Staff Newsletter | May 2023 |
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Feature ArticleWhat are Self Injurious Behaviors? |
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Some children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may engage in self-injurious behavior (SIB). Depending on the type of self-injurious behavior the child displays, the occurrences can be violent and put a child at greater risk of suffering from serious medical injuries. SIB can be overwhelming for parents/caregivers and alarming to strangers who may not understand what's going on. In the next section, we will discuss what SIB is, what triggers it and interventions. |
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What are Self Injurious Behaviors? Any behavior that causes physical harm to another individual or oneself is classified as self-injurious. This could include: Slapping Scratching Head Banging Biting Pinching Hair Pulling
SIB in children with ASD can either be highly repetitive or episodic. In both cases, it’s important to address the cause of the behavior and develop strategies with your behavior analyst to manage and prevent SIB from occurring. Why do some children with autism engage in SIB? The function of behavior needs to be determined in order to gain understanding on why a child is engaging in self-injurious behavior. SIB may be a form of communication. A child is trying to convey a feeling that they may not be able to express in words. Biting, head banging, or other self-injurious behaviors may be a means of getting their needs met or a way to express fear or pain. SIB can also potentially be a form of sensory stimulation. An individual with autism may self-injure as a way to increase or decrease their level of excitement. Ultimately, the function of the SIB would have to be determined through a comprehensive functional behavior assessment (FBA) conducted by a BCBA. Intervention for SIB: By identifying the function of behavior, a behavior analyst can create a treatment plan to address and prevent SIB. Below are a few strategies for SIB: Teaching an alternative behavior Remove all triggers to prevent SIB Functional communication training Treating underlying health problems (ex: head banging because of a headache) Identifying psychological problems (ex: anxiety or depression)
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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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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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Dalilah A. Mya F. Lauren F.
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Jackie H. Moustafa J. Shaneil J.
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Gretel L. Vanessa L. Taxmira L.
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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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Karina Gomez, Administrative Services Director Karina is from Paterson NJ and joined Rainbow ABA as a Administrative Services Director/HR Assistant in June 2021. When asked what she loves about Rainbow ABA, Karina responded "Rainbow has unmasked my love for individuals with differing abilities and I love being a support system for the families. Watching the behavioral therapist and BCBAs offer high quality services to their learners and witnessing how it shapes their little lives is amazing. Walking around the center and getting a simple wave or "hello" from a learner is so rewarding." A fun fact about Karina is that her family is from the Dominican Republic, and she can cook almost any dish from there! In her free time, you will find Karina visiting home decor stores and doing makeovers/changes to her house. |
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Shout Out: Karina K. is amazing. She is super friendly and always available to help when needed. Thank you for all you do, Karina! |
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Destiny Sullivan, Behavior Therapist Destiny is from West New York and has been a center Behavior Therapist with Rainbow ABA for about 4 months now. When asked what she loves most about Rainbow, Destiny said "What I love the most about Rainbow is the teamwork and the bond I have built with my client." Destiny's advice to BT's is "patience is key. There will be some hard days, but the sessions in the end are so rewarding!" In her spare time, you will find Destiny hiking or working on a 2,000 piece puzzle that she will later frame and gift to others! |
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Shout Out: Destiny S. wears her heart on her sleeve and will always go the extra mile to meet clinical goals and keep our client smiling throughout the day. Destiny's dedication and hard-work with our client is making a great impact! He is showing incredible progress. -Anais R. |
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Shout Out: Jessica P. provides great guidance and comfort when demonstrating how to do assessments properly, when asking questions and providing suggestion on client's new activities. -Marilin I. Shout Out: Breanna D. is an amazing technician who is always eager to learn and help out when needed! -Chloe B. Shout Out: Giselle H. always helps me translate to Spanish speaking families when needed and is happy to do so. She is such a team player. Thank you Giselle! -Katie L. |
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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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Rainbow Crafts Do you love Rainbows as much as we do?! Here are 14 easy Rainbow themed crafts and activities that you can do with your Learner. | | |
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Fire Breathing Dragon This fire breathing dragon made from a toilet paper roll is an easy kids craft that uses simple craft supplies. When you blow into the end of the tube the tissue paper looks like flames coming out of the dragon’s mouth! | | |
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Nature Suncatcher Craft Kids will love this enchanting Nature Suncatcher Craft! Invite your little ones to explore nature and have fun making their own adorable suncatcher craft. You won't believe how simple it is to make, you only need a few household items and a free afternoon to spend outside with your little ones exploring nature and doing some crafting. | | |
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| | Happy Mother's Day Coloring Sheet | | |
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| | Mother's Day Flower Pot Craft | | |
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