Autism & Behavioral Services
Kidz Therapy Services is dedicated to providing professional and comprehensive services to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to help them achieve their maximum personal development both as individuals and learners. We are committed to working in partnership with therapists, families, caregivers, school districts and community members to develop the most effective treatment/educational program for each individual child. Our therapists and educators receive on-going training and clinical supervision to ensure the highest quality of services. Our goal is to maintain a standard of excellence in treatment by providing trained professionals in the field, while keeping the needs of the child and family as our primary concern.
Kidz Therapy Services is dedicated to ensuring a cohesive team approach and the highest quality of services. Providers are encouraged to attend in-service training and workshops that aim to enhance their intervention skills. Kidz Therapy Services regularly offers workshops and seminars to provide our educators with the most current research and developments in the field.
Applied Behavior Analysis
At Kidz Therapy Services we develop programs designed specifically for young children utilizing the principles and science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Our comprehensive home, community and preschool-based programs incorporate the components of ABA and Verbal Behavior (VB) that have been proven to be effective in the acquisition of skills across developmental domains. The Assessment to Basic Language and Learner Skills (ABLLS) or the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP) is used as one of our fundamental tools for developing age-appropriate and functional goals for each child. Methods of instruction may include but are not limited to: applied verbal behavior, discrete trial training, errorless teaching, incidental teaching, direct instruction, task analysis, and natural environment and community based training.
Consultants
Our consultants within the Autism and Behavioral Services Department work with school teams or home teams to provide staff support in designing and implementing effective interventions. Most of our consultants are Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and/or are a Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA). Psychologists and special educators can also serve as a consultant to teams. In some settings, the consultants are responsible for monitoring therapy teams to ensure client progress. Consultants continuously evaluate and troubleshoot programs in order to develop the most appropriate and functional goals for each child. Consultants may also serve as important members of team meetings by providing goals and objectives, behavior intervention plans, and recommendations for program development. Consultants also provide therapists with on-going supervision and training on effective treatment strategies.
Our consultation services include:
- Functional Behavior Assessments
- Behavior Intervention Plans
- Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS)
- Curriculum/Program development
- Participation in CPSE meetings
- Classroom set-up and organization
- Establish systems for data collection
Evaluations
Families who suspect that their child is showing characteristics of an Autism Spectrum Disorder may seek a thorough diagnostic evaluation. These evaluations are conducted by our licensed clinicians utilizing specialized diagnostic instruments. These instruments include: a cognitive assessment, The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and/or the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition (ADOS-2) which is based on the criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual - Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Other DSM-5 aligned measures may also be incorporated into the assessment.
Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA)
An FBA is a process of data collection to determine why an individual engages in behaviors that impede learning and overall functioning. It assesses how the student’s behavior relates to the environment and probable consequences that serve to maintain it. If warranted, a Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP) will be generated based on the specific results of FBA. Baseline data is collected as part of the FBA process to serve as a comparison point and measure the effectiveness of a BIP.
Paraprofessionals
Paraprofessionals are responsible for providing 1:1 instruction or behavioral support to children in the home or school setting utilizing the techniques of Applied Behavior Analysis. The paraprofessional will implement educational and behavioral programs with supervision provided by the team leader and/or behavioral consultant.
Parent Training
Parent participation and involvement is an integral part of each child’s program. The family/parent trainer will assist in broadening the parental knowledge base of the diagnosis and interventions related to Autism Spectrum Disorders. Families are taught strategies that enable them to contribute to their child’s learning at home and in their community. In addition, the parent trainer can address any on-going concerns.
Service Providers
Kidz Therapy Services provides consultants, certified special educators, team leaders, parent trainers, and paraprofessionals to work with children and their families to help each child work up to his/her fullest potential.
Special Educators
Special educators apply the principles of behavior analysis and research-based instructional strategies to teach children to acquire skills and maximize their independence in the areas of academics, socialization, activities of daily living and communication. Special educators are responsible for implementing 1:1 educational and behavioral intervention programs to children in their homes and/or serve as Special Education Itinerant Teachers (SEIT) in the school settings. Additionally, special education teachers can also provide indirect services such as parent training services and consultation services. The primary role of special education teachers is to promote acquisition, generalization and functionality of skills for each child.
Team Leaders
At Kidz Therapy Services, team leaders are assigned to each case at the early intervention level. Team leaders play a crucial role in the ABA/VB treatment program by not only carrying out the responsibilities of a special education teacher but also working as coordinators of their assigned therapy teams. As team leaders, they are responsible for monitoring, maintaining and reviewing the ABA/VB program book which includes academic, social and behavioral goals. The team leaders also supervise special educators on the team to ensure consistency and appropriate implementation of ABA/VB goals. Team leaders also serve as liaisons between parents/teachers/therapists and the consultants. All team leaders either passed the the Tier 2 competency program set forth by Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties, or hold a board certification in behavior analysis (BCBA) and/or a license in behavior analysis (LBA).