Distance Supervision

Supervising Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in-home programs from a distance presents unique challenges for supervisors and therapists. It’s easy to lose the personal connection when the supervisor is not physically present to provide face-to-face contact. Since parents rarely see the supervisor, they may not be aware of what is going on behind-the-scenes to keep the program functioning. Insurance companies, who know little about Behavior Analysis, know even less about Distance Supervision of ABA programs. From their perspective, “applying behavior analysis” means a Behavior Analyst is sitting at the table working directly with the child..
Despite the challenges, “remote” or “distance supervision” will become a necessity as more states pass mandated insurance coverage for children with autism.  Most Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) reside in highly populated urban regions, leaving many under-served geographical regions and even under-served states.  There will be a high demand for services in these areas, since ABA therapy is written into the mandate in many states. When supervising therapists in another region (or state), program development and analysis is critical, but many insurance companies will not allow billing for these activities.

Check & Connect: A Tier 2 PBIS Intervention

Check & Connect is a model of sustained intervention for promoting students’ engagement with school and learning. Demonstrated outcomes include:

• decrease in truancy,
• decrease in dropout rates,
• increase in accrual of credits,
• increase in school completion, and
• impact on literacy.

Check & Connect is data-driven and grounded in research on resiliency and home-school collaboration. Student referral criteria include alterable warning signs of school withdrawal – primarily attendance indices (absences, tardies, or skipping class)—in the context of academic performance and emotional or behavioral problems.

Check & Connect is implemented by a person referred to as a monitor or mentor. The person is a cross between a mentor, an advocate, and a service coordinator whose primary goal is to keep education a salient issue for disengaged students and their teachers and family members. The monitor/mentor works with a caseload of students and families over time (at least two years) and follows their caseload from program to program and school to school.

Check & Connect is structured to maximize personal contact and opportunities to build trusting relationships. Student levels of engagement (such as attendance, grades, suspensions) are “checked” regularly and used to guide the monitors’ efforts to increase and maintain students’ “connection” with school.

Upcoming Check & Connect Training

Cost: $100.00, includes contenental breakfast and lunch

Location: Drivers’ Village, 5885 East Circle Dr. # 350 Cicero, NY 13039

 On-Line Registration

 Download Registration Flyer

This training on the Check & Connect model will provide you with practical tools for helping students reconnect to school and get on track to graduation. Participants in this program will learn:

• Strategies or engaging students in school
• How dropout risk factors may be altered
• The difference between basic and intensive dropout prevention programs
• The essential skills of an effective Check & Connect monitor
• How the Check & Connect monitor works with students, families, and school staff
• Resources for supporting students with academic, social and behavioral issues

Fall Autism Training for Parents & Caregivers

Time/Location: Sessions will be held in the Borg Warner Room at the Tompkins County Public Library, Saturdays 1-4:30 Facilitator: Dr. Michael Friga Cost: $ 50.00 per session. Materials & Snacks provided Registration: Mail check (payable to Three Tier Consulting) to Three Tier Consulting, 130 Landon Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850 More Information: Dr. Michael Friga (607) 227-8657

Overview of Discrete Trials Teaching September 20th Discrete Trials Teaching is an evidence-based intervention for children with autism. This session will explain basic methods and include video segments demonstrating DT Teaching. Note: This is only an overview of practices and principles and does not train participants to implement a discrete trials program.

Social Skills Building October 11th Many children with Asperger Syndrome and high functioning autism have the academic skills to be successful, but lack social skills needed to develop friendships. This session provides participants strategies to assist children to understand and negotiate social relationships.

Picture Communication November 15th Non-verbal students often have no means of sharing their wants and needs. Picture systems provide an effective method for communication. This session trains participants in the basic skills to develop and implement picture communication systems.

Behavior Support in the Home December 13th Understanding why children have behavioral difficulties is the first step in teaching them effective alternatives. This session provides strategies for understanding and solving behavioral challenges using positive methods.

Ithaca Autism Symposium Flyer & Schedule

We have finalized the agenda for the Autism Symposium scheduled for August 18th & 19th. Two days rich with resources and information related to support for individuals with autism in Central New York.

Download the flyer: ithaca-autism-symposium

Download the agenda: conference-agenda

Evidence-Based Autism Programs

The Autism Symposium in Ithaca, NY will feature sessions describing evidence-based programs currently being implemented in Central New York. Sessions include:

State of the Art Services for Autistic Spectrum Disorders–National and Local Perspectives: Dr. Raymond Romanczyk is Director of The Institute for Child Development in Binghamton, NY. He is also the Director of the new Center for Autistic Spectrum Disorders . He will explain the methods and practices shown to help individuals with autism. Dr. Romanczyk will also describe the services provided at ICD and summarize the new role the Center for Autistic Spectrum Disorders will play in providing training for schools, agencies and families.

Partnership Programs: Dr. Karen Fried is Director of Autism Services at the Franziska Racker Centers . She will share information about the Partnership Program, which is located in Tompkins and Cortland Counties. The program is based on the methodology of applied behavioral analysis (ABA). Using ABA, the program helps preschoolers on the autism spectrum learn new skills and behaviors, develop interests, form relationships, and actively participate in community life while simultaneously helping the families of these children reach their goals for success and happiness. The program provides an intensive behaviorally based classroom model that includes school experiences with typical and non-typical peers and a logically sound transition plan for kindergarten.

The Primary Autism Program: Ithaca City School District developed a model, school-based program for children with autism. The program includes discrete trial training, visually structured environments, the Picture Exchange Communication System, and functional assessment to “trouble-shoot” and modify programs. Ms. Nicole Dauria and Ms. MaryAnn Simpson, the classroom teacher and speech therapist, will discuss the logistical challenges of student scheduling, staff deployment, and physical structuring needed to ensure a successful program.

Support for Families of Children with Autism

Next week’s Autism Symposium will feature sessions by local experts on topics related to supporting children with autism. Families new to the services and support available in Central New York. Sessions include:

Self Determination is based on the belief that people work best and are happiest when they feel in control of their own lives. Ms. Sally Colletti, owner of Advocate for Autism , will share the principals and methods of self determination in New York State. The session will cover the Medicaid HCBS Waiver and Person-Centered Planning along with options and examples.

Navigating the System: Ms. Kathryn Gleason is a parent of a person with autism and creator of Autism Ithaca . & Ms. Susan Ruff is Director of Advocacy at the Southern Tier Independence Center . Ms. Gleason will share a parent’s perspective on the issues faced by parents as their children grow and services change. Ms. Ruff will explain her experience and share her knowledge of agencies and services available to parents in Central New York.

Special Needs Trust Funds : Ms. Virginia A. Hoveman Esq. is an attorney with Green Seifter, PLLC in Syracuse, NY. She will explain how a special needs trust fund can help families ensure the financial security of individuals with disabilities without loosing government benefits.

Family Support : The responsibility of supporting individuals with autism can be stressful for families. Central New York has organizations to help. During breakout sessions and panel discussions, Advocates for Autism, Ithaca Autism Coalition, Autism Ithaca, and other support groups will explain their activities aimed at supporting families

Behavior Analysis in New York State : Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)is an evidence-based approach effective in helping many individuals with autism. In New York State, there is a growing need for qualified ABA providers. The New York Association for Behavior Analysis has been working with the state to ensure regulatory provisions for these services. Dr. Dennis Mozingo is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Coordinator of the Certification Program at the Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities in Rochester, NY. Dr. Mozingo is also the President Elect of The New York Association for Behavior Analysis. He will share a description of NYSABA’s activities and legislative initiatives regarding Behavior Analysis in New York State.

Legislative Initiatives: Current State and Federal legislation related to disabilities will affect families and individuals with autism in upcoming years. Ms. Susan Ruff will share current legislation and pending issues and explain how parents, caregivers and agencies can act to ensure these laws are written to the benefit of individuals with disablities.

Online Resources: Families of individuals with autism, schools and agencies are often unable to leave their location to seek expert assistance. Site visits by professional consultants is often cost prohibitive. A new trend in professional consultation: the “tele-consultation,” may help provide professional support for these individuals. Online consultation was developed several years ago in the field of medicine, but has only recently been advanced in psychological and behavioral support. Dr. Michael Friga, Director of Three Tier Consulting and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst will explain the process and benefits of online consultation.

Ithaca Autism Symposium

Nationally, one out of every one hundred fifty children are diagnosed with autism. Local schools and agencies are beginning to coordinate efforts to address this growing challenge, according to Dr. Michael Friga, Director of Three Tier Consulting. Dr Friga is Board Certified Behavior Analyst who is currently assisting local schools and families affected by autism. He today announced a symposium at TST BOCES, focused on supporting these families. The conference, to be held on August 18^th and 19^th will bring together researchers, service providers, agencies and support groups to share evidence-based practices and resources available in the region. Dr. Friga explained, “parents are frequently unaware of the resources within their area that can support them and their children.” He believes “there is a need for caregivers to develop a sense of community in Central New York.”The first day of the conference focuses on local programs shown to be effective. The newly created Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders will be described by its Director, Dr. Raymond Romanczyk. Dr. Romanczyk is also a professor at Binghamton University and Director of the Institute for Child Development. Dr. Karen Fried, of the Franziska Racker Centers, Ms. Nicole Dauria and Ms. MaryAnn Simpson, of the Ithaca School District will describe three effective school-based programs in Central New York.

 

 

Systems of support will be the focus of the second day, with sessions on how to “navigate the system” and assisting individuals with autism toward independence and “self-determination.” Other sessions will address additional support-related issues, including ensuring financial security for people with special needs, legislative initiatives related to autism, and parent networks in the region.Increasing numbers of children in Central New York are being identified with autism. These individuals and their families require specialized support to ensure success in school and community. The Autism Symposium at TST BOCES provides forum for caregivers to connect with support services and plan for the future.

 

 

To find out more about this conference, or to register, visit: Three Tier Consulting