Staff Newsletter | March 2023

Feature Article

What is Functional Communication Training?

As adults, we express our needs, wants and feelings daily using functional communication skills. Children with autism may have difficulties communicating and may express themselves by displaying maladaptive behavior. One way to solve this problem and reduce frustration in your client is through Functional Communication Training (FCT).

One goal of FCT is to replace maladaptive behaviors with appropriate forms of communication. Although the final goal is to help your client communicate appropriately, it must be noted there are several steps to achieve this goal. For example, if a client elopes when shown a non-preferred activity it may indicate he or she is not interested. The RBT and BCBA can work to replace the behavior with a different form of non-vocal communication, such as shaking their head to signal no or handing over a break card. Or if appropriate, they can teach the learner to simply say "Can I do that later?"

 

As part of the treatment plan, the BCBA will determine what kind of communication plan is needed to successfully promote the client’s language. Implementing FCT may consist of sign language, vocal speech, non-vocal language, pictures or a communication device to help clients grow their skills.

News + Spotlight

 

Rainbow ABA is ACE approved! We are thrilled to announce that Rainbow ABA will be hosting CEUs live and on demand CEUs for staff members. More info to come!

Remember, session notes should be complete & verified within 24 hours. Cancellations should be reported to your BCBA immediately! 

Rainbow ABA Shout Outs  

 

Do you know a RBT/BT, Supervisor, BCBA Candidate, or co-worker that has been stellar and you believe they deserve some recognition (positive reinforcement), send in a nomination! Click the form below.

 
Shout Out Form

 Weekend Social Skills Group

 

Are you interested in leading a Saturday Social Skills Group or Parent Training at the Rainbow ABA center?

 

Email Lauren@rainbowtherapy.org

Become a BCBA!

Are you interested in obtaining your masters in ABA or completing Verified Sequence Coursework to be eligible to sit for the BCBA exam?

 

Rainbow ABA has partnered with the following universities:

 

Felician University

Capella University

 

Rainbow ABA staff receive a tuition discount!! E-mail

Lauren@rainbowtherapy.org for more information.

March Birthdays

  • Justinne A.

  • Evelia C.

  • Katiana D.

  • Brittany G.

  • Kimberly C.

  • Kristina N.

  • Melissa H.

  • Rosicela L.

  • Ashley M.

  • Charday M.

  • Melissa M.

  • Aniyah T.

  • Arzu M.

  • Diana O.

  • Breonie S.

  • Rosayris S.

  • Melissa T.

  • Yanni T.

  • Julianna F.

     

Happy Birthday! Thank you for all you do, Rainbow ABA truly appreciates you. We wish you a wonderful and happy birthday! 

From, Rainbow ABA 

Shout Out Spotlights

Katie Langston, Center Director

Katie is originally from Poconos, PA and moved to New Jersey 8 years ago to purse the field of ABA. She has been with Rainbow ABA for little over a year now and is the Bloomfield Center Director. Katie says her favorite thing about Rainbow ABA is "how collaborative and supportive everyone is!"

Her advice to BCBA Candidates is to "Be a self-starter and go getter, always ask questions and learn everything you can from your supervisor. " A fun fact about Katie is she loves to learn new trivia facts and wants to be on Jeopardy one day. In her spare time, you can find Katie spending time with her husband, daughter, and dogs. She loves to go for walks with them!

SHOUT OUT: "Katie is an essential part of Rainbow ABA! She is a great leader, extremely approachable, a quick problem solver and compassionate. "

Rosayris Suriel-Cruz, Behavior Therapist

Rosayris is from Perth Amboy and has been a Behavior Therapist at Rainbow for a little over 3 months. She says "Although I've been here for only 3 months, I love the Rainbow environment. The work environment is fun and diverse every day. I am always supported by my BCBA. It's a big family!" Rosayris is a proud Latina/Hispanic that travels every day to NYC to attend a private Ivy League research university. Her advice to other Behavior Therapists is, "It's not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up."

SHOUT OUT: "Rosayris has a background in psychology but is new to the ABA field. She has been working with her learner for a few months and has developed great relationships with the client and family. Her client is so excited every time Rosayris arrives at their house. Rosayris is eager to learn, runs sessions efficiently, and applies feedback immediately" - Karly B.

Meet the Administrative Team

 

Karina Gomez

 

Administrative Services Director

 

Giselle Hernandez

 

Executive Assistant

 

Lucero Cisneros  

 

Executive Assistant  

Saint Patrick's Day Craft

Looking for a fun, easy, & cute St. Patrick's Day Activity? Print this sheet! Provide students with strips of green paper. Have them cut the strips into squares and glue them on the shamrock. Last, have them write or dictate why they are lucky.

 
Craft

Make a Wish

 

Use this lucky 4-leaf clover to have your child write a sentence about their wishes for their family, the world, a friend and themselves, you'll be surprised at how much you learn about them!

 
Writing Sheet

Fork Stamps

 

This Fork Stamped Tulips Craft is a fun and unique Spring craft perfect for kids of any age! Work on color ID, fine motor skills, following directions and other skills.

 

 
Stamps

March Themed Materials

 

March coloring pages.

 
Coloring
 

 

Saint Patrick's Day Rainbow Craft sheet.

 
Activity Sheet
 

Cut and paste activity.

 
Cut/Paste

Let's Stay in Touch!

Visit our Website
300 Broadacres Drive, Bloomfield, NJ, USA
201.720.8600

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