Welcome to My Webpage!
Jill Szalony, Ed.M., BCBA
District Behaviorist
Voicemail: 973-429-8300 x3282
Direct (Ridgewood Avenue School): 973-429-8306
What is a Behaviorist?
A behaviorist is an individual trained in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis or ABA as it is commonly known. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst possesses an advanced degree and has taken extra graduate course work as well as passed a Board exam. Continuing education is ongoing and recertifiation is required every three years. For more info link to: http://www.bacb.com/
What is ABA and how can it help?
"Applied behavior analysis is a science devoted to the understanding and improvement of human behavior. Applied behavior analysts focus on objectively defined behaviors of social significance; they intervene to improve the behaviors under study while demonstrating a reliable relationship between their interventions and the behavioral improvements; and they use the methods of scientific inquiry..."--Cooper, Heron, Heward (2007)
Frequent Terms Spoken By Behavior Analysts:
Reinforce, Reinforcer, Reinforcement (positive and negative); Antecedent; Behavior; Consequence; Function; Motivation; Setting Event; Private Event; Schedule; Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA); Functional Behavior Analysis (also FBA); Analogue Functional Analysis (AFA); Extinction; Interval; Data; Graphs; Research; Functional Communication Training (FCT); Mand; Contingent; Non-contingent; Pattern; Behavior Intervention Plan; Self-Monitoring; Target Behavior; Stimulus; Satiation; Repertoire
How do I get "ABA" services for my child?
Referrals to the district behaviorist come through the child study team or the I&RS team. Sometimes a guidance counselor or principal will also initiate a referral. Ongoing services are dictated by an IEP or 504 plan.
Favorite and Helpful Websites
ADHD/ADD
Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Great site for advocacy and information: http://www.chadd.org/
Attention Research Update: Contains summaries of articles published in scholarly journals related to ADHD as well as helpful articles on ADHD: http://www.helpforadd.com
ANXIETY DISORDERS
Anxiety Disorders Association of America: Good information, resources and links: http://www.adaa.org/
AUTISM
Association for Science in Autism Treatment: Great reviews and information on treatment approaches to autism.:http://www.asatonline.org/
Aspergers Syndrome Education Notebook: An organization dedicated to individuals with Aspergers: http://www.aspennj.org/
Wrong Planet: A Website created by and for individuals with Asperger's, Autism, PDD/NOS, and other Neurological Disorders: http://www.wrongplanet.net
OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER
OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANT DISORDER