By Christopher D. George, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA

The Behavior Analyst Certification Board detailed that 'professionals in applied behavior analysis engage in the specific and comprehensive use of principles of learning, including operant and respondent conditioning, in order to address behavioral needs of widely varying individuals in diverse settings.'  The federal government recently determined applied behavior analysis to be a 'medically necessary' treatment for children diagnosed with autism.  Choosing a behavior analyst may be one of the most important decisions your family makes in finding services for your child.  A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) ensures a level of clinical competency, but just because a clinician is Board Certified does not mean that they will be a good match for your child and family. Learn more about how to choose the right match for you.  Article continued.

North Middle School Staff

Spotlight on: North Middle, Pride and Rockfield Elementary Schools

By Laura Ferguson, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA

During the 2008-2009 school year, the training site project began in Jefferson County Schools under the guidance and partnership with the National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum.  The following year the KATC began to expand the project into other areas of the state.  This year the KATC will be working in all of the special education cooperatives throughout the state. Our work in the classroom involves monthly visits to support the local educational team in planning, implementing, and evaluating instruction. We work with the school team to select objectives and instructional plans for specified students as well as classrooms. Through the project our goal is to increase the school's capacity for serving children with autism spectrum disorders by supporting their implementation of research-based strategies. Article Continued