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What should parents of children within the autism spectrum read?

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A must read for parents with children within the autism spectrum

WORCESTER, MA…

When it comes to summer reading, most people look to escape in a novel or science fiction. Most parents of children within the autism spectrum do not have that luxury. Reading/self-education is a critical part of meeting their child’s needs. So what do parents of children within the autism spectrum read? Perhaps most importantly, what should they read?

“Before their child’s diagnosis, most parents know little about the autism. So they are literally starting from ground zero,” said Dr. Jeff Robinson, founder and director of Behavioral Concepts, Inc., a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism in Central Massachusetts. “In addition, keeping up with a child with autism can be extremely time-consuming. So it’s important to having a focused reading list that provides you the information you need in an efficient manner.”

Dr. Robinson recommends the following books for parents of children within the autism spectrum:

Beyond summer reading for parents, BCI is also offering a summer session of its Social Skills program, which began on June 1. The program is a three-hour session on Saturday mornings, from 9:30 to 12:30. Topics covered include:

  • Teamwork
  • Eye Contact
  • Transitions
  • Bullying
  • Emotions
  • Appropriate Play
  • Teen Relationships
  • Sportsmanship
  • Food Tolerance
  • Language Building
  • Role Playing Social Scenarios
  • Initiating and Reciprocating Peer Interaction

There is no age limit for the social skills program. BCI accepts all major insurance companies or private pay at a rate of $35-$50 per hour depending on the student/staff ratio your child needs. Parents or guardians interested in this program for their students can call (508) 363-0200. For complete information on BCI, visit http://bciaba.org.

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 the unique needs of the individuals BCI works with. It’s BCI’s goal to maximize student potential, increase independence and enhance our clients’ quality of life within their home, school and community.

BCI’s main care center is located at 170 Goddard Memorial Drive, in Worcester, Massachusetts. BCI operates its BASICS services at 100 Hartwell Street in West Boylston, Mass. The BASICS program is a sub-contract arrangement between Behavioral Concepts, Inc. and the Central Massachusetts Special Education Collaborative. BASICS provides services to children aged 7-22 with autism and maladaptive behaviors. BCI’s Corporate Offices are located in Mansfield, Mass.

For complete information, visit http://bciaba.org or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, please call (508) 363-0200.

A summer social. Behavioral Concepts, Inc., a child autism services company, announces summer social skills groups.

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WORCESTER, MA…

Parents of children within the autism spectrum face a different challenge in the summer. While you want to let your child have a little down time, you also want to keep developing the skills they have honed during the school year. That’s why Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism in Central Massachusetts, recently announced the summer schedule for its social skills program.

During the school year, the social skills program takes place on Saturday mornings from 9:30am to 12:30pm. Starting June 26, the social skills program will be available during the week, Monday through Friday as well. Morning and afternoon sessions are available and the program will run from June 26 to August 26. For the complete summer schedule, visit https://bciaba.com/social-skill-services/.

Hours for the Saturday morning program will remain 9:30am to 12:30pm.

“We’re pleased to be able to offer this very successful program on weekdays during the summer,” said Dr. Jeffrey Robinson, BCI founder and director. “Not only does this program provide the children with the training needed, but it does so in an environment where they can interact with peers and develop those skills. Better yet, most major health care providers will cover this program, an added bonus for parents.”

In addition to instruction from BCI clinicians, the social skills sessions include interaction with other children who serve as role models for BCI students involved in the social skills program.

Topics covered include:

  • Teamwork
  • Eye Contact
  • Transitions
  • Bullying
  • Emotions
  • Appropriate Play
  • Teen Relationships
  • Sportsmanship
  • Food Tolerance
  • Language Building
  • Role Playing Social Scenarios
  • Initiating and Reciprocating Peer Interaction

“The social skills program features a role model element that gives our students a chance to see appropriate behaviors—waiting your turn, raising your hand—in an activity-based setting,” said Robinson. “The other critical part is that we have a very high instructor to student ratio, typically three students per instructor. That gives instructors the chance to utilize the peer models for appropriate skills and reinforce the good behaviors.”

BCI accepts Harvard-Pilgrim, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Behavioral Health, Tufts, Aetna, Fallon and coverage from other major health care providers for the social skills program.

There is no age limit for the social skills program. BCI accepts all major insurance companies or private pay at a rate of $35-$50 per hour depending on the student/staff ratio your child needs. Parents or guardians interested in this program for their students can call (508) 363-0200. For complete information on BCI, including the summer social skills calendar, visit http://bciaba.org.

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 the unique needs of the individuals BCI works with. It’s BCI’s goal to maximize student potential, increase independence and enhance our clients’ quality of life within their home, school and community.

BCI’s main care center is located at 170 Goddard Memorial Drive, in Worcester, Massachusetts. BCI operates its BASICS services at 100 Hartwell Street in West Boylston, Mass. The BASICS program is a sub-contract arrangement between Behavioral Concepts, Inc. and the Central Massachusetts Special Education Collaborative. BASICS provides services to children aged 7-22 with autism and maladaptive behaviors. BCI’s Corporate Offices are located in Mansfield, Mass.

For complete information, visit http://bciaba.org or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, please call (508) 363-0200.

A Special Thank You

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Lauren Gesner
Lauren Gesner
Colleen Kemmit
Colleen Kemmit
Catherine Athanasiou
Catherine Athanasiou

It’s two simple words. Yet saying ‘thank you’ can go such a long, long way. And it’s so easy to do. Sometimes we think if we say ‘thank you’ too much, it loses its value. Truth be told, it never does. Especially when it comes from your peers.

Case in point, a letter from one of our senior training coordinators, Jessica Stott, on the work of three BCI staff members: Lauren Gesner, Colleen Kemmitt and Catherine Athanasiou.

“Lauren and Colleen covered for my two students at Nelson Place on and off over the past month, until we had Catherine covering as the permanent staff. The classroom teacher still talks about how thorough and kind both Lauren and Colleen were in her classroom. Now that Catherine is there permanently, the boys have started to adjust and continue to make tremendous progress! Lauren, Colleen and Catherine- Thank you for making this a smooth transition for the boys and the classroom teacher. The boys continued progress is in large part to each one of you! Your hard work has NOT gone unnoticed.

 

 

Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI) raises $500 for Autism Resource Center

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BCI’s Brittany Curran and helpers at Autism Walk for the Autism Resource Center

Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism in Central Massachusetts, raised $500 in donations during the recent Autism Resource Center 2013 5K Run and Walk for Autism Awareness. The run/walk took place on April 28 at DCR’s Lake Park in Worcester.

“I can’t think of a better way to end Autism Awareness month—April—than taking part in the Resource Center’s annual 5k and walk,” said Dr. Jeff Robinson, BCI founder and director. “While clearly you want to raise as much money as possible, the attention and education the walk/run brings to the issue of autism and autism spectrum disorders brings to the general public benefits our cause just as much. That the Resource Center receives much needed funding is icing on the cake.”

The Autism Resource Center of Central Massachusetts is located at 71 Sterling Street in West Boylston, Massachusetts (508-835-4278). The non-profit Resource Center serves as an information and referral service for children and families affected by disorders within the Autism Spectrum; Autism, PDD NOS and Asperger’s.

In addition to being a co-sponsor of the run/walk, BCI was represented by more than 100 people (staff/families) at the walk/run. BCI also had a table with informational brochures and hosted several fun activities before, during and after the race.

“The Resource Center is just that, an incredible and invaluable resource to children with autism and their families,” said Robinson. “We are delighted to do all we can to help such a worthy cause.” 

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 the unique needs of the individuals BCI works with. It’s BCI’s goal to maximize student potential, increase independence and enhance our clients’ quality of life within their home, school and community.

BCI’s main care center is located at 170 Goddard Memorial Drive, in Worcester, Massachusetts. BCI operates its BASICS services at 100 Hartwell Street in West Boylston, Mass. The BASICS program is a sub-contract arrangement between Behavioral Concepts, Inc. and the Central Massachusetts Special Education Collaborative. BASICS provides services to children aged 7-22 with autism and maladaptive behaviors. BCI’s Corporate Offices are located in Mansfield, Mass.

For complete information, visit http://bciaba.org or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, please call (508) 363-0200.

BCI Job openings: Board Certified Behavior Analyst and ABA Therapist

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Here at Behavioral Concepts, Inc., we continue to grow. Presently, we have openings for a part-time Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a part-time ABA Therapist. The descriptions for both positions are below.

If you are interested, please forward your resume to jobs@bciaba.org.

Board Certified Behavior Analyst Board

Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI) continues to seek Board Certified Behavior Analysts who want an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children affected by autism. We are an expanding organization who values the involvement of staff in the growth of the company. Our current need is for part-time (after school) BCBA’s to provide consultation and program development/staff supervision with our insurance program clients. We believe in child centered behavior analysis and low caseloads (10-12). Our BCBA’s are responsible for assessment, program development, and analysis. They are liaisons to school staff and families of the children we support. Our BCBA’s provide direct supervision to our ABA therapists.

 

ABA Therapist

Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI) is recruiting part-time experienced ABA home therapists to work with children with autism under the supervision of BCBA or Master’s level clinician. Currently we are looking to fulfill afternoon sessions with days beginning at 3:00, 3:30, and 4:00pm. BCI is growing so if you’re interested in being part of an evolving organization please send your resume to jobs@bciaba.org

Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI) sponsors Autism Resource Center’s 2013 5k Run and Walk

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WORCESTER, MA…

Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism in Central Massachusetts, recently announced it will be a silver sponsor for the Autism Resource Center 2013 5K Run and Walk for Autism Awareness. The run/walk takes place on April 28 at DCR’s Lake Park in Worcester.

“April has become world renowned as Autism Awareness month, a movement started by Autism Speaks, an international non-profit devoted to educating people the world round on autism. The Autism Resource Center’s run/walk has become our signature event in helping raise funds and awareness,” said Dr. Jeff Robinson, BCI founder and director.

Proceeds from the walk and run will go to the Autism Resource Center of Central Massachusetts, a non-profit located at 71 Sterling Street in West Boylston, Massachusetts (508-835-4278). The Center serves as an information and referral service for children and families affected by disorders within the Autism Spectrum; Autism, PDD NOS and Asperger’s.

More than 100 people (staff/families) are currently signed up to wear our BCI t-shirts at the event. BCI will have a table with informational brochures and host several fun activities before, during and after the race. Several BCI staff members are slated to run or walk.

“The Resource Center is just that, an incredible and invaluable resource to children with autism and their families,” said Robinson. “We are delighted to do all we can to help such a worthy cause. And we have plenty of room for more participants for our team.”

Those interested in participating or donating money to BCI’s team can visit the Autism Resource Center 2013 5K Run and Walk for Autism Awareness’ website at   http://www.autismresourcecentral.org/Fundraising/Run%20Walk/index. BCI is listed among the teams participating.

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 the unique needs of the individuals BCI works with. It’s BCI’s goal to maximize student potential, increase independence and enhance our clients’ quality of life within their home, school and community.

BCI’s main care center is located at 170 Goddard Memorial Drive, in Worcester, Massachusetts. BCI operates its BASICS services at 100 Hartwell Street in West Boylston, Mass. The BASICS program is a sub-contract arrangement between Behavioral Concepts, Inc. and the Central Massachusetts Special Education Collaborative. BASICS provides services to children aged 7-22 with autism and maladaptive behaviors. BCI’s Corporate Offices are located in Mansfield, Mass.

For complete information, visit http://bciaba.org or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, please call (508) 363-0200.

BCI to participate in Autism Awareness fair at UMass Medical Center on April 2

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Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism in Central Massachusetts, announced it will host a booth at the upcoming Autism Awareness fair to be held at the UMass Medical Center on April 2 in the school’s Faculty Conference Center. The fair takes place on World Autism Awareness Day.

WORCESTER, MA…

Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism in Central Massachusetts, recently announced it will host a booth at the upcoming Autism Awareness fair to be held at the UMass Medical Center on April 2 in the school’s Faculty Conference Center. The fair takes place on World Autism Awareness Day.

“The cases of autism have increased dramatically over the past 10 years. That means more people need answers and services that can help their children. The Fair not increases awareness of the autism spectrum but provides real help to these families,” said Dr. Jeff Robinson, BCI founder and director.

BCI and other local autism care providers will be available from 5pm to 6pm. The program for the event also includes a short speaking program at 6 p.m. leading into the showing of the movie “The Black Balloon,” a 2008 award-winning Australian film about of a family coping with autism.

The pinnacle event of the evening will occur from 7:30pm to 9:30 pm when the front of the Medical School building will be lit with blue spotlights, as will hundreds of iconic landmarks around the world, as part of the non-profit Autism Speaks’ effort to help shine a light on autism.

“While cases of autism have increased over the last several years, the methods with how we work with children and adults with autism have vastly improved,” said Robinson. “An event like this can bring to light these advances and how autism is not an end but a workable obstacle.”

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 the unique needs of the individuals BCI works with. It’s BCI’s goal to maximize student potential, increase independence and enhance our clients’ quality of life within their home, school and community.

BCI’s main care center is located at 170 Goddard Memorial Drive, in Worcester, Massachusetts. BCI operates its BASICS services at 100 Hartwell Street in West Boylston, Mass. The BASICS program is a sub-contract arrangement between Behavioral Concepts, Inc. and the Central Massachusetts Special Education Collaborative. BASICS provides services to children aged 7-22 with autism and maladaptive behaviors. BCI’s Corporate Offices are located in Mansfield, Mass.

For complete information, visit http://bciaba.org or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, please call (508) 363-0200.

Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI) offers internship opportunities for college students for fall 2013

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Dr. Jeff Robinson, founder and director of Behavioral Concepts, Inc.

WORCESTER, MA…

Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism in Central Massachusetts, recently announced the expansion of its fellowship program with Worcester State University. Starting March 26, BCI will be accepting applications for students looking to intern during the fall of 2013.

“We’re in the business of teaching very important skills to children with autism. Yet the learning is certainly not limited to our students. I think as instructors and clinicians, we learn every bit as much from our students as they do from us,” said BCI Founder and Director Dr. Jeffrey Robinson. “For a college student who wants to be in that kind of environment, I can promise you will get quite a bit more out of this experience than course credits.”

Adds Robinston,”We’ve had a great relationship with Worcester State University in bringing over interns to work with our students but we certainly welcome applicants from other universities looking to earn course credit while gaining invaluable work experience in an extremely rewarding field.”

BCI interns typically are college students with aspirations of being a clinical coordinator or therapists. BCI interns have typically been psychology, education, special education and criminal justice, though all majors are welcome to apply. Students must receive course credit to participate in BCI’s internship program.

Interested applicants can stop by BCI’s booth at Worcester State University’s Career Fair on March 26. The fair takes place on Worcester State’s campus at 486 Chandler Street in Worcester. After March 26, interested applicants can also send a cover letter and resume to info@bciaba.org or by snail mail to: Behavioral Concepts, Inc., 170 Goddard Memorial Drive, Worcester, MA  01603, ATTN: Dr. Jeffrey Robinson.

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 the unique needs of the individuals BCI works with. It’s BCI’s goal to maximize student potential, increase independence and enhance our clients’ quality of life within their home, school and community.

BCI’s main care center is located at 170 Goddard Memorial Drive, in Worcester, Massachusetts. BCI operates its BASICS services at 100 Hartwell Street in West Boylston, Mass. The BASICS program is a sub-contract arrangement between Behavioral Concepts, Inc. and the Central Massachusetts Special Education Collaborative. BASICS provides services to children aged 7-22 with autism and maladaptive behaviors. BCI’s Corporate Offices are located in Mansfield, Mass.

For complete information, visit http://bciaba.org or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, please call (508) 363-0200.