Children with challenging behaviors are often under-served by other programs
Children with autism, an emotional disability, and/or an intellectual disability are more likely to develop challenging behaviors.
Yet these children remain largely under-served by most programs. They tend to fail out of daycare, special ed, and even therapy, leaving parents and caregivers with few options to help them toward a brighter future.
That’s why we developed a process to help them
Using evidence-based, proven therapies that are on the forefront of treatment methodologies, we help these kiddos learn new behaviors and skills.
These new skills and behaviors help them get past their challenging behaviors so they can get on with becoming their best selves.
BCBAs Jessica Venaas and Carli Rankka discuss the Skill-Based Treatment model for helping children with challenging behaviors and the positive response they’ve seen from clients.
Our overall approach to treating challenging behaviors draws on the theory of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from a trauma-informed perspective (ABA-TI). While all ABA works to reduce maladaptive behaviors, ABA-TI incorporates the context of that behavior before trying to replace it. This approach helps your child feel more comfortable, engage with therapy, and make progress that had previously eluded them. Skill-based treatment is a trauma-informed treatment model.
Problem behaviors can be an obstacle to a child receiving essential therapies like speech-language and occupational therapies. Because we’re an all-in-one clinic, our therapists frequently collaborate across disciplines to help kids work through behavioral challenges that had been holding them back. As a result, many of our clients who had previously been unsuccessful in speech or OT due to their behaviors are now able to access those services with us.
Ready to get started?
Our behavior team is committed to continuously learning and staying at the forefront of the best, evidence-based treatment methodologies to help children get past significant behaviors that may be holding them back.
Britney is originally from Harvey, North Dakota. She has several years of experience working in the public school system serving students ages 3–21 and supporting schools is still her passion! Britney is a board certified and North Dakota licensed behavior analyst and nationally certified school psychologist. Additionally she has graduate certificates in Organizational Behavior Management and Autism Spectrum Disorder and a Level 2 certification in Promoting Emergence of Advanced Knowledge (PEAK). Britney also provides continuing education coursework through NDSU and is an RBT Evaluator with Certification Central. Outside of work, Britney enjoys spending time with her family and friends (especially being an aunt!), traveling, sports, reading, and will never turn down a good adventure!
Areas of interest:Jessica is originally from Fargo, North Dakota and has experience working in both the clinical and public-school setting. Jessica has completed her Masters level coursework in Special Education and graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis and is a Board Certified and North Dakota Licensed Behavior Analyst. Jessica is married to her husband, Bryce and in her spare time, Jessica enjoys going to the lakes with her family, watching sports, traveling, and going to concerts.
Areas of interest:Carli is originally from New York Mills, Minnesota and has experience working in both the public school and clinical setting. Carli is Board Certified and North Dakota Licensed Behavior Analyst and is also a licensed social worker. In her spare time, Carli likes to play piano, guitar, go to the lake, and watch baseball.
Areas of interest:Michaela is originally from Pierz, Minnesota and has experience working in clinical, public and private school, and home settings. Michaela has completed her Master level coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She enjoys traveling, reading, going to the lake, and spending time with her friends, family, and dog Elsie.
Areas of interest:Kathryn is originally from Moorhead, Minnesota and has experience working in both the clinical and home settings. Kathryn has completed her Master level coursework Applied Behavior Analysis and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Kathryn enjoys hiking, pottery, and spending time with her family and dog Remy.
Areas of interest:Aundra is from Fargo, North Dakota and has experience working in the home, school, and community settings. She is currently working on her master’s degree in applied behavior analysis and mental health through Endicott College. Aundra lives with her two dogs, Lucy and Jeter, and in her spare time she likes to hike, go on road trips, and listen to podcasts.
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