BCI

Providing Quality ABA Services Since 2003

Blog

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

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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.

Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI) hires Dracut resident Michael Karanja as clinical coordinator

by

BCI’s Michael Karanja

WORCESTER, MA…

Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism in Central Massachusetts, recently hired Michael Karanja as a clinical coordinator. Karanja has previously worked in a similar capacity at Melmark New England.

As a clinical coordinator at BCI, Karanja will write programs for skills development, behavioral support programs 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, academic and pre-academic skills, classroom participation, health and ADL skills.

“As a growing company, it’s important to not only fill the positions where we have need but do so wisely with talented and experienced individuals. Michael certainly fits that bill and will be a tremendous asset in helping our students develop the skills they need, both in the home and in the classroom,” said BCI Founder and Director Dr. Jeff Robinson.

Originally from Kenya and now a Dracut, Mass. resident, Karanja holds a Master’s degree in Special Education from Salem State University (he did his undergraduate work in his native Kenya). He holds a Board Certification in Behavior Analysis (BCBA) and is a licensed special education teacher in the state of Massachusetts.

“I had friends who knew people who worked at BCI and they spoke very highly of the company and the high quality of care and teaching they provide. After being here a few weeks, I can honestly say Dr. Robinson and our staff have certainly lived up to that high praise and then some,” said Karanja.

Based in Worcester, Mass and with offices in Mansfield and West Boylston, 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.

BCI accepts Harvard-Pilgrim, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Behavioral Health, Tufts, Aetna and coverage from other major health care providers.

For complete information, visit http://bciaba.org or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, please 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 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 Saturday morning social. Behavioral Concepts, Inc., a child autism services company, adds weekend social skills groups to its offerings.

by

WORCESTER, MA…

Having a child with autism can present many challenges. One of them is finding programs that can teach your child developmental and social skills. The second is finding programs that your health insurance covers. Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism in Central Massachusetts, recently launched a Saturday morning social skills program that’s covered by all the insurance carriers who work with the Worcester-based firm.

“We’re delighted to have a program like our Saturday morning social skills program that provides the children with the training needed, but in an environment where they can interact with peers and develop those skills,” said Dr. Jeffrey Robinson, BCI founder and director. “That our insurance carriers see the value in the program and want to make it available to their customers is just icing on the cake.”

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.

The social skills program is a three-hour session on Saturday mornings, from 9:30 to 12:30. In addition to instruction from BCI clinicians, the sessions include interaction with other children who serve as role models for BCI students involved in the social skills program.

“The role model students provide a critical element to the social skills program. They give 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.”

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.

Mansfield Man Working for over 30 Years with Autistic Children

by

Mansfield resident and president of Behavioral Concepts Inc. Dr. Jeffrey Robinson said he has developed a passion for working to help children affected by autism spectrum disorders.

When Robinson was in college, he said originally that was not where he saw himself.

“Originally I was going to go to law school,” he said. “I was a political science major.”

Originally, Robinson said he started working with autistic children in Boston at the Behavioral Institute in 1978. He said he has worked with affected children and adults of all ages, and it was there when it hit him that this was what he wanted to do. Now, he’s been in the field for over 30 years, and has worked in Worcester, Cambridge and Providence.

“It just clicked for me,” he said. “At the end of the day I just want to be able to help people. In my profession, it’s families and kids affected by autism.”

Robinson said that throughout the years he and the companies he’s worked for has helped many children to grow up to lead productive and healthy lives. He added that, as president of BCI, he’s employed two affected children hired at his company that he used to consult.

“They were students in the Worcester public schools,” he said. “When my intervention and that of some of my staff, we helped shape much more positive behavior to the point where both of them became employable in our company.”

Based in Worcester, Mass and with offices Mansfield and West Boylston, Mass., BCI provides services to children with autism and their parents. The process begins with an assessment by a behavior analyst.

Once an assessment has been made, BCI staff develop a treatment plan that decreases behavioral challenges and teaches new skills and replacement behaviors. The company works with health providers to grant services to children in need of treatment Massachusetts.

Robinson said the types of treatment he and his staff use are based on positive reinforcement, using a token system as it were. When a student makes a positive response to a question or follows directions, they get a visual representation of positive action, such as another coin (almost like a life bar in a video game). They loose coins for negative behavior. But Robinson said it’s not a one-size-fits-all treatment method in regards to autism.

“There’s such variability in presentation [of the disorder] that makes it a little more challenging to be as efficient as possible in resources,” he said. “One child may require extremely intensive intervention and one child might need minimal intervention. And then you have everything in between.”

Robinson said that he is talking with Mansfield schools director of special education Bernadette Conroy about helping to fund a social connections program in the district.

“It basically involves developing a mentorship between a nuerotypical student and a child with autism to connect them socially,” he said. “That’s something I would like to support financially in the High School.”

Robinson said he believes the program may be instituted in the 2012-2013 school year.