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Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI) sponsors HMEA Autism Resource Central’s 2017 5k Run and Walk

activities for children with autism

Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI) sponsors HMEA Autism Resource Central’s 2017 5k Run and Walk

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Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism in Central Massachusetts, will once again be a major sponsor of the 5K Run & Walk for Autism Acceptance to benefit HMEA’s Autism Resource Central in West Boylston, MA. BCI contributed $7,500 to the annual run/walk, which will take place on Saturday, April 29 at DCR’s Lake Park in Worcester.

“The Autism Resource Centrals’s run/walk is our signature event for Autism Awareness month,” said Dr. Jeff Robinson, BCI founder and director. “Beyond this donation, we will also be hosting the ‘Kids Corner’ booth where children can take part in fun, interactive activities before, during and after the run.”

BCI will also field a team of runners and walkers helping to raise money for Autism Resource Central.

Located at 71 Sterling Street in West Boylston, Massachusetts (508-835-4278), HMEA 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. Annually, Autism Resource Central supports the needs of more than 3,000 families in Central Massachusetts.

“With one in 68 births resulting in an autism diagnosis, the need for The Resource Center grows every year,” said Robinson. “We’re delighted to help and encourage other companies and individuals to help support this invaluable resource for the community.”

For more information about HMEA Autism Resource Central at autismresourcecentral.org. For sponsorship information, call 508-835-4278. 

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 offers similar services at a second location at 207 Authority Drive in Fitchburg, Mass. BCI also provides in-home services within a one-hour radius of Worcester.

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

Greendale YMCA to host Family Night on Feb. 16 to tout new services for children with autism

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Prior to February school vacation week, the Greendale YMCA, located at 75 Shore Drive in Worcester, will host a Family Night to announce and discuss the spring program. This year’s event, to be held on February 16, 2017 at 6 p.m., will feature the introduction of a partnership with Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), to provide services to Greendale YMCA members with autism spectrum disorders.

Based at 345 Greenwood, BCI is a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the treatment of children with autism in Central Massachusetts. Typically, BCI works with children at their home or BCI headquarters. Through this special relationship, Greendale YMCA members with Autism, can receive one-to-one services from a BCBA therapist from BCI on site at the Greendale YMCA.

“This arrangement gives children with autism the opportunity to work with a BCBA therapist while utilizing the resources of our facility. It also provides parents with a chance to get a workout in while knowing their child is with a specialist with education and experience in working with children with autism,” said Christina Puleo, executive director of the Greendale YMCA. “We can’t thank BCI enough for offering their services as a benefit to our members.”

“Children with autism rely heavily on routine. While that’s largely a good thing, it also benefits them to try something new in a new location. Being able to receive their services outside their home or school at a place like the Y where they can engage in new activities greatly promotes learning and development,” said Dr. Jeff Robinson, BCI founder and director. “We run a similar program with the Hockomock YMCA at their four locations in southeastern Massachusetts and it’s been very beneficial to the kids and their parents.”

In addition to BCI, the Greendale YMCA “Family Night” program will include information about spring programs, after care and summer camp. Light refreshments will be served.

For questions about Family Night or spring programs, contact the Greendale YMCA at 508-852-6694. For questions about programs offered by BCI, please visit www.bciaba.org or call 508-363-0200.

About the Greendale YMCA:

Where Cause Meets Community.  At the Greendale YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Greendale YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

Opened in 1978, The Greendale YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization conveniently located at 75 Shore Drive in North Worcester on Indian Lake. For information on programs and services, visit http://www.ymcaofcm.org/locations/greendale-family-branch/ or call 508-852-6694.

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 345 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. In addition, BCI recently opened a second location in Fitchburg, Mass., in November 2016. BCI also provides in-home services within a one-hour radius of Worcester.

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

Halloween and children with autism

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What’s not to love about Halloween? Costumes, decorations, trick-or-treating and candy. Yet for children with autism, joining in on the holiday fun can present some challenges for kids and their parents—e.g. getting into costume, knocking on the doors of strangers, eating too much candy, etc.

So, how can parents keep the Halloween fun from turning into a stressor?

“Children with autism find comfort in routine. As much as they might want to participate in Halloween activities, it is somewhat of a departure from daily routine,” said Dr. Jeffrey Robinson, founder and director of Behavioral Concepts, Inc., a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism in Central Massachusetts. “With some planning and careful consideration of Halloween activities, the holiday can be enjoyable for all.”

Dr. Robinson notes the sensory issues presented by putting on a costume. First, it’s quite possible the costume will be made of a different material than their day-to-day clothing. Next, a costume will probably require a different routine or motion from putting on their usual clothing items (e.g. pulling on a pair of tights needed for a Superman costume versus putting on a pair of jeans). Both can trigger frustration and stress.

As much as your child might want to put on a mask and outfit, it may not be worth the potential for stress. So, instead of wigs, special suits and masks, Dr. Robinson recommends keeping it simple. For example, maybe decorating a t-shirt to be a costume and face paint instead of a mask. Perhaps creating an outfit out of some of their older clothes so there is a comfort level and familiarity with the material and getting in and out of costume.

Socially, Halloween presents more challenges. Approaching neighbors, some who may not know your child, can increase anxiety. A pre-Halloween visit to houses you might be visiting is one way to ease your child’s anxiety about knocking on doors while trick-or-treating. This can also be a time to inquire as to what your neighbor will be passing out for treats and making sure it’s something that’s not a conflict with your child’s dietary needs if he or she has a restriction on sugar intake.

Timing is another key issue. If larger crowds create anxiety in your child, you may want to take him or her out trick-or-treating before or after the peak hours. If that’s not possible, you may want to consider waiting on the sidewalk for the crowd at the door to dissipate rather than getting in line.

Even with planning and preparation, the traditional Halloween may be too much for some children with autism. Dr. Robinson suggests creating new traditions.

Said Dr. Robinson, “The reality is that getting into costume and being out in the dark with other children in costume might create too much of a stressor for some children with autism. Let your child know that that’s okay. Then create some new Halloween traditions so they can enjoy the holiday. Those can range from creating Halloween arts and crafts, decorating the house or anything else you think might be fun.”

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. In addition, BCI will open a second location in Fitchburg, Mass., in November 2016. 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.

 

 

Amal Abdelgadir, Christine Grudoff and Cara Stevens join Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI) as ABA therapists

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photo of Amal Abdelgadir
Amal Abdelgadir

Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism in Central Massachusetts, recently hired Amal Abdelgadir, Cara Stevens and Christine Grudoff as ABA Therapists.

An ABA therapist is a person who uses applied behavior analysis as a form of treatment. Applied Behavior Analysis is the process of studying behavior in order to put into place appropriate behavioral interventions.

Amal Abdelgadir is a graduate of Worcester State University with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. She resides in Worcester.

Christine Grudoff is also a graduate of Worcester State University with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. In addition to her work as an ABA Therapist, she has been a preschool teacher for 16 years. Grudoff, a mother of three, lives in Worcester.

Cara Stevens received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Emmanuel College in Boston. She resides in Worcester.

“Based on a strong demand for ABA services, BCI experienced unprecedented growth in the first quarter of this year. We are delighted to bring Amal, Cara and Christine to provide much needed services for children with autism in the greater Worcester area,” BCI Founder and Director Dr. Jeff Robinson.

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.

BCI Sponsors ‘Kids Corner’ at 2015 Community 5K Run and Walk for Autism

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[spacer size=”10″] Behavioral Concepts Inc. – will be sponsoring the ‘Kids Corner’ at this years 5k Run and Walk for Autism. At our booth we will have fun filled activities for children and adults as well as information about our services. We’ll have staff on location to answer any questions.

More information about the event:

Where

Join us on April 26th at DCR’s Quinsigamond State Park for what has become the biggest celebration of Autism Awareness Month in Central Massachusetts.

When

April 26th, 2015

NEW THIS YEAR

We have tightened up the schedule for the day!

While there are two components to the event it is one event!

Times & Events

The day begins at 8:30 AM and will end at 2:00 PM
[table]

Morning
Afternoon
5K registration: 8:30 AM- 9:30 AM
Opening Ceremony: 12:00 PM
5K Opening ceremony: 9:45 AM
Food service opens: 12:15 PM
Race Starts : 10:00 AM
Entertainment 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Awards : 11:00 AM – 11:15 AM
 
Walk Registration & Check In: 11:30 AM
 
[/table]

“We have added a registration fee for the walk component of this event, just like the Run. Individuals will pay $10 while a family will pay $25.00 – Think of it as your contribution to your walk effort! You can still create teams but each family or member on a Team needs to register. Those who do not register on line will be charged $15 for individuals and $35 for their family on the day of the event. Family is defined as Parents & Children in one household.” – Autism Resource Center

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BCI Proudly Sponsors TOP Soccer of Auburn

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soccerlogo

 
Behavioral Concepts proudly sponsors TOPSoccer, a special needs soccer team out of Auburn, MA.

TOP Soccer Registration Available

Registration is Still Open For TOPS (specialneeds), U5, U6 and U8 spring soccer.

Openings in Town
[table]
Groups
Ages
U5 (coed)
Born between 9/1/09 – 4/30/11.
U6 (coed)
Born 9/1/08 – 8/31/09
U8 (boys and girls divisions)
Born 9/1/06 – 8/31/08
TOPS (Special Needs)
Born 9/1/95 – 8/31/10
[/table] Download Flyer

BCI welcomes interns from Endicott College

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Before she was BCI's Senior Training Coordinator, Jessica Stott did an internship with us as an undergrad.
Before she was BCI’s Senior Training Coordinator, Jessica Stott did an internship with us as an undergrad.

While BCI recently announced an internship program with Fitchburg State University, we have similar relationships with Worcester State University and Quinsagmond Community College. In fact, many of our staff members have either done their undergraduate or graduate work at those schools. Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts is another school with which we are developing a strong relationship.

Just recently, Endicott College student Glenna Macgowan completed a six-week internship at BCI. She is a sophomore from Grafton, Massachusetts majoring in Liberal Studies/Education, with a concentration in Autism and ABA.

During her six weeks, Glenna met her internship requirements by participating in new hire training, attending a senior management meeting and conducting numerous observations with ABA Therapists/Clinical Coordinators. The observations were completed within classrooms (Worcester Public Schools & BASICs program), within student’s homes and the community.

Glenna’s supervisor during her internship was BCI Senior Training Coordinator Jessica Stott. An Endicott College alum, Jessica also did an internship at BCI during her undergraduate days. In fact, her photo and testimonial are used in some of Endicott’s promotional materials about internship opportunities.

College students interested in applying for an internship at BCI during the fall semester of 2014 can send a cover letter and resume to info@bciaba.org or by snail mail to: Behavioral Concepts, Inc., 345A Greenwood Street, Worcester, MA  01607, ATTN: Dr. Jeffrey Robinson.

Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI) offers internship program with Fitchburg State University

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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 a partnership relationship with Fitchburg State University as it pertains to the company’s internship program. As part of the agreement, BCI and the University will partner to help recruit Fitchburg State undergraduates for its fall and spring internship programs.

“There’s been a very strong connection with BCI and Fitchburg State over the years. We were involved in the development of the BCBA course track and two of our staff, Dr. Brian Doyle, the director of our BASICS program, and Erik Lerdal are adjunct faculty as well,” said Dr. Jeff Robinson, BCI founder and director of BCI. “With the demand for board certified behavior analysts at an all-time high, our internship program is a great way to show undergrads a career path in a growing field.”

BCI interns typically are college students with aspirations of being a clinical coordinator or therapists. BCI interns have most often 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.

In addition to Fitchburg State University, BCI has similar relationships with Worcester State University and Quinsigamond Community College. In addition to a one-semester internship, BCI offers a year-long fellowship program for Worcester State University students.

“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.”

College students interested in applying for an internship at BCI during the fall semester of 2014 can send a cover letter and resume to info@bciaba.org or by snail mail to: Behavioral Concepts, Inc., 345A Greenwood Street, Worcester, MA  01607, ATTN: Dr. Jeffrey Robinson.

College and universities interested in internship opportunities for their undergraduates should also contact Dr. Robinson at info@bciaba.org or by calling 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 345A Greenwood Street, 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.