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What are the best sports for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

teaching children with autism

What are the best sports for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

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WORCESTER, MA…

With the beginning of September comes not only the start of a new school year, but a new sports season. While families pack up the mini-vans for soccer, football and other playing fields, some parents of children with ASDs are left to ponder what sport can my son or daughter do.

“As with every child, the best sport is the one your child enjoys and excels at. That said, though, autism does impair social and communication skills and may have a negative impact on gross motor coordination. That means “typical” team sports such as soccer, basketball and hockey may be particularly tough,” Dr. Jeff Robinson, Ph.D., founder of Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism in Central Massachusetts. “Individual sports, however, may be just the ticket.”

Some of the sports Robinson recommends as being beneficial for children with autism include:

  • Swimming – Children with autism who have a tough time with ball-handling skills can do well with basic strokes and typical water play. There’s also no reason why a kid with autism can’t take part in a swim team especially since swim team members compete individually.
  • Track and Field – For kids with autism, track and field may be a terrific outlet. Track events require fewer non verbal communication skills than most team sports, yet kids who excel at track are valued team members.
  • Bowling – Even though it’s loud, bowling seems to be a natural sport to many kids with autism. Perhaps it’s the repetition — bowl twice, sit down. Or maybe it’s the satisfaction of seeing the pins come crashing down. Whatever the reasons, bowling is a great sport for social events that include kids on the autism spectrum.
  • Horseback Riding – A terrific sport for kids with autism. In fact, many autistic kids ride horses as a therapeutic activity (as such it’s termed “hippotherapy”). It’s not unusual for autistic kids to find it easier to communicate with animals than with people — and many autistic children excel at horsemanship.
  • Hiking – Hiking, which can be an individual or group activity, is an easy way to get exercise and enjoy nature without the pressure of intense social communication.
  • Martial Arts – While martial arts aren’t sports in the typical sense, they are physical outlets. They also combine the elements of predictability and structure with the challenges of physical interaction with other people. For many kids with autism, the martial arts are a wonderful way to build physical skills along with self-esteem.

“Whether you have an ASD or not, being active physically benefits you from both a physical and mental perspective,” said Robinson. “With children with ASDs, physical activity is even more critical to their well being as it can provide a way to connect with other children socially, even if the activity is not a team game per se. You simply cannot underestimate the value of physical activity to the development of an ASD child.”

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.

The Danny Foundation for Autism provides assistance to individuals with autism and their families

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From the September 2013 Center for Autism Resources for Central Massachusetts newsletter:

The Danny Foundation has recently announced the availability of funding to provide assistance to individuals with autism and their families. Preference will be given to Massachusetts residents and organizations. The foundation will provide funds to organizations and individuals (the amount available to a single applicant in a given fiscal year is $100-$500; please do not request a grant in excess of $500): to assist families in the care of individuals with autism, including respite care; to help educate individuals regarding the diagnosis and treatment of autism; and to support professionals in furthering their education in the field of treating individuals with autism.

We are open to innovative projects that will provide increased independence for people with autism or increased family time. Your application must include the attached grant application cover sheet. Donations made to individuals will be need (financial) based. Explain your financial need. Please indicate why you qualify. We suggest you include a copy of your latest federal tax return. Please specify other current sources of assistance such as DDS, School District, Mass Health, etc. Without this information your request is incomplete and will not be reviewed.

Key Dates: Proposal postmarked by: October 15, 2013 Committee Evaluation: November 30, 2013 Notification: December 23, 2013

If you would like to apply for a Danny Foundation grant, you can download the application here.

Applications must be mailed to: Janet Abrahamson, Chairperson, 166 Mill Street Stoughton, MA 02072.

Download your Danny Foundation Grant application

How to prepare your ASD child for middle school

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WORCESTER, MA…

For children leaving grade school, entering middle school can be a very trying time and a difficult adjustment. For children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), that transition poses more challenges than the average student could imagine.

“For children with ASDs, going to school is a habit. When it’s time to move on to a new school, that means the habit needs to be altered and that’s not as easy as explaining to them that this year they will be going to a new school,” said Dr. Jeff Robinson, Ph.D., founder of Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism in Central Massachusetts. “The process of transitioning children with ASDs really needs to begin well before the school year.”

Robinson recommends several steps to help parents of children with ASDs help their middle school-age children make the transition to their new school:

  • Write a social story or series of stories to help the student prepare for the change
  • Allow the student to have as many visits to the new school as needed
  • Practice a walking route to classes and opening and closing their locker
  • Identify important areas such as: bus stop, homeroom, bathrooms, cafeteria, gym, etc.
  • Review the yearbook to familiarize with faculty and school activities during the year
  • Take the student to parent-teacher orientation
  • Practice scripts so the child knows where to get help and requesting for a quiet place to calm down (practice routes)
  • Prepare the student that each teacher has different rules and procedures

“While preparing your child is one thing, it’s important to communicate to administration and faculty at the new school that you have an ASD child attending middle school next year and would like to set up a time to meet and go over some things,” said Dr. Robinson. “That’s actually one of the reasons we formed BCI 10 years ago was to work with schools to ease the transition of ASD students at all grade levels.”

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.

Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI) celebrates 10 years of caring for children with autism and autism spectrum disorders

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WORCESTER, MA…

Think about how things have changed since 2003. The hybrid automobile had not yet hit the mainstream market. The “Curse of the Bambino” was alive and well with the Red Sox not having won the World Series since 1918. And one in 150 children was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). It was under those conditions that Dr. Jeffrey Robinson opened Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism in Central Massachusetts.

Robinson started the firm with one clinical therapists and a staff of four. Today, BCI has a staff of 163. And, unfortunately, it’s been reported that one in every 88 children is diagnosed with an ASD.

“In 2003, we saw a genuine need for families with children diagnosed with an ASD, both from a care standpoint and from an information perspective so parents knew what programs were available through the school system,” said Robinson. “BCI has experienced incredible growth over the years, particularly since insurance companies started covering services for children with ASDs in 2011 and as more and more children are diagnosed.”

In addition to its growth from a staff perspective, BCI has also grown in terms of its offerings. Within the last year, BCI’s Board Certified Behavior Analysts designed and implemented a social skills group on Saturday mornings. Beyond 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.

“The beauty of the social skills class is not only the broad range of topics we cover—topics like teamwork, bullying, appropriate play, sportsmanship, initiating and reciprocating peer interaction—but that it’s covered by most major insurances,” said Robinson. “We try to keep the price fairly affordable, typically between $35 to $50, but the insurance can make a huge difference. In fact, we’re one of the few firms around that has a social skills that’s accepted by most major insurance companies.”

BCI currently offers a summer social skills program with classes scheduled during the week as well as on Saturday. For complete information, you can visit the BCI website at 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 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.

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

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.