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.

Services

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.
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.
Behavior Consultation Services are delivered within the school setting to provide individualized and programmatic supports to students and school personnel. Behavior consultation can focus on school- wide behavior supports, classroom management plans, and individual behavior interventions. Our qualified behavior consultants work collaboratively with the school team to deliver intervention based on the science of behavior. Consultants work closely with the school team to conduct Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and develop Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
Behavior Intervention Services (BIS) is a direct service in which the therapist or behavior technician implements behavior support strategies to reduce interfering behavior and build a variety of skills. These skills can include functional communication, academic skills, daily living skills, social/emotional skills, as well as other skills.
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
We offer a variety of educational and behavioral services to children of all ages and grade levels. Early Intervention Program services (ages birth to 3) and Preschool Program services (ages 3 to 5) are provided through our partner company, Kidz Therapy Services. School-age services (ages 5 to 22) are provided by Kidz Educational Services.

Kidz Educational Services works with school districts to provide the highest quality of support to students. Through direct and indirect service delivery models, we support each child’s learning and behavioral development through high-quality special instruction and intervention that is driven by compassion.

Services are offered in schools, homes, communities, and at our Enhanced Behavior Support Services locations.
- Audiological
- Functional Behavioral Assessment
- Occupational Therapy/Kindergarten Therapy Consultation
- Physical Therapy
- Psychological
- Special Education
- Speech, Language and Feeding
- Vision
- Orientation and Mobility
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.
Enhanced Behavior Support Services is for students aged 5-22 who are unable to participate in their current educational setting due to interfering behaviors.

Learn more about this service.
We are aware that no two individuals share the same walk of life. There are unique childhood experiences, family dynamics and interpersonal relationships, multicultural and religious differences, trauma/stressors, in addition to many others that make your life exclusive to you. We know that therapy is never a one size fits all, and our approaches reflect personalized plans to address all mental health related issues.

While our clinicians utilize a variety of modalities and therapeutic focuses, one lesson frequently used with our younger clients stands consistent for all of us, regardless of age or presenting problem. “The emotional backpack” illustrates the weight of what we carry on an everyday basis. Just like a normal backpack or bag, we put things in as the days and weeks go on, but it would be extremely uncomfortable to continue carrying it without taking some items out. It would simply be too heavy. This stands consistent with our emotions. Day by day and year by year, more and more experiences lead to us carrying more and more emotions. Could you imagine going to sleep comfortably wearing a bag that weighs 30 pounds? Neither can we, which is why we want to help you take the weight out.

Services may be available through the Early Intervention Program (ages birth to 3) or the Preschool Program (ages 3 to 5) which are provided through our partner company, Kidz Therapy Services.
Every client receives therapy tailored to their specific needs. This is achieved by utilizing a variety of modalities, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Interpersonal Therapy
- Mindfulness Based Therapy
Occupational therapists treat children who exhibit deficits in fine motor development, visual motor integration, sensory motor integration development, self-help, and regulation skills.
- Fine Motor Development requires the development of strength, postural control and bilateral integration abilities. Once these skills are developed, precise movements such as grasping and manipulating objects as well as self-help skills can be addressed.
- Visual Motor/Visual Perceptual skills involve spatial awareness and coordination of eye hand movements necessary for prewriting, cutting, and constructional tasks.
- Sensory Integration is the ability of the child to register and integrate information from the environment via their senses. Integration of sensory information is necessary for attention, body awareness, motor planning and regulation of alertness.
- ADHD/Inattention, Impulsivity, and Hyperactivity
- Trauma and PTSD
- Behavioral Concerns
- School-Refusal
- School Related Concerns
- Selective Mutism
- Suicidal Ideation
- Social Skills Development
- Academic Concerns
- Adjusting to Change/Life Transitions
- Aggression and Violence
- Anger Management
- Attachment Issues
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Family Problems
- Phobias
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Giftedness
- Grief, loss, and bereavement
- Health/Illness/Medical Related Counseling
- Body Image and Self Esteem Related Concerns
- Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation
- Depression and Anxiety
- Divorce Adjustment
- Multicultural Concerns
- Panic Attacks
Our staff is here to address each child’s individual needs and to help all children on their way to a bright and promising future.
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.
Parent training assists the parents, guardians, and caregivers to understand their child’s specific needs. Family participation and involvement is an integral part of each child’s program. Families are taught strategies that enable them to contribute to their child’s learning at home and in their community.

Parent Training also helps families identify community resources to meet family and child needs. Services can be provided individually or in groups at a location designated on the IEP (home/school/community).
Physical therapists work on helping children progress through the developmental sequence from rolling, sitting, and crawling through standing, walking, sitting, and jumping. Children then learn how to use their gross motor skills to engage in ball play and navigate playground equipment. Physical Therapy may also focus on alleviating movement and postural dysfunction, as well as improving specific balance skills, overall body coordination, gait patterns, stair negotiation skills, quality of movement issues, motor control skills, and motor safety concerns.
- Motor Planning - Planning and coordinating movements of the arms, legs, head, and trunk in the right sequence and force to achieve a motor goal.
- Motor Control - Involving control of the muscles and resultant movement of the limbs and trunk.
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.
Our special education teachers target all areas of academics across all grade levels. The special instruction targets the specific needs of the child and the goals set forth in the child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). This can include pre-academic skills, learning readiness skills, as well as basic and advanced skills across math, reading, and writing.
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.
Speech Language Pathologists treat children who exhibit communication and swallowing deficits. Our primary goal is to help children who present with difficulties in the areas of speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing. Speech services are curriculum-based targeting pre-reading and literacy skills, phonemic awareness, sound/syllable manipulation, and auditory perceptual skills. Depending on the child’s current functioning level, services also focus on reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing including organizational skills, grammar, and sentence structure. Articulation and pragmatic language skills are also addressed to improve the child’s ability to effectively communicate with family, peers and/or teachers. Our specialized programs include:
Children with severe speech or language difficulties may need learn to communicate using augmentative and alternative devices. There are many types of AAC that can be used. Speech-language pathologists and/or Special Education teachers can assist in determining the appropriate device to meet the child’s individual needs.
Feeding therapy can help with a wide range of feeding and swallowing disorders and difficulties through consultations, assessments, and interventions. Therapy focuses on improving overall feeding and swallowing development. This intensive programming is individually tailored to accommodate the child’s needs and current skill level. Therapy focuses on working towards increasing food repertoire and oral eating as well as to provide support for the family.
The Lidcombe Program is an evidence-based treatment program for children who stutter. Based on simple operant conditioning and positive reinforcement, the child and his/her parent, along with the speech-language pathologist formulate a reward system for speaking smoothly. The therapist, the parent and, if possible, the child record data to document improvement and to determine therapeutic strategies. Current research supports the use of this treatment as being effective in increasing fluent speech.
Prompt for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets is a dynamic approach for assessment and treatment of speech disorders. PROMPT technique provides tactile-kinesthetic input to the articulators (jaw, lips and tongue) in order to direct oral muscle movements necessary for speech production. PROMPT can be used to treat a variety of motor speech disorders.
Teachers of the Deaf provide guidance and education to children and young adults who are deaf or hard of hearing. Teachers of the Deaf will engage in a collaborative team approach to facilitate the development of communicative competence using one or a combination of service delivery models including but not limited to consultation; classroom-based integrated instruction and/or intervention; pull-out instruction and/or intervention; community-based intervention.
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).
Our services promote and enhance the development of children of all ages. Our staff is dedicated to addressing each child’s individual needs. We are one of the largest providers of services and evaluations for children across Long Island. Early Intervention Program services (ages birth to 3) and Preschool Program services (ages 3 to 5) are provided through our partner company, Kidz Therapy Services. School-age services (ages 5 to 21) are provided by Kidz Educational Services.
- Audiological
- Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)/Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)
- Occupational Therapy/Kindergarten Therapy Consultation
- Physical Therapy
- Psychological
- Special Education
- Speech, Language and Feeding
- Vision
- Orientation and Mobility
- ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule)
Our therapy is offered through a variety of models:
- Individual Therapy
- Parent Therapy/Training
- Couples Therapy
- Family Therapy
- Parent/Child Relationship Therapy
- Siblings Therapy
Teachers of the Blind and Partially Sighted provide services to children with visual impairments. These professionals also provide consultations and/or accommodations in educational settings to assist in modifying and adapting curriculum to enable a child’s full participation in their current programs.
To learn more about upcoming group offerings sessions, please visit our Group Offerings page.
Our team is made up of various clinicians, including:
- Licensed Psychologists (Ph.D., Psy.D)
  
  Psychologists are trained mental health professionals who hold a doctoral degree in psychology from a licensure qualifying doctoral program. Licensed psychologists have completed 1750 hours of supervised experience consistent with the scope of practice in psychology.
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
  
  Licensed clinical social workers are trained mental health professionals who hold a master’s degree in social work (M.S.W), in addition to 3 years of post MSW supervised experience in diagnosis, psychotherapy, and assessment-based treatment.
- Licensed Masters Social Workers (LMSW)
  
  Licensed masters’ social workers are trained mental health professionals who hold a master’s degree in social work (M.S.W), in addition to 900 hours of field experience. They work under the ongoing supervision of an LCSW or psychologists, and they provide diagnosis, psychotherapy, and assessment-based treatment.
- Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC)
  
  Licensed mental health counselors are trained mental health professionals who hold a master’s degree in counseling, in addition to 3,000 hours of supervised field experience in mental health counseling. They provide diagnosis, psychotherapy, and assessment-based treatment.

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Autism & Behavioral Services

Services

Applied Behavior Analysis

Applied Behavior Analysis