.

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 https://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

 

Filed Under: Blog, Press Releases

Autism Awareness Reflection #1

April 2, 2019 by Brittany Ault

Twenty years ago, I graduated high school with the plan to go to college, get my psychology degree, and work with the troubled teenage youth. I wanted to make a difference in someone’s life. Fast forward to today. Let’s just say, the plan didn’t exactly go as I expected but I could not be happier. After working in youth services using my psychology degree, I realized this just was not the career I once wanted for myself.

In 2010, I joined BCI as a Behavior Technician after taking some time off to figure out my future career path. I soon realized that I found a job where I was able to make a difference is someone’s life, just as I had always wanted. After working at BCI for a year, I was hooked and decided to further my education and pursue a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis.

With Autism Awareness month upon us, I positively reflect on my experience working with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. One particular family that I worked with had a non-verbal son. They were told by a doctor that their son was likely never to speak. The client engaged in many challenging behaviors because he was frustrated by his inability to communicate his wants and needs.  After receiving ABA services, the child ended up not only speaking, using words, but ultimately built up his vocabulary to the point of completing full sentences. In turn, his behaviors decreased tremendously using his new replacement skills instead of engaging in negative behaviors. To witness a child grow and even exceed a doctor’s expectations was such a rewarding experience that I knew this was to become my personal and professional pursuit.

Working with children diagnosed autism has taught me more about the world and about myself than I could have ever expected. I have met many children and families in my nine years at BCI and each encounter has opened my eyes to new experiences and adventures. I am humbled each day working in the autism field as practitioner of Applied Behavior Analysis. I could not imagine doing anything else with my life.

Filed Under: Blog, News Room

Behavioral Concepts Director Speaks About Autism Spectrum Disorder at Shrewsbury Women’s Circle Breakfast

March 28, 2019 by Brittany Ault

MEDWAY, SHREWSBURY AND WORCESTER, MA… More than 40 were in attendance at a recent Women’s Circle Breakfast at Southgate in Shrewsbury to hear guest speaker Jessica Stott, M.S., BCBA, LABA, Director of Center Based Services for Behavioral Concepts (BCI) in Worcester speak on the topic of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Behavioral Concepts is a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout Central Massachusetts. Stott spoke on the topic “Autism: Let’s get down to the facts, treatment approaches and into the daily lives of those diagnosed.” As provider of ABA intervention to children diagnosed with ASD, BCI serves over 500 clients and families with the goal of providing treatment for behavior change to meet individualized milestones.

Stott’s presentation discussed the effects of ABA and reviewed other treatment methods. Stott also highlighted stories of success and provided an overview of services available within the community.

Speaker’s Bureau

Stott is available to speak to a wide range of audiences, from business and fraternal organizations to civic groups.

Stott has provided ABA based services to children with disabilities for more than 10 years and is a former adjunct faculty for Endicott College. As BCI’s Director of Center Based Services in Worcester, Stott specializes in staff and parent training, consultative services, and program development. She also oversees these services.

Stott received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Endicott College in Beverly, MA and a Master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis from Simmons College in Boston. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), a Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA) in the state of Massachusetts. She is a member of the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).

A native of Medway, MA, Stott resides in Hudson, MA.

Southgate at Shrewsbury is a retirement community located at 30 Julio Drive, Shrewsbury, MA 01545. For more information about Southgate at Shrewsbury, visit http://southgateatshrewsbury.com.

To arrange a speaking engagement or to learn more about BCI, visit their website at https://bciaba.com or contact 508-363-0200.

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 https://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

Filed Under: Blog, News Room, Press Releases

Behavioral Concepts Announces Open House & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at New Springfield Location on January 31st

January 16, 2019 by Brittany Ault

SPRINGFIELD, 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 Thursday, January 31, 2019 from 3pm to 6pm at their new Springfield, MA center at 90 Carando Drive. The open house will begin with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony at 3pm with Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno. 

Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Worcester, BCI has grown to become the go-to provider of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders throughout Massachusetts.  

BCI’s Open House will feature tours of their new Springfield center and will enable families and the business community to learn more about BCI’s clinical services. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet BCI’s founder and CEO Jeffrey Robinson, Ph. D., and Regional Director Britney Catron, M.A., BCBA, LABA, along with Marcy Schulz, M.A., BCBA, LABA, Assistant Director of Early Intervention ABA Services, and their team of Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs).   

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

BCI relocated from a temporary office to a new 7,200 square foot center at Carando Drive in early January. BCI is currently providing Early Intervention services to 75 families throughout greater Springfield. Their Early Intervention services are designed to assist infants and toddlers (birth to age three) in making significant strides in their development. These services are targeted, evidence-based, tailored to their needs, and usually provided in the home. 

Expanded ABA Services for Ages 3+ 

The new Springfield center enables BCI to expand their services to provide center-based, insurance-funded ABA services for children over age three. Center-based services include an Intensive Day Program for preschool-age children, as well as an After-School Program and a Saturday Social Skills group for school-age children. BCI now has five classrooms, as well as a main area, gym and outdoor play yard, providing them with the capacity to serve 30 to 45 children per session in their new onsite program.                                                               

“We are very excited about our new space and the launch of our insurance funded, center-based ABA programs for children age three and older. It enables continuity of services for our families receiving Early Intervention and home-based services from BCI,” said Catron. 

BCI is a partner agency that receives Early Intervention referrals from the Department of Public Health for children under age three with a diagnosis Autism Spectrum Disorder.  

To learn more about BCI, visit https://bciaba.com or call 508-363-0200. 

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 after school 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 https://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

Filed Under: Blog, News Room

BCI Announces New Springfield Location and New Regional Director

October 15, 2018 by Brittany Ault

FITCHBURG, SPRINGFIELD 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, announces a new Springfield, MA center and new Regional Director. 

Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Worcester, MA with a second location in Fitchburg, MA, BCI has grown to become the go-to provider of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders throughout Central Massachusetts.

BCI will officially open doors of their new ABA center located at 90 Carando Drive, in January 2019. BCI provides specialty Early Intervention ABA services to families throughout western Massachusetts, as there is a significant need for these specialty services ABA providers in the area. BCI’s Early Intervention Services are designed to assist infants and toddlers (birth to age three) in making significant strides in their development. These services are targeted, evidence-based, tailored to their needs, and usually provided in the home.

BCI is a partner agency that receives Early Intervention referrals from the Department of Public Health for children under age three with a diagnosis Autism Spectrum Disorder. BCI is currently providing Early Intervention services to 75 families throughout greater Springfield through their temporary office on Mill Street in Springfield.

The new location enables BCI to expand services. In addition to Early Intervention services, BCI will provide center-based insurance-funded ABA services for children over age three, beginning in January 2019. BCI’s new 7,200 square foot space consists of five classrooms, a main area, gym and outdoor play yard, with the capacity to serve 30 to 45 children in their onsite program.

Britney Catron, M.A., BCBA, LABA has been promoted to Regional Director of Greater Springfield to supervise, train and provide oversight of all onsite and offsite programs.

Catron holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and received her Master’s degree in Education in Applied Behavioral Analysis from Bay Path University in 2014. She is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and a Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA) in the state of Massachusetts. She began her career at BCI in 2011 as an ABA therapist prior to becoming a BCBA for BCI’s Worcester location.

BCI has a team of five BCBAs in Springfield, including Marcy Schulz, M.A., BCBA, LABA who is the Assistant Director of Early Intervention ABA Services. Schulz has a lengthy career with BCI and has significantly contributed to establishing ABA services in Central Massachusetts and obtaining new Early Intervention contracts.

“There is significant demand in this area for BCI’s specialty Early Intervention services, which include assessment, clinical design, consultation and transition to school,” said Schulz. “Essentially, we work with families to identify goals and then assist their children with learning new skills to achieve important milestones in their social development.”

“Our ABA services for children age 3 and older will open in January of 2019. We are excited to provide insurance funded, center-based programs as well as Early Intervention and home-based services,” said Catron.

To learn more about BCI’s Early Intervention services in Springfield, call 508-363-0200 or visit  https://bciaba.com/how-we-can-help/specialty-early-intervention-services/.

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 https://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

Filed Under: Blog, News Room

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: 

  1. 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. 
  1. 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.
  1. 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. 
  1. Plan your trick or treating route. Consider skipping homes with lots of lights, sounds and scary decorations.
  1. 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 

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.

Filed Under: Blog, News Room, Press Releases

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