BCBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Why does VNU have a BCBA?

BCBA's are rare in the adult-services world but skill-building and behavior change is necessary well pass the ages of 18 or 21.

Provide evidence-based practices & interventions.

Enable more intensive behavioral supports through the utilization of Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs).

Provide data for medication management.

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a professional who works with people in a variety of environments on behavior-related issues. BCBA’s perform skill assessments, functional behavior assessments, and write both learning and behavioral support plans to help people reach their full potential through building skills. A Behavior Analyst holds a masters or doctoral degree in Applied Behavior Analysis.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is branch of psychology that focuses on learning and behavior in real-world settings. ABA therapy uses what we know and understand about behavior to help change behavior and build skills. Although ABA therapy is commonly used with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), it is helpful to any population.

Need more information? Click here to read more about ABA.

The BCBA's role here at VNU include:

Working in a consultant capacity with a targeted caseload of individuals.
Supporting residential and programming leadership with data collection, recommendations, assessments, and staff training.
Writing and recommending supports that are driven by what can give the individuals we support the best opportunities for success with peers, staff, and the broader community.
Providing evidence-based approaches starting with the least-restrictive interventions that have the greatest likelihood for positive outcomes.

Behavior Support Plans

A Behavior Support Plan (BSP) is written for many of our individuals and provides detailed guidance to staff as to what strategies are the least restrictive and have the highest likelihood of success. They are similar to a Behavior Intervention Plan on an IEP in the school setting. They are created to help build skills and respond to challenging behavior in a way that supports growth and independence in the person.

For more information:

Contact Patty Hortsman, MA, BCBA, LBA

712-324-5405

pattyh@villagenorthwest.org

Nationally recognized information on ABA & BCBA’s: Autism Speaks