Behavior Therapy Associates

We recently returned from participating in Autism New Jersey's 42nd Anniversary Conference in Atlantic City, NJ (October 24-25, 2024). Behavior Therapy Associates hosted a booth and 7 of our clinicians presented a total of 5 in-person workshops, including Michael Selbst Ph.D. BCBA-D, Debra Salzman, Ph.D., Rory A. Panter, Psy.D., Rebecca Schulman, Psy.D., BCBA-D, Bianca Coleman, Ph. D., NCSP, BCBA-D, Elizabeth Callahan, MA, BCBA, and Jeniffer Cruz, PhD. We presented on the following important subjects: *Adulting 101: Functional Life Skills, Relationships, and Sexuality *Incorporating SEL Into Goal Development for Students With Autism *Anxiety and Fear as Barriers to Success in Acquiring Essential Skills *Understanding and Supporting Individuals with Pathological Demand Avoidance *Heroes Without Capes: Ethically Supporting Autistic Individuals Many other workshops contributed to an amazing conference! Parents, educators, mental health providers, behavior analysts, and individuals with autism attended. We are looking forward to next year! Thank you Autism New Jersey, especially Suzanne Buchanan, Michael Brockett, Joe Novak, and the rest of your team for all your time and efforts. https://lnkd.in/eUy59mqf #mentalhealth #autism #pathologicaldemandavoidance #socialemotionallearning #anxiety

ADHD isn’t just a childhood disorder; adults can struggle with it too. ADHD in adults manifests in many ways. ?? Impulsivity - you interrupt people a lot ??Distractibility - you pay attention to TOO many things ??Gratification Junkie - you struggle with resisting short-term pleasure in exchange for long-term reward ??Restlessness - you have trouble sitting still ??Time Blindness - you are always running late ??Emotional Self Control - you can’t manage your emotions well ??Poor Working Memory - you leave most projects unfinished ??Zero Self Reflection - making the same mistakes over and over ??Terrible Organization - trouble organizing your thoughts, schedule, finances etc. ??Task Initiation & Completion - you have trouble starting things that are overwhelming #ADHDInAdults #ADHDAwareness

I had the pleasure of presenting a Full-Day, In-Person Conference yesterday and today, hosted by Cornerstone Day School on the topic: "Mental Health Toolbox for CST Professionals." There were approximately 500 participants representing dozens and dozens of NJ school districts. I addressed common mental health issues among children and adolescents, discussed early warning signs, and modeled strategies to create a more supportive and collaborative environment that promotes mental wellness and inclusive practices. Participants worked together in small groups to build a toolbox, comprised of practical and mindful tools and resources, including communication strategies, intervention techniques, and resiliency skills to maintain their own mental health while supporting students. I incorporated techniques of social emotional learning, psychological flexibility and acceptance and commitment therapy/training, cognitive behavior therapy, etc. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have guided such incredible and dedicated educators. You make a difference in so many lives every single day! #mentalhealth #resiliency #socialemotionallearning #psychologicalflexibility

When you’re having a rough ADHD day, here are some handy self-care tips. ? Celebrate your wins and practice self compassion ?Complete essential tasks ?Take frequent breaks throughout the day to recharge ?Eat something ?Nourish your nervous system

Disciplining children with ADHD can be very difficult and exhausting for parents. At some point you just start running out of effective ideas. Here are 5 ways parents can correct their child’s difficult behavior compassionately. 1?? Teach, Don’t Discipline Teaching helps shape positive behavior while discipline only guilt and frustration. 2?? Investigate the problem behavior Uncovering the root cause of a behavior can help you address your child’s needs and reduce the problem behavior from reoccurring. 3?? Follow PREP Address problem behavior when your child is at [P]eace. [R]equest good behavior by asking your child open-ended questions meant to guide them. [E]xplanations from your child will reinforce their responses. [P]raise your child when they demonstrate efforts toward good behavior. 4?? Parents should also PREP [P]ause before you react. [R]echarge often through selfcare. [E]valuate the situation before [P]roceeding with next steps. 5?? REMAP Your Parenting [R]egard your child with an unconditional, positive assumption that they want to do well. [E]xternalize misbehaviors. [M]istake [A]cceptance. [P]raise your child often. Summarized from The Secret to Better Behavior? No Punishment at All https://lnkd.in/eHzFECBa

Did you know that an estimated 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent? At least one of your coworkers may be neurodivergent (whether they’ve told you or not). That is why it's SO important for business leaders and managers to be proactive in educating employees on neurodiversity. What are some ways your business has raised awareness this year?

This month, many professionals have shared their personal stories to raise awareness about ADHD. One story, written by Anne McConnell, takes us through the challenges and triumphs of living with ADHD in the workplace. Anne faced discrimination and feelings of shame, but her journey is one of resilience and hope. If you’ve ever struggled with ADHD at work, her story will resonate with you. Read Anne’s powerful story here: https://lnkd.in/g6kF4WyK #ADHDAwareness #WorkplaceADHD #Resilience #MentalHealthSupport

Myth #5: There’s no treatment for OCD. OCD is highly treatable with therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). With the right treatment, people can manage their symptoms and live fulfilling lives. At our practice, we offer proven therapies to help reduce the impact of OCD. If you're ready to make a change, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more. #OCDTreatment? #OCDSupport #OCDAwarenessWeek

Myth #4: OCD isn’t a serious condition. OCD can have a profound impact on a person’s life, affecting their ability to work, go to school, and maintain relationships. Left untreated, OCD can cause significant distress and impairment in daily functioning. Don’t let OCD take over your life. Our practice provides specialized treatment to help you manage and reduce OCD symptoms. Schedule a consultation today. ?#MentalHealthMatters #OCDAwarenessWeek

Myth #3: OCD only affects adults. OCD can affect people of any age, including children and teens. In fact, many people with OCD experience symptoms early in life. Recognizing the signs in children is crucial for early intervention and better outcomes. If your child or teen is experiencing obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors, we're here to support them. Contact our practice for child-focused OCD treatment options. #OCDinChildren #EarlyIntervention #MentalHealthAwareness #OCDAwarenessWeek