BT Monthly Newsletter - APRIL 2025
- Heather Gilmore, MSW, BCBA, LBA
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
DOWNLOAD A PDF PRINTABLE VERSION HERE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Welcome! This is the Autism of America Behavior Technician Monthly Newsletter. We are providing this resource so that we can more easily share important information and company announcements with everyone.
Announcements
You can view the company calendar to find important information, closing dates, and to schedule any meetings (when needed). Find the calendar here.
To access the calendar (and any other password-protected pages on the AOA website), use password: AOA2403!
This password may change at times for security purposes. You will be informed when this occurs.
Reviewing the newsletters is a mandatory part of your position.
BT REMINDERS
This area of the newsletter will address things related to your position as a Behavior Technician. We will give reminders that you may already be familiar with just as a refresher or for the purposes of informing those who may not be aware of the information. We might also share new information related to your role as a BT.
Reminder(s) of the Month
Data Collection
It is important to collect data on all active treatment programs and targeted behaviors during each session. Be sure to have Catalyst easily accessible to you so that you can take data in the moment throughout session. Accurate data is essential to ABA. BCBAs use data to analyze the client's progress towards treatment goals as well as to guide modifications to programs and interventions.
NOTE: If you have any reminders you would like included in the newsletter, feel free to send an email to Heather Gilmore at hgilmore@autismofamerica.com
FEATURED ABA CONCEPT
This area of the newsletter will briefly review one ABA concept, strategy, or tip as a way to help you improve your ABA skills which will ultimately help us give the best quality services to our clients. We continue to strive for excellence in our services and want to support your growth in the field, as well.
Task Analyzed Chaining Procedures
A task analysis is a way of breaking down a larger skill into smaller steps. For example, brushing teeth could be broken down into smaller steps (get toothbrush, get toothpaste, get toothbrush wet, put on toothpaste, etc.). Instead of presenting the entire task and expecting the client to perform it successfully, each individual step is taught using chaining procedures.
Forward Chaining: This process is when the first step of the chain is completed by the learner and the rest of the steps are either not completed or prompted through.
Backward Chaining: During backwards chaining, the learner only completes the last step. She can be prompted through the previous steps or not expected to complete them at all. Once she reaches mastery with the last step, the second last step is introduced and then the third last step, etc.
Total-Task Chaining: This method involves teaching the entire sequence of behaviors at once, providing assistance wherever needed.
IMPORTANT DATES (Events, Closings, Etc.)
CLOSINGS
NONE
AoA is Open April 18th (Good Friday) and April 21st (Day after Easter)
EVENTS
QBS Training (Grand Rapids location)
April 17th and 18th; 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Themed Client Activity: Autism Acceptance Month Coloring & Discussion
Week of April 14-18
Craft Info
This month's craft focuses on Autism Acceptance Month. Select a coloring page and have your client color it. You can incorporate a variety of skills, such as receptive and expressive color identification and fine motor skills. You can also use this as an opportunity to talk to your client about their strengths, about what makes them unique (in a good way), and encourage their self-acceptance, as well.
DIRECTIONS:
Select one of the coloring pages below or find one online that you or your client prefers.
TIP: If your client has an opportunity to talk with peers and has the ability to communicate in this way, consider having them share something they like about the other person to encourage acceptance and support of one another.
COMPANY VALUES
We would like to share the AOA core values with you. We strive to incorporate these values into everything we do. We hope you will embrace these values and demonstrate them throughout your work, as well.
THE AOA CORE VALUES INCLUDE:
Excellence
Compassion
Respect
Diversity
Positivity
THANK YOU
Thank you for all you do for your clients and for AOA. We appreciate you!
If you have any questions about this content, feel free to contact Heather Gilmore at hgilmore@autismofamerica.com. You are also welcome to contact your BCBA, center coordinator, or HR staff.
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