Staff Newsletter | April 2023 |
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Feature ArticleWhat are Maladaptive Behaviors? |
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The definition of maladaptive behaviors are actions that prevent an individual from adapting, adjusting, or participating in different aspects of life. A child with autism spectrum disorder sometimes engages in maladaptive behaviors to avoid or escape an aversive situation. This is typically a result of deficits in communication and coping skills. |
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What does maladaptive behavior look like? Aggression (kicking, slapping, biting) Self-injurious behaviors (head banging, hitting/scratching self) Property destruction (breaking items, throwing items) Elopement (running away from therapist and caregivers) Tantrums
Identify the Function The first step in reducing or eliminating maladaptive behaviors is to identify the function of behavior or in other words, why the child is engaging in the behavior. Collecting ABC data will help discover the antecedent and consequence that’s contributing to the occurrences of the maladaptive behaviors. Intervention Maladaptive behaviors can be reduced or eliminated by giving a child with autism spectrum disorder the ability to communicate their wants and needs or an alternative appropriate replacement behavior to engage in instead of the maladaptive behaviors. Functional communication training is one of the many great ways to help the child communicate appropriately versus communicating through maladaptive behaviors. |
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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! |
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Remember, session notes should be complete & verified within 24 hours. Cancellations should be reported to your BCBA immediately! |
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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. | | |
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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 |
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April is Autism Awareness Month! Here is a list of friendly ways to spread the word: Post or re-post on social media. Change your porch lights to blue. Wear blue, the infinity symbol, or any other autism related gear. Attend or support autism friendly events in your area. Join a virtual fundraiser. Be a YEAR-ROUND ally! No need to just spread autism awareness strictly in April; show your support all year round! |
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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. |
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Maria B. Julani C. Johlennie C. Lucero C. Rachel F.
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Rebecca J. Yasmine L. Michelle O. Bhaavi P. Gereline R.
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Angela T. Carmel T. Sarah T. Antonella F.
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Happy Birthday! Thank you for all you do, Rainbow ABA truly appreciates you. We wish you a wonderful and happy birthday! From, Rainbow ABA |
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Samantha Lobo, Behavior Therapist Samantha is from Bayonne, NJ, and has been part of the Rainbow ABA team for around 5 months now. When asked what she loves about Rainbow ABA, Samantha responded, "I love being able to engage with the other clients around the clinic. Getting to learn from each client and developing relationships with them have made this job extremely rewarding and enjoyable." Samantha's advice to other Behavior Therapists is to think of creative ways to incorporate Natural Environment Teaching into your direct care sessions. In her spare time, you will find Samantha taking her dog on hikes and learning new hobbies. A fun fact about Samantha is she has her scuba diving license! |
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Shout Out: Samantha L has this amazing energy that makes the learners so happy when she's around. If one of the kids are upset, she is the first to run over them to make them smile. - Jaslie C. |
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Kristina Negron, BCBA Kristina is a BCBA from Belleville and has been a BCBA with Rainbow ABA for around 9 months now. When asked what she loves about Rainbow, Kristy stated, " I love the camaraderie between the BCBAs and the care we put into collaborating with regard to materials or just seeking guidance on new behaviors, that someone else might have had experience within the past. Her advice to parents is to "stay strong, know that ABA is a process, and as long as we all follow through with the process, it would work faster. This is coming from not only business experience, but personal experience with my own 11-year-old autistic son." In her free time, you will find Kristy increasing her adrenaline flow; she loves rock climbing, skydiving, escape rooms, swimming with sting rays and go-carting. |
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Shout Out: Kristina has been so helpful on my case! She is patient, kind, and truly cares for her clients. |
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Shout Out: Christian B's optimistic attitude and boundless energy brighten the Clinic. -Giselle H. Shout Out: Jessica K's guidance has been crucial when working with my client. -Jasniry Y. Shout Out: Rachel R. has done a phenomenal job with taking over an established case! She does an amazing job with keeping the client engaged during work and on breaks, as well as working through challenging behaviors. She has shown so much growth in only two weeks of being on the case, and I'm so proud to be on a team with her! -Heavenly v. |
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Meet the Administrative Team |
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| | Karina Gomez Administrative Services Director |
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| | Giselle Hernandez Executive Assistant |
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| | Lucero Cisneros Executive Assistant |
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Easter Sorting Sticky Wall Activity is a fun and festive shape sorting activity for children of any age! Work on sorting shapes and colors, as well as following directions! | | |
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Passover Crafts CafeMom has done an amazing job putting together a list of 20-mess free Passover crafts. Check them out below! | | |
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Spring Umbrella Craft Spring and rain go hand in hand so why not make this adorable paper plate spring craft. See below step-by-step tutorial on how to create with your child! | | |
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| | Spring craft with visual directions. | | |
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| | DIY spring time ladybug hat craft. | | |
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| | A rainbow kindness craft! | | |
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