Search Results for: #Residential

The Council of Autism Service Providers:
A Comprehensive Look at CASP’s Initiatives and Resources

Jacqueline Weber, PhD, BCBA-D, David Celiberti, PhD, BCBA-D and Saikiran Reddy Battula (Extern) Association for Science in Autism Treatment Authors’ Note:  We would like to thank Andy Beres, Director of Marketing and Communications, for his helpful suggestions and support in the development of this article and this dedicated issue of Science in Autism Treatment.  …

An Interview with Erick Dubuque, PhD, LBA, BCBA-D, Director of the Autism Commission on Quality (ACQ)

Interview conducted by David Celiberti, PhD, BCBA-D Association for Science in Autism Treatment   As this issue of Science in Autism Treatment is dedicated to the Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP), I am thrilled to feature an interview with Dr. Erick Dubuque. As the leader of the Autism Commission on Quality (ACQ), Dr. Dubuque…

Is it Possible for People with Intellectual Disabilities to Increase Communication Skills in Adulthood?

My son is in his mid-40s and nonspeaking. He is very motivated to interact with others, but he doesn’t have the words to express himself. Is there a chance he could still learn to communicate using something other than his voice? If so, what can we do to help him? Laura Nagy, MS, CCC-SLP Melmark…

Voices of Those Working with Adults with ASD: An Interview with Melmark Clinicians

Interview conducted by Kristina (Kristy) Gasiewski, MEd, MOTR/L, BCBA Melmark PA Interviewees: Angel Cox Crayton, M.Ed., BCBA, LBS, Behavior Analyst Samantha (Sam) Chamberlin, MOT, OTR/L, Lead Occupational Therapist Amanda L. Duffy, MEd, BCBA, LBS, Director of Clinical Services – Adult Programs Lindsay Harre, MS, CCC-SLP, Lead Speech Language Pathologist Lara Redcay, MEd, BCBA, Assistant Director of…

How do you promote autonomy while supporting a healthy lifestyle in young adults with autism?

I am the parent of a 22-year-old who has recently transitioned into adult services. While I understand that she has more rights and freedoms, I’m really concerned about her ability to make healthy choices like exercising regularly. If staff don’t require her to follow her routines, she would happily sit in bed and eat donuts…

What are the Benefits of an Integrated Approach when Addressing Complex Medical and Behavioral Needs?

I am concerned that my son has an underlying medical problem that may explain some of their behaviors. Do you have any advice for a parent of a very complex individual who may have both medical and behavioral difficulties? How are such individuals treated? What kind of care is required? How do I ensure my…

How can families of individuals with Rett Syndrome plan for care as their child ages?

My teenage daughter has Rett Syndrome and has always been served in a setting designed for individuals with autism. It has generally served her well, as she needs highly individualized care, and has responded well to ABA intervention. Over the years, her medical needs have grown more complex, and I am wondering about the best…

How Can Health Informatics Support Our Work?

I am the Clinical Director of an agency serving adults with autism. In the last few years, we have had some medically complex situations and some clients who we struggled to serve. It may be that their needs are more complex because of their age, or it may be that we are missing/failing to assess…

Can Psychotropic Medications Be Safely Reduced?

I am the parent of a 29-year-old man who has a long history of aggression that has been controlled with heavy amounts of multiple medications. I am not sure if this is realistic, but do medications used for behavior ever get reduced? If so, how can that happen? Is there anything I should look for in a residential…

Where We Are and Where We Have Been: Successes and Challenges in ABA

An Interview with Rita Gardner, MPH, LABA, BCBA President and CEO, Melmark As we have just completed Autism Awareness month, and we are at a milestone for Melmark (the 25th Anniversary of Melmark New England), we would love to pause and reflect on what ABA has done for autism intervention, what our current challenges are,…

Melmark: A Commitment to Best Possible Outcomes

Kate McKenna, MEd, MSEd, MS, BCBA Association for Science in Autism Treatment Established in 1965 by Paul and Mildred Krentel as a home for children with developmental disabilities, Melmark has long been known as the “house that love built.” Today, Melmark is an ever-growing organization with schools and facilities in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and North Carolina,…