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 Applied Behavior AnalysisApplied Behavior Analysis Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the science of systematically studying variables that influence behavior (Sulzer-Azaroff & Mayer, 1991) and is the teaching methodology which has received the most effective outcomes for individuals with autism (Zager, 2005, pp 302 & 533). ABA is more than Discrete Trial Training (DTT). Some additional examples of ABA teaching procedures include Verbal Behavior (VB), Naturalistic Environmental Teaching (NET), and Direct Instruction (DI). Over the past 30 years, several thousand published research studies have documented the efficacy of ABA across a wide range of populations, interventionists, settings, and behaviors (MASDEC, 2000, 21). SEEM Collaborative ABA Services SEEM Collaborative currently employs several Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA), all in good standing with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) who provide and supervise ABA services, for students ages 3-22. Four main areas of service are provided:
Consultation to SEEM Collaborative schools is provided by request of the school principal, teachers, counselors, and other service providers, including Speech and Language Pathologists, and Occupational Therapists. Each school has its own unique culture, needs, and goals; for this reason, the service provided to each school is varied. Responsibilities include helping to create function based intervention plans, data systems, lesson plans for students who with typical teaching methodologies are not progressing, various in-services and trainings, administrative consultation, parent meetings, and consultation not otherwise specified. Consultation to public schools is provided by referrals from the Director of Special Education (or school district designee). Services include classroom and single case consultation addressing both reduction in problem behavior and increasing appropriate behaviors as well as academic skill acquisition with a focus on least to most intrusive interventions, team involvement, function-based programming, Functional Behavior Assessments, and prioritizing skills that lead to student success. Home services are provided through referrals from the Director of Special Education based on parent and school agreement for services to be provided in the home. Consultative services to families are provided on a frequency mutually agreed upon by the school system and family. Direct teaching services to the student may also be provided with hiring, training and supervision provided by a BCBA. Beginning September 2010, all therapists will be required to participate in 10, 1-hour training sessions, which specifically address ABA principles and teaching techniques. Training for SEEM School staff and staff from member school districts is another service that SEEM BCBA’s provide. Trainings may be conducted at SEEM Administrative offices or on site in the school district. Trainings vary in topic (ABA: What it is and is not, Working with Students on the Autism Spectrum in Your Classroom: Practical Suggestions) as well as in intensity (2-hour to Intensive 5-day Course in Intro to Basic ABA procedures). Professional supervision and mentoring for BCBA candidates may also be provided at the request of a school district. SEEM Collaborative provides behavior analytic services solely at the request of the public school district. Behavior Analyst Continuing Education Series As of September 20, 2010, SEEM Collaborative will offer trainings targeted for the behavior analytic practitioner, though all are invited to attend for a cost of $5 per person per session. (1) CE unit will be offered per training (BCBA and BCaBA only). In order to receive CEU, individuals must bring their BACB certificate number. Each 1 hour training will run from 7:00-8:00 pm, the third Monday of each month at the SEEM Collaborative Administrative Offices which is located at 92 Montvale Avenue, Suite 3500, Stoneham, Massachusetts, 02180. For more information or to RSVP, contact Kris van Herp at kvanherp@seemcollaborative.org. Space is limited.
SEEM Collaborative BCBA [full-time]
SEEM Collaborative BCBA [per-diem]
References Cooper, O. J., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2007). Applied Behavior Analysis. 2nd Edition. Columbus, Ohio: Merrill Publishing Company. MASDEC. (2000). Report of the MASDEC Autism Task Force. Manchester, ME: Maine Administrators of Services for Children with Disabilities. Sulzer-Azaroff, B. & Mayer, G. (1991). Behavior Analysis for lasting change. Fort Worth: Holt-Rinehart-Winston. Zager, D. (2005). Autism Spectrum Disorders Identification, Education, and Treatment. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Online Resources Applied Behavior Analysis (Amanda N. Kelly, PhD Candidate, BCBA): www.abama.webs.com Applied Behavior Analysis: International (ABA: I): www.abainternational.org Association of Professional Behavior Analysis (APBA) www.apbahome.net Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB): www.bacb.com B.F. Skinner Foundation www.bfskinner.org Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies (CCBS): www.behavior.org
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