Today, April 1st kicks off Autism Awareness Month!

Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the world. Raising awareness for autism is important to furthering education and acceptance, expanding state and federal legislation in support of autism, and improving insurance eligibility for individuals and their families. Over the next 30 days, we will be posting featured stories about autism awareness, sharing photos and videos of our various promotions and events, as well as communicating important information related to things happening throughout the community.

The best way to support Autism Awareness month is to get involved. Here are a list of organizations and resources for more information on Autism Spectrum Disorder and Autism Awareness Month. Join BCI and #BeMore4Autism.

The Autism Society

Autism Speaks

The Autism / Asperger Network 

National Autism Association

All people, whether diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Fragile X or those without a Developmental Disability, in one way or another, face challenges in their everyday lives. Those challenges make us feel emotions, fall and get back up, and ultimately reach milestones (however big or small). That’s what makes us all people.

Developmental Disabilities do not discriminate a person’s ability to live a full and prosperous life. Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (#DDAwareness19) brings awareness to people and communities, their varying abilities, struggles and most importantly, their accomplishments. #DDAwarenesse19 highlights people who have paved the way for so many others to come.

As we evolve as a society, we make strides in creating more inclusion for people with disabilities whether it be in the work force, in colleges and universities or in social settings. Knowledge is power. Please join us in promoting education and awareness to developmental disabilities so that opportunities for people with developmental disabilities continue to increase, so that one day, everyone is treated and supported equally.

#Lessonsfromourclients

After almost 40 years working in the field of autism and behavior analysis, there are numerous memories that make me smile and fill me with pride. I am so proud of the accomplishments of the many clients and students with whom I’ve supported over time.  For some, graduation from high school and/or college seemed like a pipe dream. However, their efforts and the support of their family and BCI staff helped to make it a reality. Seeing the pictures of our clients in their cap and gowns serves as a reminder to always aim high.

In life, the measure of one’s success is in part measured by their employment. I have had the pleasure of working with an individual whose growth can certainly be measured by his professional success. I met one young man during his sophomore year in high school. He was having difficulty socially and academically. We worked together with his mother to craft a plan that worked for his unique presentation. By the time he graduated from high school, he was leading his Team meetings!

During the summer of his junior year, he started working part-time for BCI. Admittedly it wasn’t glamorous work, mostly menial administrative tasks (e.g., filing).  But he never complained! He came to work every day and accomplished all that was asked of him. He continued his part-time summer employment through his college years. It took him six years to obtain his undergraduate degree, but he did it!

He started as a full-time BCI employee doing a variety of administrative tasks. He had demonstrated incredible personal and social growth during his college years. He began assuming more complex and organizationally important work activities.

Now 11 years into his BCI career, Christian is a valued and integral member of our administrative team. He is the voice of BCI to all our prospective clients. He is one of two persons charged with the incredibly important task of being the liaison to all the public and private insurance companies with whom BCI contracts. He’s recently unofficially joined our marketing team as he represents BCI at college career events and professional conferences. I am so proud of the accomplished man he’s become!

Jeffrey R. Robinson, Ph.D.
President & CEO

Dr. Jeffrey Robinson, founder of Behavioral Concepts, Inc., recently started a discussion group on LinkedIn entitled “Central Mass. Families of Children with Autism”. The group is intended to provide an additional resource for families looking for information and resources.

In addition to the informational aspect, the group will also provide an opportunity for members to share experiences.

“Parents of children with autism can often feel alone, like they’re on an island. We’re hoping this discussion group will be a place where they can find answers and information, comfort and camaraderie,” said Dr. Robinson.

To join Central Mass. Families of Children with Autism, go to https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8485532.

WORCESTER, MA…

Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism in Central Massachusetts, recently hired Meagan Jezierski, BCBA, as a clinical coordinator.

As a clinical coordinator at BCI, Jezierskil will write programs for skills development, behavioral support and other developmental services for more than a dozen BCI clients in Central Massachusetts who are living with autism. Those programs can consist of social skills, community safety skills, communication, leisure, recreation, health and ADL skills.

“We are in a period of tremendous growth at BCI. It’s critical that as we grow, we continue to add superior people to our staff. Meagan is a fine example of the caliber of BCBA we’re looking to add to our team,” said BCI Founder and Director Dr. Jeff Robinson.

A resident of Thomson, Connecticut, Jezierski holds a Master’s degree in Special Education and Behavior Analysis from Cambridge College and has a Board Certification in Behavior Analysis (BCBA). She also received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Eastern Connecticut University.

“A friend who works as a BCBA told me BCI was a great company to work and that has absolutely been the case,” said Jezierski.

Based in Worcester, Mass. BCI provides much needed services to children with autism and their families. BCI instructional programs are delivered using discrete trial training, task analysis, and systematic prompting procedures implemented by ABA therapists who have successfully completed pre-service training, on-site, and quarterly evaluations by their clinical supervisors.

Instruction is provided across a variety of domains, included by not limited to: Activities of daily living, functional and augmentative communication, functional academics and community outings and safety awareness. Social skills groups with peer models are also offered as part of BCI’s services. A heavy emphasis is placed on generalization and maintenance of skills, in addition to family training, so that families may implement the supports and carry-over skills in the home.

For questions about programs offered by BCI, please visit www.bciaba.org or call 508-363-0200.

About Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI)

Founded in 2002, BCI provides educational, behavioral, consultative and assessment services to children with autism and their families. These services are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and are tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. It’s BCI’s goal to maximize individual potential, increase independence and enhance our clients’ quality of life within their home, school and community.

BCI provides center- and home-based services through health insurance and is an approved provider of Specialty ABA Services for Early Intervention in Central Massachusetts. BCI’s main care center, located at 345A Greenwood Street in Worcester, Massachusetts, offers  intensive treatment for young children aged 3 to 6 years of age, an after-school program for all school aged children and a weekend social skills program. BCI also provides in-home services within a one-hour radius of Worcester.

BCI’s Corporate Offices are located in Mansfield, Mass. For complete information, visit https://bciaba.com or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, please call (508) 363-0200.