Congratulations to our new BCBA!
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Our Center
See Beyond the Label
First and foremost, we are all human. Every individual with autism, a developmental disability, or mental health diagnosis is more than their label. The label that is given to them based on behaviors observed during an assessment. A label which is then used to explain why those behaviors occur. This is a human error. How can one get a label based on their behaviors, but then those behaviors be attributed back to that very same label. How is it that we say…”Oh he can’t pay attention….he must have ADHD.” and in the next breathe say, “He has ADHD, that’s why he can’t pay attention.”? Let’s stop defining people by their labels. By labels that are given to them…sometimes incorrect labels – because let’s face it, everyone makes mistakes. Let’s look at each person’s individual differences.
I always refer to autism more as a color wheel than a spectrum. A spectrum implies that there are the severe and the less severe. But that simply is not the case. One child may be great at social communication, but struggle with reading comprehension. Another may be great at reading comprehension, but struggle with social communication. One may be unable to talk, but can draw beautifully. Another may thrive at independent daily routines, but struggle with intense behaviors that interfere with their independence.
Let’s look more at the individual and their unique qualities. What are their unique strengths? Their unique needs? Let’s truly look at the individual and strive to create an environment that best meets their needs and builds on their strengths.
Fall Sensory Activities
Looking for Fun Fall Sensory Activities? Individuals with autism (okay, really all of us) often enjoy a variety of sensory activities. When thinking of sensory activities, think of your child’s preferences…visuals, textures, sounds, pressure, smells, tastes. You want to develop sensory activities and spaces that work for your child’s unique needs.
Try one of these…
Leaf Raking -This can be a great sensory activity as well as an exciting physical activity. Make a pile, then jump on in!
Fall Sensory Bins- Fill a jar or bin with fall items such as leaves, pine cones, pumpkin seeds, and then add water.
Carving a pumpkin? The insides can be a great sensory activity. Put the gooey seeds in a bin and you child can play while you carve.
What other fun fall activities have you tried?
VBH Earns National Distinction as Behavioral Health Center of Excellence
St. Clairsville, OH – BHCOE Accreditation has recognized Valley Behavioral Health with a 2- Year Accreditation, acknowledging the organization as a behavioral service provider dedicated to continuous improvement in applied behavior analysis. BHCOE Accreditation recognizes behavioral health providers that excel in the areas of clinical quality, staff qualifications and consumer satisfaction and promote systems that enhance these areas. These areas are measured with a wide-ranging audit, including interviews with agency clinical leadership, in-depth on-site observation, a detailed staff qualification review, an anonymous staff satisfaction survey, and an anonymous consumer satisfaction survey.
BHCOE Accreditation is the only applied behavioral analysis (ABA)-specific accreditation. It provides feedback regarding clinical best practices, staff satisfaction and turnover, and consumer protection. Acting as a third-party, the organization systematically measures and reports on existing quality criteria in the behavior analysis community using standardized methods and practices, and accredits only those service agencies that meet these standards.
“At Valley Behavioral Health, we aim to provide the highest quality of behavioral services so that our clients can make meaningful progress,” said Jackelyn Moran, Owner of Valley Behavioral Health. “We are excited to earn BHCOE Accreditation because it demonstrates our team’s commitment to always working to be our best for our clients and their families.”
“We are committed to helping shape the field of behavior analysis to include the most kind and effective treatment which is known to improve skills and mental health,” said Dana Tovcimak, Clinical Director at Valley Behavioral Health. “We are excited to have earned BHCOE Accreditation as it is a reflection of our commitment to having all children and families respected and willingly learn to achieve their greatest potential.”
Learn more about services offered by Valley Behavioral Health here.
About BHCOE Accreditation – BHCOE Accreditation is a trusted source that recognizes behavioral health organizations committed to continuous quality improvement. BHCOE offers a third-party measurement system that differentiates and provides independent feedback on clinical quality indicators. The BHCOE criterion features standards that subject-matter experts developed to measure effective applied behavior analysis services. For more information, visit www.bhcoe.org.
