Is there an interest in shaping behaviors today ?

The answer is … of course !!

There has been a major interest during these past few years regarding how behavior can be interesting to watch and be shaped for the better.

Television shows like SUPER NANNY, The Biggest Loser, Celebrity Intervention, Til Debt Do Us Part etc., they all showcase targeted behaviors and how the individuals work towards changing and / or achieving them.

In addition, look at all of the popular reality TV shows featuring how people interact and respond in various environments like Survivor, The Celebrity Apprentice, Wife Swap, Little People Big World etc.

Even Organizational Behavior Management has become quite popular due to the business world’s need to analyze and improve business management, marketing and customer service. TV shows like Shark Tank and Undercover Boss are looking at the aspects of business related behaviors.

Applied Behavior Analysis is applicable to many things, including some of the tv shows we watch.  Thus the science of behavior is influencing television too!

Analysis of Obama Stimulus Packages and National Healthcare

John Stefanopoulos, an ABC news contributor was on the talk show The View today. He was basically stating that the Government stimulus packages have not done what had been hoped. He also stated that our economy is a capitalistic one thus businesses must weather the ups and downs. Some would fall then be absorbed by other businesses while others that were financially smart would remain. Financial bailouts were not the answer.

I agree, the stimulus packages for big business created lots of bad behaviors. It essentially reinforced existing bad behaviors and shaped new ones.

Of course The View panel had their varying ideas of the situation. Yes, I do agree that the stimulus package parts that allowed to extend unemployment benefits and additional funding to keep our police and fire personnel etc on board was important and a good move. That money goes directly to the PEOPLE.

However, the Obama and Democratic party projections were very wrong.

The Big Banks, Big businesses and Wall Street that took the bailout money gave out record bonuses to their execs this past year – why is that? Thus us tax payers will get nothing in return for our pockets. We shall only pay the bill with additional taxes. Those businesses could not have been hurting financially that bad.

Why didn’t our government think before it did this mess ?
Why did our government not think through all the possibilities and scenarios that could be related to all of this money handout?
Why weren’t these businesses fully assessed ?
Why did our government not put contingencies in place for those getting our hard earned money?
Where was and where is the fiscal responsibility?

Our government expects us taxpayers to pay our taxes and bills- as Americans we are expected to be “fiscally responsible”- why do the banks, corporations and Wall Street get to play, have lavish parties and big bonuses ?

Overall, our government and Congress instituted a financial behavior plan that has NOT benefited the PEOPLE.

Perhaps our government and businesses could benefit from a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

Even while they were developing these multi billion dollar stimulus packages, I saw many loopholes, thought the projected outcomes were unattainable and worried that the middle class will financially struggle even harder as a result. The middle class is the largest tax group, most of the tax revenue comes from us.

Yeah, the Obama camp said they were bringing HOPE to Americans
In my opinion, the outcome is -
Lots of our hard earned CHANGE will be taken away. NOT a change for the better.

National Healthcare?? My analysis …

- we do not have the money to pay for what we already have now
- our government can not handle Medicaid and Medicare properly as it is
- big government does not always work
- quality of care will be forgotten

Though I do believe in health insurance reform
- make all pre-existing conditions covered
- insurance companies can not drop you due to a new illness/ injury and/or an existing expensive health issue
- make premiums more affordable
- add incentives for prevention

Spend, spend, spend is not the answer. Are lessons going to be learned?

2010 New Year’s Resolutions

Tis the time of the year for New Year’s Resolutions.

The intention of a resolution is to make a commitment that will hopefully be an advantageous change.

I do predict that the 2010 resolutions trend for many will include much of the following:

- Make more money
- Manage money better
- lose weight
- eat better
- do things to try to lower stress
- exercise more
- try to be happier
- etc etc

Money resolutions will be predominant due to the economy.

Resolutions are behavior goals for change. So how many of our resolutions do we actually keep or are they just wishful thinking???

As for my 2010 New Year’s Resolutions? Some are too personal to mention here though I do plan on writing at least one of my books.

Many of my friends, colleagues and families all have been after me ( pushing and encouraging ) to write books. So perhaps since I am talking about it on my blog under the topic of New Year’s Resolutions then maybe it will make me actually do it. = ) Time will tell ….

Til Debt Do Us Part- Learning Money Management Behavior

I am not a news fan of CNBC, but I like to watch the Suze Orman show from time to time. I do like how she tries to educate the public on how to save and spend your money more wisely. I even get a big kick out of the ” What Do You Want to Buy?” segment. I am always able to predict what Suze is going to say during this segment- just by reviewing the person’s finances, can tell by Suze’s line of questions and body language in response to info provided. I even say, ” DENIED” before she even says it.

So last night after watching the Suze Orman show a new show came on entitled, ” Til Debt Do Us Part”. I thought this should be interesting. I actually liked it.

Show synopsis. ” …many couples are in desperate need of help tackling their financial issues. In Til Debt Do Us Part, renowned financial author and columnist, Gail Vaz-Oxlade takes a tough-love approach to getting couples in financial crisis to face reality. With the sensitivity of a therapist and the toughness of a CFO, Gail asks hard questions and pushes couples to face each other and reality. Some couples are on the verge of bankruptcy – others are just getting by, but headed for disaster – either way, they all learn how to work their way out of debt and get the skills they need to plan for their financial future. ” http://www.cnbc.com/id/33421145

Gail basically becomes an In Home  financial coach for couples who are in financial trouble. She clearly breaks down their finances – incoming and outgoing. ( Assessment ) Gail takes away their credit cards then structures out a budget of what they can spend money on. ( Interventions ) Next, she engages them in tasks in order to learn about debt, spending and saving money. ( Engaging in Experiential Learning Behaviors ) If the couple does everything to Gail’s satisfaction ( Measurement of behavior changes ) then they can receive a check for up to $5,000 ( Reward/Consequence )

Is this a worthwhile show to watch ? Yes and it may teach people to change their money behaviors. It would be interesting to see how and if the behavior changes with money have remained in place for the long term.

Are Suze Orman and Gail Vaz-Oxlade doing behavior interventions? Yes, they are trying to change and improve money management behaviors. So many individuals are in need of this.

Therefore, ABA can be applicable to managing money too.

Why Do Behavior Analysts Charge what they Charge?

I really have to address this issue.

Some will say at times:
But I just paid $125 for an hour to the OT or I just paid $300 for an hour with a DAN Doctor and $500 for nutritional supplements or I just paid $100 for an hour session with a Speech Therapist etc etc

Others have said:
I just paid the plumber $325 for a part and 30 minutes labor or I just paid $225 to the mechanic for a tune up on my car etc etc

In order to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, it takes ALOT of WORK and ALOT of money. Hours upon hours of schooling, hours upon hours of studying, hours upon hours of work experience and supervision. Then lots of money to pay for our graduate level schooling and further education. Money is needed to obtain then maintain our certification.

Next, it takes hours upon hours to advertise to get clients, hours upon hours to develop and get contracts, hours upon hours to network, hours upon hours to coordinate services, hours upon hours reading new books and current research, hours upon hours in just planning through a behavior assessment, a program and/or behavior intervention/plan etc etc.

Psychologists, Psychiatrists. Speech Therapists, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists etc, including the Plumber and Auto Mechanic, they all charge their fees, they all have to make a living. Thus Behavior Analysts have to make a living too.

JABA – Journal Of Appled Behavior Analysis

For all of the ABA students that I supervise as they work towards their BCBA and the BCaBAs, I make it mandatory that they purchase a subscription to JABA. In fact, I strongly believe that all Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) and Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBA) should have JABA in their personal libraries.

Though is JABA for everyone ???

One may think that the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis is only just about Autism research studies. Actually if you really think that then you are wrong.

Recently, I was at a lecture being presented by a psychologist on behavior interventions and I brought some reading materials with me. In between the breaks, I was actually reading up on the latest published issue by JABA for Fall 2009. A person sitting next to me noticed that I was perusing this journal and asked what it was. So I just said to them- take it and read it for yourself.

The subjects focused on in this particular issue varied broadly

 - Gambling           – typical developing children interventions

- customer service           - flight training

- preventing back injuries training      -  basketball success shots

- job skills              – teaching foreign language vocabulary

- placement of consumer products         - etc  etc ……

I smiled as I observed the intrigued person scanning my current copy of JABA. They commented to me that they thought ABA was just about Autism and that this type of journal would be boring. I said NOPE, ABA is applicable to Autism and numerous other things, even including assessing the group behavior of this audience for this lecture.

They were quite interested in the Journal and discussed our field of Appled Behavior Analysis further with me – so I made the sales pitch and gave them info on how to order JABA.

So here I am making a sales pitch to all readers of this blog.

Main Info page
http://seab.envmed.rochester.edu/jaba/index.html

Subscription info page
http://seab.envmed.rochester.edu/jaba/subscriptions.html

Personally, I really think that the JABA editors and contributors made a very smart decision a few years back to include a wider variety of ABA related studies. Overall, that decision has made this journal more interesting and useful which could  and probably already has expanded its audience of readers.

Genuine People

Lately I have been intertwining with people who presented themselves as good people. I always wait and see since I know that people are not always who they present themselves to be.

Recently I had something happen where an acquaintance of mine turned out to be a very dishonest person. Did I see warning signs? Yes, from time to time- thus I did not give any of my trust to them. It still saddens me since this person does not realize how in the long run it shall impact their life.

People of today just disappoint me at how it is the ” ME’ world. It gets disheartening at times.

Though perhaps there was one ray of hope- somebody actually sent me a card to cheer me up with the most recent events that I have encountered. I say THANK YOU to that person for being so thoughtful and genuine.

Good Deeds Teach Good Behaviors

Last June Phoebe did a good deed, she raised $3,736 that expanded to over $33,000 to feed poor families in San Francisco.

After seeing a man begging for food while her parents’ car drove her to preschool, this 5 year old girl was inspired to help feed the needy. She decided to do a community service project and mandated it for all the students in her school.

She originally came up with a $1,000 goal. Her teacher Kathleen Albert thought that was great but cautioned it was too ambitious. Phoebe remained determined anyway to help those in need.

Her project spurred on other agencies to do matching donations for her good cause.

End result from one good deed initiated by Phoebe?

$33,624 worth of food — or 17,971 meals — for the city’s hungry.

Her teacher, Kathleen Albert said, “I think it is very important to teach children to give back to the community. I see so many adults who walk around and have no idea of that. It doesn’t matter your wealth, you can still give back. It teaches kids that small donations can add up to big donations.”

Source: http://www.gnn.com/article/preschooler-feeds-nearly-18000-with-cans/592963?icid=main|htmlws-main|dl5|link4|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gnn.com%2Farticle%2Fpreschooler-feeds-nearly-18000-with-cans%2F592963

I say, IMPRESSIVE and may God Bless this child for her good deeds. Phoebe is a very good kid.

Good deeds help others, it also helps the one who does the good deed. By doing good deeds, it positively shapes one’s character. Good deeds shape future behaviors.

So think about it parents-

What good deeds has your child done lately????

Note: Food banks are in greater need of food and cash donations. Those needing food have risen due to the poor economy. Please do a good deed today and donate to your local food bank or food pantry.

You can also check out www.feedingamerica.org

Good News: NJ Passes Law for Health Insurance to Pay for ABA

New Jersey Becomes the 14th State to Pass Autism Insurance Reform

NEW YORK, NY (June 25, 2009) – Autism Speaks today joined New Jersey families and other autism advocacy organizations in applauding the state’s legislature for passing the autism insurance reform bill, S. 1651/A. 2238, which requires insurance companies to provide coverage of evidence-based, medically necessary autism therapies ( and other developmental disabilities) . The bill now heads to Governor Jon Corzine’s desk for signature into law.

The New Jersey bill requires insurers to cover up to $36,000 annually for a child with autism that is 21 years of age or younger. Coverage includes Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, which is recognized as an effective, evidence-based treatment for children with autism.

In many states, insurers explicitly exclude coverage of these therapies from policies, which places a significant financial burden on families seeking to provide their children with necessary services. Thirteen other states – Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Montana, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas – have passed similar autism insurance reform bills. Nearly thirty states had bills introduced in their legislatures this year.

“With the passage of this legislation, New Jersey joins the ranks of states that have recognized the unfair and unreasonable burden being imposed on families of children with autism,” said Elizabeth Emken, Autism Speaks vice president of government relations. “Autism insurance reform has gained significant national momentum.”

Source: www.autismvotes.org

A2238 – Requires health benefits coverage for certain therapies for the treatment of autism and other developmental disabilities. *
Passed both Houses
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bills/BillView.asp?BillNumber=A2238

My thoughts on this ?
I think it is GREAT news for children and their families with disabilities.

It shall be an interesting process to see how all of this shall be implemented and monitored.

I did my part and contacted my NJ legislative representatives as a BCBA to pass this bill. Though I am concerned about those who are adults with disabilities, they also need behavior analysis supports too.

It is exciting that the families will have many therapeutic avenues that can accessed. Especially since many parents with children who have disabilities need training and coaching. Yes, parents can implement ABA programs and behavior interventions at home  and in the community as long as they have an experienced  Board Certified Behavior Analyst ( BCBA) that is a very good one working with them.

Susan Boyle Is Back On Top During Talent Show Tour

Susan Boyle, the internet and Britain’s Got Talent 2009 sensation. I was sad to see that she did not win 1st place. In my opinion, she deserved to win. Instead, she placed second.

It was interesting to watch all the fascination with Susan’s talent and her as a person. Though towards the finale of the show, I think that the media did a disservice to her by reporting negative things. After all, she is only human you know.

Even more so, there was a major media frenzy over her exhaustion and temporary breakdown as a result of the loss at talent show and over exposure. All I kept thinking to myself was this, my gosh how hard it must had been on Susan to perform under all that pressure and scrutiny. She did well despite what tried to work against her negatively.

So what has been going on with Susan Boyle now? Where are the major stories about her on the media gossip channels? Perhaps her story is not as juicy anymore? The media attention has suddenly decreased.

Well, I am happy to report that Susan Boyle is doing just fine. Actually she is doing very well. I was quite impressed and happy for Susan when I came across her latest performance on the Britain’s Got Talent Tour.

Here’s Susan!!!

Why have I kept following her story? I can assure you that it is not because of wanting the next  juicy gossip tidbits or what the shallow media was going to attack her on next.  I personally kept following Susan Boyle’s story because of her great talent and the good person she is. Despite all the critics, Susan herself has chosen to be herself and has triumphed!

As mentioned in a previous blog entry, beauty is only skin deep. Susan Boyle is a real role model to admire. Her strength, tenacity and willingness to continue on to share her singing gift with us is truly special and uplifting. Susan Boyle is a deeper beauty.