For all of the ABA students that I supervise as they work towards their BCBA and the BCaBAs, I make it mandatory that they purchase a subscription to JABA. In fact, I strongly believe that all Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) and Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBA) should have JABA in their personal libraries.

Though is JABA for everyone ???

One may think that the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis is only just about Autism research studies. Actually if you really think that then you are wrong.

Recently, I was at a lecture being presented by a psychologist on behavior interventions and I brought some reading materials with me. In between the breaks, I was actually reading up on the latest published issue by JABA for Fall 2009. A person sitting next to me noticed that I was perusing this journal and asked what it was. So I just said to them- take it and read it for yourself.

The subjects focused on in this particular issue varied broadly

 - Gambling           – typical developing children interventions

- customer service           - flight training

- preventing back injuries training      -  basketball success shots

- job skills              – teaching foreign language vocabulary

- placement of consumer products         - etc  etc ……

I smiled as I observed the intrigued person scanning my current copy of JABA. They commented to me that they thought ABA was just about Autism and that this type of journal would be boring. I said NOPE, ABA is applicable to Autism and numerous other things, even including assessing the group behavior of this audience for this lecture.

They were quite interested in the Journal and discussed our field of Appled Behavior Analysis further with me – so I made the sales pitch and gave them info on how to order JABA.

So here I am making a sales pitch to all readers of this blog.

Main Info page
http://seab.envmed.rochester.edu/jaba/index.html

Subscription info page
http://seab.envmed.rochester.edu/jaba/subscriptions.html

Personally, I really think that the JABA editors and contributors made a very smart decision a few years back to include a wider variety of ABA related studies. Overall, that decision has made this journal more interesting and useful which could  and probably already has expanded its audience of readers.

Last June Phoebe did a good deed, she raised $3,736 that expanded to over $33,000 to feed poor families in San Francisco.

After seeing a man begging for food while her parents’ car drove her to preschool, this 5 year old girl was inspired to help feed the needy. She decided to do a community service project and mandated it for all the students in her school.

She originally came up with a $1,000 goal. Her teacher Kathleen Albert thought that was great but cautioned it was too ambitious. Phoebe remained determined anyway to help those in need.

Her project spurred on other agencies to do matching donations for her good cause.

End result from one good deed initiated by Phoebe?

$33,624 worth of food — or 17,971 meals — for the city’s hungry.

Her teacher, Kathleen Albert said, “I think it is very important to teach children to give back to the community. I see so many adults who walk around and have no idea of that. It doesn’t matter your wealth, you can still give back. It teaches kids that small donations can add up to big donations.”

Source: http://www.gnn.com/article/preschooler-feeds-nearly-18000-with-cans/592963?icid=main|htmlws-main|dl5|link4|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gnn.com%2Farticle%2Fpreschooler-feeds-nearly-18000-with-cans%2F592963

I say, IMPRESSIVE and may God Bless this child for her good deeds. Phoebe is a very good kid.

Good deeds help others, it also helps the one who does the good deed. By doing good deeds, it positively shapes one’s character. Good deeds shape future behaviors.

So think about it parents-

What good deeds has your child done lately????

Note: Food banks are in greater need of food and cash donations. Those needing food have risen due to the poor economy. Please do a good deed today and donate to your local food bank or food pantry.

You can also check out www.feedingamerica.org

New Jersey Becomes the 14th State to Pass Autism Insurance Reform

NEW YORK, NY (June 25, 2009) – Autism Speaks today joined New Jersey families and other autism advocacy organizations in applauding the state’s legislature for passing the autism insurance reform bill, S. 1651/A. 2238, which requires insurance companies to provide coverage of evidence-based, medically necessary autism therapies ( and other developmental disabilities) . The bill now heads to Governor Jon Corzine’s desk for signature into law.

The New Jersey bill requires insurers to cover up to $36,000 annually for a child with autism that is 21 years of age or younger. Coverage includes Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, which is recognized as an effective, evidence-based treatment for children with autism.

In many states, insurers explicitly exclude coverage of these therapies from policies, which places a significant financial burden on families seeking to provide their children with necessary services. Thirteen other states – Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Montana, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas – have passed similar autism insurance reform bills. Nearly thirty states had bills introduced in their legislatures this year.

“With the passage of this legislation, New Jersey joins the ranks of states that have recognized the unfair and unreasonable burden being imposed on families of children with autism,” said Elizabeth Emken, Autism Speaks vice president of government relations. “Autism insurance reform has gained significant national momentum.”

Source: www.autismvotes.org

A2238 – Requires health benefits coverage for certain therapies for the treatment of autism and other developmental disabilities. *
Passed both Houses
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bills/BillView.asp?BillNumber=A2238

My thoughts on this ?
I think it is GREAT news for children and their families with disabilities.

It shall be an interesting process to see how all of this shall be implemented and monitored.

I did my part and contacted my NJ legislative representatives as a BCBA to pass this bill. Though I am concerned about those who are adults with disabilities, they also need behavior analysis supports too.

It is exciting that the families will have many therapeutic avenues that can accessed. Especially since many parents with children who have disabilities need training and coaching. Yes, parents can implement ABA programs and behavior interventions at home  and in the community as long as they have an experienced  Board Certified Behavior Analyst ( BCBA) that is a very good one working with them.

As a Behavior Analyst, I observe and work in various settings. Recently I came acrossed comments on another Autism related blog that proclaimed Applied Behavior Analysis just makes kids into robots due to its overly high structured protocols and interventions!

Whenever I read these types of comments, I think to myself- ABA is not just about highly structured interventions with massive discrete trials that rewards with M&Ms.

Yes, I have to be honest, I do come across some ABA programs that are too highly structured that lack fading procedures and Natural Environment Teaching. Yes, I do come across behavioral psychologists who joke about the ABA usage of primary reinforcers like M&Ms.

However, my response is usually this- A truly experienced Behavior Analyst will know what is necessary for each individual, group, situation or setting and will apply ABA principles accordingly.

I recently did a school observation of a child with Autism who is mainstreamed with typical developing children. It has been very nice to witness how this child has grown over the past few years being in regular school with some added therapeutic supports.

Does Natural Environment Teaching occur in the regular school system? Absolutely! This child has benefited from it. Though being the Behavior Analyst consultant, I did have to add some more structure and intervention. I advised on how to balance the teaching environment.

Thus, I have seen both sides, settings that were mainly Natural Environment Teaching that needed more sstructure and discrete trial additions to overly structured programs that needed to become more flexible and natural.

Is there an easy answer to all of this? NO.

It all DEPENDS upon many factors that have to be assessed and evaluated.

Since I have started this blog, I’ve gotten numerous email and phone inquiries regarding career advisement in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis.

Though I must point out, as I always say, each person is unique, so is also a personal career choice.

People have many career questions about ABA such as;

- how much work is involved in becoming a Behavior Analyst?
- should I become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst?
- what ABA graduate programs should I apply to?
- what job options would I have?
- what can I do with my current work background?
- could I set up my own business or should I work for an organization/agency?
- do I have to only work with the Autism population to become a BCBA?
- how can I get work experience with the required BCBA supervision?
etc etc…

I will provide some basics here:

With a BCBA certification you could do a lot of good work and help people. Our field is in need of very good, competent Behavior Analysts. Though there is an ongoing debate now with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board as to go the licensure route or continue the certification model, in my professional opinion, I still think the BCBA is the right thing to do if you utilize Applied Behavior Analysis in your working career.

Those interested in gaining more specific knowledge about ABA and becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst may email an inquiry at bxconsult@aol.com with the subject line ‘career’ to set up an appointment for a 15 minute or 30 minute career advisement session via phone. An informational email will then be sent regarding how to set up an appointment and fees.

Appointments can be set up quickly with credit card payment options through Paypal.

Thank you.

I’m late in posting this, though I think it makes a very valid point.

Unfortunately, this world places too much importance on physical attractiveness. But what about other special attributes , skills and pesonality traits that a person has- shouldn’t that count too??

I’m sure you have heard the old adage of ‘you can’t judge a book by its cover.’ Well, Susan Boyle simply just proved this.

What a beautiful voice! Thus beauty can be displayed in various and deeper ways, not only just by physical appearance.

Something recentlly was brought to my attention regarding confusion with the titles of ABA therapist, Behavior Specialist and Behavior Consultant. I came acrossed people who honestly thought that ALL ABA therapists,  Behavior Specialists  and behavior consultants are fully trained Behavior Analysts. So, I feel that I need to strongly clarify.

Just an FYI- the Behavior Analyst Certification Board www.bacb.com   is the professional Applied Behavior Analysis organization that governs the Behavior Anayst credential.

If you are in need of a behavior related professional who has truly gone through the required Behavior Analyst ABA graduate level curriculum, ABA work supervision experience and has passed a rigorous ABA Board exam then you should hire a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.  ( BCBA )

If one calls themselves an ABA therapist or Behavior Specialist or Behavior Consultant- this does NOT mean that they are Board Certified Behavior Analysts. Nor can ABA therapists , Behavior Specialists or any other behavior related titles who have NOT earned the credential can call themselves “Behavior Analysts”. This is so because the Behavior Analyst Certification Board can only legally approve the Behavior Analyst trademark professional title.

So while shopping for ABA advisement, ASK those you are interested in- are you a Board Certified Behavior Analyst?

If they say YES- then ask them for verifiable proof of their Board Certified Behavior Analyst certificate and professional ID # assigned by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

So it is highly recommended that if you employ someone in the field of behavior, check out their credentials fully. Just because they call themselves an ABA therapist or behavior specialist or behavior consultant, it does NOT mean that they have earned the professional credential of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

Since I have been writing on this blog, I sometimes get very interesting people with various comments and some good questions sent to me too.

Recently, I received a set of good questions that I think my answers would benefit those who are interested in the bigger picture of ABA – Applied Behavior Analysis

Hello there inquirer,

Thank you for complimenting my Behavior Analyst Blog. I specifically started this blog to educate people that ABA is not just about Autism and disabilities.

My background is extensive- I apply ABA to:

Supervising ABA students
Supervising staff
Working with agencies, state employees
People with and without disabilities
Applying it to businesses, customer service
Utilizing it in case management, grant writing
Measuring trends in just about anything
Applicable to the Medical field
Shaping my own behaviors
Applying ABA to real life
etc etc

ABA can be endless….

I am just trying to do my part to help others understand the fuller value of ABA ( when assessed, utilized and applied appropriately for each unique situation, field, environment, group, setting, issue, behavior etc)

It is my hope that ABA will still continue to successfully improve the lives of those with Autism and disabilities. Though lots of other various fields can benefit from ABA. We just need some more smart, logical people with good common sense to realistically demonstrate ABA’s effectiveness with other things.

So check back for more ABA tales at my blog = )

Thanks,
Beth

Note: The Behavior Analyst Certification Board requires all certificants to have acquired supervised work experience by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) supervisor and/or BACB approved fieldwork program. Also, all BCaBAs (Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts) must be supervised one hour per month by a BCBA supervisor. www.bacb.com

I have been providing BCBA supervision since 2007. I conduct in person supervision to students throughout New Jersey and long distance supervision in other states since 2008. Before getting involved with long distance BCBA supervision, I had contemplated about whether it was viable since I prefer doing the in person. I like to be in the mix of things thus having an affect on the present environment of the students I am teaching and supervising.

Pros – in person
- direct supervision
- can role model, manipulate an environment demonstrate for student
- can provide more immediate feedback while ABA related tasks take place
- helps to assist in reinforcing a momentum
- direct interaction is important, it is also more personable

Now with the popularity of video in today’s society, especially with genres like You Tube, I thought I would try it out. I have been aware of some groups promoting remote viewing/video review programs for medical/behavior issues

This is what I have come across in regards to as a long distance BCBA supervisor -
Pros- long distance
- DVD video records ABA related tasks- we can more objectively assess
- can rewind and review behavior again, perhaps catch things not noticed initially
- can organize and present the feedback with more thought
- video acts as a self monitoring tool for students and they know that I will be looking for suggestions that I have made previously to be utilized more
- students can work with BCBAs that have more experience than those in their local geographic area

I actually like both ways. I have no more contemplations about being a long distance BCBA supervisor. However, I still kinda prefer the in person since it is more immediate, reactive, influential and personable. Though because of the long distance supervision, I take advantage of components it can offer my students and BCaBA level practitioners. Overall, both mediums provide benefits to the supervisee. As a good Behavior Analyst, I just make what is available work.

Elizabeth Wells, MS, BCBA, CSA is available to do BCBA Supervision nationwide.

Also, DVD video review BCBA feedback is available nationwide for families.

email bxconsult@aol.com for further details

credentials

MS in Health Science, UMDNJ
Master Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis, Penn State Univ.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Certified Senior Advisor
BA in Psychology, Rutgers College, Rutgers University
Certificate Case Management, School of Social Work, Rutgers Univ.
Certificate ADHD
web site: www.askthebehavioranalyst.com

Remember, starting effective January 1, 2009 , all Board Certified assistant Behavior Analysts  (BCaBA) must be supervised one hour per month by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. (BCBA) in order to maintain their certification.

http://www.bacb.com/maint_frame.html

So do I provide BCBA supervision ? YES

Is there a fee ? YES, because the time devoted for supervision takes time away from my behavior analysis practice. Though I do charge a lower fee for supervision.

Will the Behavior Analysis Certification Board require documentation to verify that supervision was obtained ? YES they will.

Have I done BCBA supervising before ? YES. I have in the past and am now currently supervising ABA students who are working towards becoming a BCBA or BCaBA. I provide in person supervision to students in New Jersey and long distance supervision to other states.

If interested in obtaining BCBA Supervision

call 732-938-7336 or send an inquiry via email

bxconsult@aol.com

I usually watch Grey’s Anatomy. I’ve been watching it more this season ( better stories) than last season ( I didnt care too much for the Izzy story line) . So it was a BIG surprise when a new character named Dr Dixon came to the show. I was not aware that this was being planned.

Of course as a Behavior Analyst that assists medical doctors to diagnose individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, I immediately picked up that the character had Asperger’s Syndrome.

Mary McDonnell who plays the brilliant Heart Surgeon Dr Dixon did an excellent job. I was very pleased with the writers of Grey’s Anatomy for how they presented this new character with a disability. Yes, she has Asperger’s, but she is a brilliant surgeon, is very productive and has feelings!!!

This should be interesting as the story line continues with the Grey’s ensemble learning good lessons from Dr Dixon.

KUDOS to Grey’s Anatomy

One day in my email, I received something from a friend with a disability.  It was a forwarded letter written by a person who has a disability and asking people to vote for Obama because he simply knew him.

Well….  that email got deleted very quickly.

So my response back ?

John McCain has physical disabilities himself that he suffered as a result of being tortured as a POW. He is not able to use a computer independently because of his physical injuries to his shoulders and hands.

John McCain has reached out publicly numerous times to the disability community

McCain’s VP choice, Sarah Palin has a child with down syndrome

Sarah Palin has strongly stated that she will make it her personal interest to advocate for the disabilities community and their families in the White House.

They both have direct experience with disabilities, they both care, they both want to help.

Obama CAN NOT MATCH the forementioned

But I am going to tell you what Obama did do

Obama mocks McCain’s disabilities

Now is Obama a true friend to the disability community ?

Yes, I think Neal is super.

As a Behavior Analyst and Professional musician, I can truly appreciate Neal’s singing skills and gift.

Good Luck Neal, hope you win and go to Vegas.

FYI: Effective January 1, 2009 , all Board Certified assistant Behavior Analysts  ( BCaBA) must be supervised on a monthly basis by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. ( BCBA)

http://www.bacb.com/maint_frame.html

Professionally, as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst ( BCBA) I think this move by the (BACB) is a wise one.

Here is why:

A BCBA has completed 5 or more ABA graduate level courses, has at least 1500 hours of BCBA supervised work experience hours, has a Masters degree or Ph.D and passed the higher level BCBA board exam.

The Assistant level has at least completed 3 ABA graduate level courses and 1,000 hours of BCBA supervision hours, has at least a Bachelor’s degree and passed the lower level BCaBA board exam.

Right now all Behavior Analyst candidates much seek BCBA supervision. ABA students have lots to learn, I know because I am a BCBA Supervisor. Therefore, it makes a lot of sense that the Assistant Behavior Analysts must have further higher level BCBA supervision. Overall, this important move by the BACB makes our Applied Behavior Analysis profession more credible.

Though to parents, school districts, agencies, organizations, communities etc, please keep in mind, one who calls themselves a behavior specialist, coach, teacher or therapist etc are NOT Board Certified Behavior Analysts unless they have successfully completed the rigorous ABA curriculum and EARNED the credential  www.bacb.com

Yes, the internet is the current tool being utilized for education, communications, sales and entertainment. Ebay, You Tube, Facebook etc, everything is going online !  So it does not surprise me that parents are starting to use this type of media mode for behavior interventions regarding their children’s issues and problematic behaviors.

Personally, as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who works with parents, I think that this type of an intervention is kinda extreme.  Though I can understand why parents get to this frustrated point. However, I would never suggest this.

Angry Father Nails Xbox To Tree

by Will Safer, posted Aug 19th 2008 at 12:46PM

“What do you do when your kids get out of hand while playing with their Xbox? Your options are:

1.                               A time out.

2.                              No dessert.

3.                              Nail that Xbox to a tree, dammit!

  Source: http://www.switched.com/2008/08/19/angry-father-nails-xbox-to-tree/?icid=200100397×1207821343x1200429189

It would be interesting to see if after the ebay / CNN video coverage is all over, will these kids listen (respect) their parents directions / commands?  (improve their behaviors) Will this type of intervention be effective in the long run?

To Parents:

Please note, there are better ways to handle problematic behaviors and/or excessive Xbox playing than this particular route.

David Militello’s Las Vegas audition – 9 year old child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

SInging has enhanced his Verbal Behavior skills!

My favorite is still Opera Singer Neil Boyd-  what a TALENT!!!

I was watching tv today and lo and behold, I saw a commercial advertising  - How to transform your child’s problematic behaviors in minutes!!!

As a Behavior Analyst, I thought, hhhmmmm too good to be true to change problematic behaviors in minutes. Perhaps one simplistic instance of a behavior could be changed, but a whole set of problematic behaviors to be changed in minutes???  I take issue with that.

So I evaluated their sensationalized website that claimed such incredible, miraculous results! The whole DVD Behavior training program will just only cost you $300 and POOF your child will behave again!  They even guarantee it!

Parents, please be leary of such commercial hype. Anybody who claims to change your child’s problematic behaviors in minutes should cause you concern. Behavior takes time to observe, assess, develop an intervention, implement intervention/technique, measure its outcomes, adjust if needed,  monitor and continue maintenance.

Lets pick out a behavior, one that could be problematic. Perhaps we are overweight.

Is there a pill or an exercise that will make us thin in minutes ??????

 POOF!!!!  It is MAGIC !

NO!

Changing behavior is serious business. It takes much work and time.

Hire a Behavior Analyst, who is a Behavior Expert.

David Militello really did awesome for his age and disability of Autism Spectrum Disorder

As per reported by his parents FYI:  Singing helped this boy to talk and express himself.

-  Singing can be a Verbal Behavior training technique

Music is such a wonderful therapeutic and creative outlet for Autism and for all.

This was my favorite segment on America’s Got Talent this season;

Neil Boyd

By ADDitude Magazine

Simple changes in diet, like cutting back on snacks with sugar, could bring out the sweeter side this holiday season in your child with attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD).

Chances are, you’ve had the following chat with the doctor of your child with attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD) — probably just before the holidays: “Every time Johnny eats lots of sugary foods, his symptoms of ADHD worsen, and he becomes irritable and hyper. I dread this season because Johnny turns it into unhappy days for everyone.”

Your doctor leans back in his leather chair and says, “What your child eats has nothing to do with his behavior! There is no research that supports this idea.”

Think again. While some studies have found no correlation between sugar and increased hyperactivity in ADHD children, other studies on nutrition suggest that some ADHD kids are “turned on” by copious amounts of sweet stuff.

A study conducted by the University of South Carolina concluded that the more sugar hyperactive children consumed, the more destructive and restless they became. A study conducted at Yale University indicates that high-sugar diets may increase inattention in some ADHD kids.

So where does this leave you, now that the holidays are almost upon us? Don’t panic. The first thing to do is to determine whether sugar affects your child the way it affected children in the studies. Start by removing as much sugar, corn syrup, and other natural sweeteners as you can from his diet for 10 days—a difficult but doable task!

On the eleventh day, give him a sugar test, stirring a tablespoon of sugar into 100 percent pure fruit juice. Does he kick it up a gear or three in terms of hyperactivity? Does he have less ability to focus? If yes, you have your answer.

Healthy Holidays

It’s time to go on sugar alert. But how can you possibly cut back on sweets during the holidays? Here are some strategies:

Set a good example at Halloween by giving out sugar-free chewing gum —or inedible items, like fancy pencils or nickels or dimes. If candy is a must, then look for white peppermints sweetened with sorbitol.

Manage the candy your child does bring home from trick or treating. You can make a deal beforehand about exactly how much Halloween candy he can consume each day. Or you can “buy” the candy from your child, so he can purchase something else he really wants.

Substitute nuts, a platter of fresh veggies, or colorful fruits with tasty dips for the chocolate-covered cherries and candy corn served at gatherings.

Instead of sugary cookies, try Pepperidge Farm Chessmen—one of the few commercial varieties on the market low in sugar and free of food dyes.

Serve chilled punch, made with 100 percent fruit juice, in holiday cups. Avoid fruit “drinks” or “cocktails,” both of which are higher in sugar. When serving juice, accompany it with sandwiches made of meats or poultry on whole-grain bread. The protein in the meat and the fiber in the whole grain will help maintain steady blood sugar levels.

Sounds like a lot of work, and it is. But if your child is less hyperactive and inattentive, everyone benefits!

It is April and it is Autism Awareness Month. I was recently at a Provider Resource Fair for an Autism Walk in NJ. Luckily, $80,000 was raised for the cause. The money is used to educate parents and teachers.

It was really nice to see so many families and friends all together working for the same cause. Because I was a resource provider, many parents approached me to ask for info about our expanding ABA field.

Many parents with children who have Autism do not realize that Board Certified Behavior Analysts are still quite rare. Currently, there are only about 5,000 certificants who hold the BCBA ( Masters or Ph.D level) and BCABA ( Bachelors level) credential in the world. In addition, Behavior Analysts are not just limited to serving the Autism population. It depends upon the Behavior Analyst’s education, work experience, populations serviced and expertise background. Some Behavior Analysts only deal with Verbal Behavior, others work with a broader range of behaviors, some only work with children, some adults, some can teach parents, some work in business, others work with typical kids etc., etc. ABA is applicable to many things, not just Autism.

It was refreshing to speak with a few parents who were more aware of Applied Behavior Analysis and its many positive uses. They understood that changing their behavior would help their child with Autism.

Now some might say, if you want to change behavior then just go buy a book and implement the techniques yourself or go attend a behavior workshop and apply it yourself. These avenues are fine, though where is the true guidance ?

These parents that I met were very interested in getting direct training/coaching in the home. They felt that perhaps they do know some ABA, but a professional would be better to objectively assess the needs and provide the necessary teaching to improve/modify/maintain behaviors.

Changing behavior is similiar to learning a brand new skill. We all needed teachers throughout our lives, why not a Behavior Analyst to teach how to change our behaviors ?

Changing behavior is not easy, it is complex.

As a Behavior Analyst, I get a lot of inquiries all the time about rates and fees. So, I get phone inquiries telling me how much they have already paid out for other behavior, therapy, learning professionals in New Jersey.

Average rates examples for In-person consults

Speech Therapy $ 125 per hour

Physical Therapy $90 – $125 per hour

DAN Doctor ( Defeat Autism Now ) $300 and higher for one hour consult, additional fees for products

Massage Therapist $80 plus tip

Occupational Therapy $125 per hour

Psychologist $175 and higher per hour

Autism Coach $125 per hour

- In another post on this blog I had featured the rates of phone consults on a national level. Shockingly, they averaged $100 per hour for even non-degreed individuals !

So my response back is usually, as Behavior Analysts, we need to make a living too. We are advising, designing, assisting to implement a therapeutic change in someone’s life and/or environment. Our job is an important one and should be compensated fairly.

Just as the rates and fees of the above mentioned professionals, Behavior Analysts work hard and are professionals too.

FYI: At this time, there are only approximately 5,000 professionals that hold the title of Board Certified Behavior Analyst ( BCBA) and Board Certified Assistant Analyst.( BCaBA)   www.bacb.com

Lately, as I surf the internet, I’ve been noticing more and more advertising for coaches. Whether it is an Autism coach, ADD ADHD coach, Parent coach and recently the new term Family coach, this type of service is popping up everywhere.  

It makes sense that many people are looking for assistance and advice via in-person, phone or email consults. Though when one is searching for that right professional to help them with their issues- does the coach consumer really know how to pick a qualified and experienced professional? 

So one night, I decided to research the pay rates / fees and the credentials of these various coaching professionals. It concerned me that many sites I looked at had individuals with NO formal college or university education. Also, for these non-degreed individuals, in person or phone consults averaged $100 per hour. That puzzled me. 

Next, they had testimonials listed on their sites, well so do I on mine.

http://askthebehavioranalyst.com/testimonials.htm 

But, these individuals do not have the following: 

I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, with a MS in Health Science UMDNJ, BA in Psychology Rutgers University, Masters Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis Penn State University and have a Certificate in ADHD  etc etc with over 18 years of experience.

http://askthebehavioranalyst.com/about.htm  

My advice to the Autism, ADHD, Parent, Family coach shoppers- 

Please choose your professionals wisely. Education, verifiable credentials and real experience really do matter. 

Elisabeth had mentioned that her 2 ½ year old daughter, Grace was looking away from her and making funny faces in a defiant manner upon the ‘time out’ ending. True, as Super Nanny Jo explained, that was a control issue. She did correctly advise Elisabeth to perhaps tell her daughter Grace that the time out could last longer if she did not appropriately attend to her mother’s talk about why she was put in time out. Though, what I want to point out too is, that the reaction to avoid her mother’s talk by looking away and making funny faces, the functions of that behavior could be to escape the talk and/or  it could also be the daughter’s way of seeking more attention. Remember, even negative attention (reprimanding) is attention. Additionally, new factors have impacted the family. Grace has a new 2 month old baby brother to compete against for her mother’s attention. It does not surprise me that Elisabeth’s daughter is misbehaving alittle more lately for attention too