Your Content Goes Here 1.What do behaviour services look like at Pathways to Hope? At Pathways to Hope, a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) will work with you and your child using either: 1. a 1:1 therapy model where your child works directly with BCBA, or 2. a consultation model where BCBA works with caregiver to implement behaviour strategies in the home setting. 2. What is behavioural therapy? Behavioural therapy focuses on positive, meaningful behaviour change. This may include your child learning social skills, language and communication, routines, academics, self-help skills, and more. It may also include decreasing harmful or unsafe behaviours, often by replacing these with alternative, positive behaviours. At Pathways to Hope, our BCBA uses principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)(see ABA section for more). 3. What is ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis)? ABA is a research-backed methodology for understanding behaviour (the skills and actions needed to live, play, work, talk, etc.). ABA is used to increase positive behaviour, learn new skills, and essentially to help individuals and their families live their best lives. Typically, a goal/new skill will be broken down into smaller steps, which will gradually be worked on until the end goal is met. Research shows that consistent ABA can significantly improve behaviours and skills and reduce the need for special services (Reichow, 2012). ABA has been endorsed by multiple agencies around the world including the U.S. Surgeon General, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the National Institute of Mental Health (BACB, 2022). 4. How long will my child need behavioural therapy? This varies depending on the child’s needs. Typically, the BCBA and team working with your child will evaluate your child’s needs on an ongoing basis. Overall, the goal is to help you and your child be equipped and empowered so that intervention is no longer required. 5. Is ABA only used for kids with autism? Although ABA is most often used for helping children with autism, there are many other applications of it!It’s also used in areas such as parenting, education, traumatic brain injury, mental health, sports, and workplace performance. 6. Who will work with my child/me? At Pathways to Hope, a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) will work with you and your child. A BCBA is an individual with an expertise in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). BCBA’s are required to hold a masters in ABA, psychology or education, complete 1500 hours of supervised fieldwork in an ABA program, and sit for a board exam. 7. What will my child learn in behavioural therapy? Your BCBA will assess your child’s needs and create an individualized plan. Goals may range from pre-academic and visual responding skills to self-help or emotional regulation skills. You (the caregiver) will be involved in your child’s goal planning and progress. References Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (2021, January). An applied behavior analysis subspeciality: Behavioral treatment of autism and other developmental disabilities. https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Behavioral-Treatment-of-Autism-and-Other-Developmental-Disabilities-Fact-Sheet_210108.pdf Reichow, B. (2012). Overview of meta-analyses on early intensive behavioral intervention for young children with [...]

Your Content Goes Here Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has become more talked about in recent years, and its prevalence seems to be growing, the chances are you know someone whose family has been impacted by a diagnosis of ASD. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, 1 in 66 children and youth are diagnosed with ASD in this country. ASD occurs in all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups, but it is about 4 times more common among boys than girls. Studies are still being conducted to better understand where this disparity comes from. The learning, thinking and problem-solving abilities of people on the Autism spectrum can vary greatly, some people with ASD are extremely gifted, whilst some face severe challenges. We do know now, that signs of ASD begin during early childhood and that we should be watching for certain developmental milestones. Signs and Symptoms: The CDC has the following list outlining some of the signs and symptoms to be aware of. The child may not point at objects to show interest (for example, pointing at an airplane flying overhead.) They may not look at objects when another person points at them. They may have trouble relating to others, or not have an interest in people at all. They may avoid eye contact and want to be alone. They may have trouble understanding other people’s feelings, or talking about their own feelings. They may prefer not to be held or cuddled, or might cuddle only when they want to. They may appear to be unaware when people talk to them, but respond to other sounds. They may be very interested in people, but not know how to talk, play or relate to them. They may repeat or echo words or phrases said to them, or repeat words or phrases in place of normal language. They may have trouble expressing their needs using typical words or motions. They may not play “pretend games” for example, not pretending to “feed” a doll. They may repeat actions over and over again, They may have trouble adapting when a routine changes. They may have unusual reactions to the way things smell, taste, look, feel or smell. They may lose skills they once had, for example they might stop saying words they were previously using. Behaviour considerations People with ASD can have behaviours or interests that might seem unusual to others. The CDC has listed the following examples of these behaviours: Lining up toys or other objects and getting upset when the order is changes. Repeating words or phrases over and over (also called echolalia). Playing with toys the same way every time. Focussing on parts of objects (for example wheels). Getting upset by minor changes. Having obsessive interests. Needing to follow certain routines. Flapping hands, rocking body or spinning self in circles. Having unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look or feel. Other characteristics you may notice: Delayed language skills Delayed movement skills Delayed cognitive [...]

When children are feeling anxious and overwhelmed, it is important to help them manage those feelings before they become too big or are held in to the point where the child “explodes.”   Calm down kits are a great way to help with these big feelings and it is something that the child can create for themselves, or have their parent or caregiver join in.   Anything can be incorporated.  The goal is to engage the child’s senses (touch, sight, auditory, taste, smell) to soothe or distract them when they are feeling low level frustrated, angry, sad or any big feeling.   Things to get: A box or storage container they like or that they can decorate themselves (to put the items in) Stress ball (you can make these with balloons and experiment with different textures. If the child likes the feeling of slime etc, then something like hair gel could be close to that texture, but you can also use things like flour, rice, sand.) Balls - squishy or spiky Colouring items (sketch book, adult colouring books, printed mandelas/colouring pages from the internet, pencil crayons or markers) Puzzles or brain teasers Clay or play dough Pictures or mementos of people and places that make them happy Fidget toys You can include items that have the child’s favourite scents (essential oils, cards sprayed with it, if they have a favourite scent.) Favourite foods that can be stored in the box, in moderation an example of this would be hard or gummy candies. Craft items they enjoy Books Journal   Let them have fun with this activity and be guided by the things they enjoy. If you have any questions about this activity, feel free to email us at reception@brantmentalhealth.com   This information was provided by Registered Social Worker, Brianna Kerr. Brianna has over ten years of experience working with children and youth in a variety of settings. Her areas of practice have included domestic violence, trauma, and anxiety. She works with children between the ages of 4 and 18 years old at Brant Mental Health Solutions.