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.

Highly Structured ABA Versus Natural Environment Teaching ABA

As a Behavior Analyst, I observe and work in various settings. Recently I came acrossed comments on another Autism related blog that proclaimed Applied Behavior Analysis just makes kids into robots due to its overly high structured protocols and interventions!

Whenever I read these types of comments, I think to myself- ABA is not just about highly structured interventions with massive discrete trials that rewards with M&Ms.

Yes, I have to be honest, I do come across some ABA programs that are too highly structured that lack fading procedures and Natural Environment Teaching. Yes, I do come across behavioral psychologists who joke about the ABA usage of primary reinforcers like M&Ms.

However, my response is usually this- A truly experienced Behavior Analyst will know what is necessary for each individual, group, situation or setting and will apply ABA principles accordingly.

I recently did a school observation of a child with Autism who is mainstreamed with typical developing children. It has been very nice to witness how this child has grown over the past few years being in regular school with some added therapeutic supports.

Does Natural Environment Teaching occur in the regular school system? Absolutely! This child has benefited from it. Though being the Behavior Analyst consultant, I did have to add some more structure and intervention. I advised on how to balance the teaching environment.

Thus, I have seen both sides, settings that were mainly Natural Environment Teaching that needed more sstructure and discrete trial additions to overly structured programs that needed to become more flexible and natural.

Is there an easy answer to all of this? NO.

It all DEPENDS upon many factors that have to be assessed and evaluated.

Susan Boyle Shows Her Singing Talent Again

Here she is again, Susan Boyle, singing ‘Memory’ from the Broadway Show CATS

I love this info about Susan- ” Boyle, who lives alone with her cat Pebbles in one of Scotland’s poorest regions, said before Sunday’s performance that she wouldn’t transform her appearance. “I just want people to see me for who I am, and do my best at singing the song, that’s what I am focusing on,” she said.”

This says alot, she has great character.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090524/ap_en_tv/eu_britain_singing_sensation

I hope Susan Boyle WINS Britain’s Got Talent!

Good Behavior for Memorial Day

Celebrity Apprentice: Joan VS Annie

It’s Official- May 10 ,2009

Joan Rivers is the 2009 Celebrity Apprentice

Wise choice Mr Trump.

Do the right thing, make donations to the charities that the Celebrities Played For:

Joan River’s Charity -  www.godslovewedeliver.org

Annie Duke’s Charity – www.refugeesinternational.org

Yes, yes, I am still watching the Celebrity Apprentice. The group this season has been interesting.

I had figured that the strongest players would be Clint, Joan and Annie. I am not major fans of any of them, though Joan Rivers impressed me. I was not impressed by her daughter Melissa who went explosive at the end when she was fired. FYI – The Celebrity Apprentice is just a game, so get with the program.

I am glad that I’ve been able to see another side of Joan Rivers. She is a lot more than just a comedian. For her to keep up her energy and smarts with all of the tasks, survive the boardroom, put up with Annie Duke, do battle with the other star contestants, pass the Piers Morgan test , all at the age of 75 years old has been impressive.

Annie Duke has been a very good player. She has succeeded because she is very calculating. Brandy just had NO clue that Annie was playing her.  I am a blonde also and I knew that! Annie is a poker player and a damn good one too. Her skills have been strong throughout this game. Annie does deserve to be in the final two.

However, I want Joan Rivers to win. Joan’s playing ability has been more solid.

The match up for the final episode will be wisdom versus gamer. I’m routing for the wisdom = )

Do You Want to Become a Behavior Analyst?

Since I have started this blog, I’ve gotten numerous email and phone inquiries regarding career advisement in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis.

Though I must point out, as I always say, each person is unique, so is also a personal career choice.

People have many career questions about ABA such as;

- how much work is involved in becoming a Behavior Analyst?
- should I become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst?
- what ABA graduate programs should I apply to?
- what job options would I have?
- what can I do with my current work background?
- could I set up my own business or should I work for an organization/agency?
- do I have to only work with the Autism population to become a BCBA?
- how can I get work experience with the required BCBA supervision?
etc etc…

I will provide some basics here:

With a BCBA certification you could do a lot of good work and help people. Our field is in need of very good, competent Behavior Analysts. Though there is an ongoing debate now with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board as to go the licensure route or continue the certification model, in my professional opinion, I still think the BCBA is the right thing to do if you utilize Applied Behavior Analysis in your working career.

By becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, it will make you more credible, you will belong to an expanding intellectual group, it will make you more marketable and if you wish you can try to make your own impact upon our field.

 

As for the ABA graduate courses, they are a lot of work, so be prepared and structure lots of time to complete them. And yes, you have to study in order to pass the Board’s exam. 

 

So come on over to the BCBA side.

 

I will occassionally keep addressing various issues of ABA, including some basic questions about our field here at my blog, so check back for future blog entries. However, for the more specific questions for individuals needing career counseling in Applied Behavior Analysis, I will have to charge for my time.

Those interested in gaining more specific knowledge about ABA and becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst may email an inquiry at bxconsult@aol.com with the subject line ‘career’ to set up an appointment for a 15 minute or 30 minute career advisement session via phone. An informational email will then be sent regarding how to set up an appointment and fees.

Appointments can be set up quickly with credit card payment options through Paypal.

Thank you.

Beauty Is Only Skin Deep ?

I’m late in posting this, though I think it makes a very valid point.

Unfortunately, this world places too much importance on physical attractiveness. But what about other special attributes , skills and pesonality traits that a person has- shouldn’t that count too??

I’m sure you have heard the old adage of ‘you can’t judge a book by its cover.’ Well, Susan Boyle simply just proved this.

What a beautiful voice! Thus beauty can be displayed in various and deeper ways, not only just by physical appearance.

ABA Therapist, Behavior Specialist, Behavior Consultant

Something recentlly was brought to my attention regarding confusion with the titles of ABA therapist, Behavior Specialist and Behavior Consultant. I came acrossed people who honestly thought that ALL ABA therapists,  Behavior Specialists  and behavior consultants are fully trained Behavior Analysts. So, I feel that I need to strongly clarify.

Just an FYI- the Behavior Analyst Certification Board www.bacb.com   is the professional Applied Behavior Analysis organization that governs the Behavior Anayst credential.

If you are in need of a behavior related professional who has truly gone through the required Behavior Analyst ABA graduate level curriculum, ABA work supervision experience and has passed a rigorous ABA Board exam then you should hire a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.  ( BCBA )

If one calls themselves an ABA therapist or Behavior Specialist or Behavior Consultant- this does NOT mean that they are Board Certified Behavior Analysts. Nor can ABA therapists , Behavior Specialists or any other behavior related titles who have NOT earned the credential can call themselves “Behavior Analysts”. This is so because the Behavior Analyst Certification Board can only legally approve the Behavior Analyst trademark professional title.

So while shopping for ABA advisement, ASK those you are interested in- are you a Board Certified Behavior Analyst?

If they say YES- then ask them for verifiable proof of their Board Certified Behavior Analyst certificate and professional ID # assigned by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

So it is highly recommended that if you employ someone in the field of behavior, check out their credentials fully. Just because they call themselves an ABA therapist or behavior specialist or behavior consultant, it does NOT mean that they have earned the professional credential of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

The Bigger Picture of ABA

Since I have been writing on this blog, I sometimes get very interesting people with various comments and some good questions sent to me too.

Recently, I received a set of good questions that I think my answers would benefit those who are interested in the bigger picture of ABA – Applied Behavior Analysis

Hello there inquirer,

Thank you for complimenting my Behavior Analyst Blog. I specifically started this blog to educate people that ABA is not just about Autism and disabilities.

My background is extensive- I apply ABA to:

Supervising ABA students
Supervising staff
Working with agencies, state employees
People with and without disabilities
Applying it to businesses, customer service
Utilizing it in case management, grant writing
Measuring trends in just about anything
Applicable to the Medical field
Shaping my own behaviors
Applying ABA to real life
etc etc

ABA can be endless….

I am just trying to do my part to help others understand the fuller value of ABA ( when assessed, utilized and applied appropriately for each unique situation, field, environment, group, setting, issue, behavior etc)

It is my hope that ABA will still continue to successfully improve the lives of those with Autism and disabilities. Though lots of other various fields can benefit from ABA. We just need some more smart, logical people with good common sense to realistically demonstrate ABA’s effectiveness with other things.

So check back for more ABA tales at my blog = )

Thanks,
Beth