DOWNLOAD A PDF PRINTABLE VERSION HERE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Welcome! This is the Autism of America Behavior Technician Monthly Newsletter. We are providing this resource so that we can more easily share important information and company announcements with everyone.
Announcements
You can view the company calendar to find important information, closing dates, and to schedule any meetings (when needed). Find the calendar here.
To access the calendar (and any other password-protected pages on the AOA website), use password: AOA2403!
This password may change at times for security purposes. You will be informed when this occurs.
Reviewing the newsletters is a mandatory part of your position.
BT REMINDERS
This area of the newsletter will address things related to your position as a Behavior Technician. We will give reminders that you may already be familiar with just as a refresher or for the purposes of informing those who may not be aware of the information. We might also share new information related to your role as a BT.
Reminder(s) of the Month
Transportation of Clients
BTs are not allowed to transport clients without permission from the BCBA. If it is clinically appropriate to transport clients (such as for working on community-based skills), the parent must provide written consent.
FEATURED ABA CONCEPT
This area of the newsletter will briefly review one ABA concept, strategy, or tip as a way to help you improve your ABA skills which will ultimately help us give the best quality services to our clients. We continue to strive for excellence in our services and want to support your growth in the field, as well.
Assisting with Functional Assessments
BTs can help BCBAs in completing functional assessments. Functional assessments are completed by gathering information and data about the client's behaviors with the intention of identifying the function of the behavior and developing an appropriate intervention plan.
Examples of ways BTs can assist with functional assessments include:
collecting data on target behaviors
collecting ABC data (antecedent-behavior-consequence)
implement experimental procedures to modify the environment for the purpose of trying to identify the function of the behavior
Your BCBA will discuss your role in functional assessments when/if the BCBA decides to complete this for your client.
IMPORTANT DATES (Events, Closings, Etc.)
CLOSINGS
CHRISTMAS DAY - Wednesday, December 25th, 2024
NOTE: AOA is OPEN on Christmas Eve: Tuesday, December 24th
NEW YEAR'S DAY - Wednesday, January 1st, 2025
NOTE: AOA is OPEN on New Year's Eve: Tuesday, December 31st
EVENTS
QBS Training (Grand Rapids location)
December 19th and 20th; 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Themed Client Activity: Seasonal Ornament
Week of December 16-20
This is a way to connect all of our BTs and kiddos and bring a greater sense of community to our team despite being in many different locations. Additionally, this activity gives our clients something new and exciting to experience which can incorporate mastered skills, current goals, or new skills as well as to develop social and communication skills no matter the learner's needs or abilities. Feel free to contact your Center Coordinator or the BCBA overseeing your case for more guidance.
To celebrate this season of the year, AOA would like all of our centers (and home-based staff if you're able) to help our kiddos complete a craft representing this theme.
The craft we will complete is a Seasonal Ornament which supports a variety of skills such as fine motor skills and receptive language skills. You can also incorporate pattern and/or color recognition.
Craft Info:
Materials:
Non-toxic washable paint
Thick cardstock (cut into the size slightly larger than a handprint)
Foam paintbrushes
Glue and small decorative items (e.g., sequins, buttons, ribbon, etc.)
Instructions:
Prepare the Base - Help each student choose a piece of cardstock.
Create the Handprint - Assist students in painting their hands. Press their hands onto the cardstock to leave a print.
Decorate - Inform the child they can decorate their handprint. Allow students to add decorations around their handprints using glue and small items. Encourage creativity!
Personalize - Help them write their name, date, or a short message (or provide a printed label for this step).
Create an Ornament - Attach a string to make it hangable.
OPTIONAL: This craft ornament could be designed to look like a tree by using green and brown paint and a star on top of the handprint and gluing items to represent the Christmas tree decorations.
NOTE: If your client (or their family) doesn't celebrate Christmas or celebrates another holiday instead, be sure to recognize that and adjust the craft to suit the client's life experiences and the family's culture.
COMPANY VALUES
We would like to share the AOA core values with you. We strive to incorporate these values into everything we do. We hope you will embrace these values and demonstrate them throughout your work, as well.
THE AOA CORE VALUES INCLUDE:
Excellence
Compassion
Respect
Diversity
Positivity
THANK YOU
Thank you for all you do for your clients and for AOA. We appreciate you!
If you have any questions about this content, feel free to contact the Training & Development Director, Heather Gilmore, at hgilmore@autismofamerica.com. You are also welcome to contact your BCBA, center coordinator, or HR staff.
Comments