BT Monthly Newsletter - FEBRUARY 2025

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

Having the ability to regulate your own emotions while your client is unable to regulate theirs is so important. We need to role model emotional regulation skills for the kids we are supporting.
- Be patient, kind, compassionate, and empathetic. We are providing an intensive therapy service which means that our clients may engage in challenging or maladaptive behaviors, they may struggle to manage their emotions, they may experience sensory overload, and they may have difficulty expressing themselves appropriately. Be a good role model.

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.

Discrete Trial Teaching Procedures

Although natural environment training is important, as well, DTT can be beneficial. It's important to understand what DTT is and how to use this teaching strategy effectively.
What is a “Discrete Trial”?
- A discrete trial is a single cycle of instruction that may be repeated several times until a skill is mastered. A discrete trial consists of 5 main parts:
  - 1.) An initial instruction – ex. “Touch your nose.”
  - 2.) A prompt or cue given by the teacher to help the child respond correctly – ex. Teacher points to child’s nose.
  - 3.) A response given by the child – ex. Child touches their nose.
  - 4.) An appropriate consequence, such as correct responses receiving a reward designed to motivate the child to respond correctly again in the future – ex. “Nice job touching your nose,” teacher gives child a sticker.
  - 5.) A pause between consecutive trials – waiting 1 – 5 seconds before beginning the next trial.
- There is a lot more to learn about DTT. Not only is it important to understand the steps of implementing a discrete trial, it is also important to have established motivation for your client, use effective positive reinforcement, use prompting as appropriate for your client, and ensure that you are balancing "table time" (with DTT) with other teaching strategies and opportunities for physical movement.
- Source: Florida Atlantic University

IMPORTANT DATES (Events, Closings, Etc.)

CLOSINGS
- NONE
EVENTS
- QBS Training (Grand Rapids location)
  - February 20th and 21st; 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Themed Client Activity: Handprint Valentine's Day Card
  - Week of February 10-14th
  - Craft Info
    - Help our clients to make a Valentine's Day gift for their parents or caregiver.
    - DIRECTIONS:
      - Use paint to create 3 handprints on a piece of paper or cardstock. Cut them out.
      - Place the handprints and pipe cleaner on a piece of paper in an arrangement that looks like 3 flowers.
      - Write a message on the paper, such as "Happy Valentine's Day" or "I love you, Mom." Also, write the child's name on the paper. If the child can write, have them write this information and if they have more advanced writing skills, have them write reasons why they love their parent/caregiver.
    - Materials:
      - Washable Paint
      - Paper (or Cardstock)
      - Scissors
      - Pipe cleaners (or just use paint for this)
      - Markers/Pens
      - Clear Dry Glue

source: https://www.nannyshecando.com/valentines-day-easy-kids-craft/

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 the Training & Development Director, Heather Gilmore, at hgilmore@autismofamerica.com. You are also welcome to contact your BCBA, center coordinator, or HR staff.

Autism
of America