I Support Behaviour

24/07/2024

Stammering Plus - How To Support Autistic Children Who Stanmer.

Book Now at: https://michaelpalincentreforstammering.org/tc-events/stammering-plus-how-to-support-autistic-children-who-stammer-thepalincentre-via-zoom-september-2024/

27/06/2024

We are recruiting for a Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst or Behaviour Specialist. You will find more details of the role and why work for I Support Behaviour (because we are awesome 😉 ) at the following link:

https://isupportbehaviour.com/our-services/behaviour-analyst-role/

I Support Behaviour is recruiting for a further two people to come and join the team. We are specifically looking for BCBAs or Behaviour Specialists to work in North London and North East London. You will be able to get to settings within these areas. It might be beneficial if the person/people are car drivers - but this is not essential.

You can contact us for further information or to arrange an informal conversation at:

[email protected]

Get in contact today and become a part of an exciting, dynamic, and highly respected team.

17/06/2024

Today starts the beginning of Learning Disability week 2024 (17th - 23rd June).

The aim of Learning Disability Week each year is to improve quality of life for people with a learning disability. This is achieved through raising awareness around key issues.

This year's theme for Learning Disability Week is about being seen, being heard, and being valued as a person, and has been called, 'Do you see me?'.

This campaign is about challenging the barriers that people with a learning disability face. We are looking forward to supporting this campaign across the week.

For more information and a pack to help you get involved please follow the link to Mencap and the resources that they have created.

https://www.mencap.org.uk/sites/default/files/2024-05/LEARNING%20DISABILITY%20WEEK%202024%20INFORMATION%20PACK%20%281%29.pdf

13/06/2024

Something unbelievable has happened. I Support Behaviour has turned 10 years old today!

13/06/2024

Anxiety, racing thoughts, and flashbacks can be very difficult to manage. This is especially the case when travelling in a vehicle. The attachment here is a fabulous Grounding Activity that can help to bring and maintain a person back to the present. Grounding techniques, along with mindfulness training, help a person to manage thoughts that can generate anxiety and/or distress.

23/05/2024

***We are Hiring***

* Behaviour Analyst/PBS Practitioner (BCBA, MSc ABA/PBS, or similar)

* London, Hertfordshire, and other counties within and around the M25

* Salary: Depending on qualifications and experience.

We are really excited to be interviewing a very dynamic group of people over the 3rd - 5th of June. There is still time to submit your CV and an application pack if you would like to be considered for a role with our team.

Contact us today if you would like an informal conversation around the role, an application pack, or the full job description. Email us now at:

[email protected]

16/05/2024

*Join Our Team!**

Why Choose I Support Behaviour?

* Collaborate with a vibrant and dedicated team that provides ongoing support and encouragement.

* Enhance your clinical skills in Behavior Analysis and Positive Behavior Support.

* Receive supervision and guidance to improve your knowledge and clinical abilities, and apply them in services for children and adults.

* Gain exposure to diverse professionals, contribute significantly to supporting complex individuals, and become a respected professional offering leadership and assistance to individuals with autism, learning disabilities, and various complex care needs.

The ideal candidate will learn about the Social Care and Mental Health Systems, acquire transferable skills applicable in various environments, and contribute to a team navigating complex scenarios involving mental health, neuro-diversity, and learning disabilities.

Our team undertakes assessments, supports individuals, collaborates with families, assists schools and social care services, and offers training and consultancy to organizations and Local Authorities on Organisational Behavior Management implementation.

I Support Behaviour's Analysts/PBS Practitioners possess a sought-after, well-rounded skill set and are highly regarded for their expertise and experience.

For more information about I Support Behaviour, the role, a detailed job description, or to have an informal chat, contact us today at [email protected].

We are recruiting to the position to the role of Behaviour Analyst/PBS Practitioner. The successful candidate will:* Have an MSc ABA or PBS* Preferably be a ...

13/05/2024

***We are Hiring***

Job Role: Behaviour Analyst/PBS Specialist
Location: London, Hertfordshire, and Surrounding Counties
Salary: Competitive - Further Details upon Request
Qualifications & Experience:

* BCBA,
* MSc Applied Behaviour Analysis/PBS, Intellectual Disabilities
* BACP Psychotherapist with Relevant Background in ACT/CBT and PBS
* Qualifications for the Role Must Confer Eligibility to Register with the UK-SBA (Practicing Registrant Minimum Standard)
* Experience working with Autistic Children/Adults and people with a Learning Disability

We are not able to accept applications from RBTs or level 6/7 PBS Practitioners. We will be happy to discuss an application further if you are close to completing an MSc and have the relevant experience.

I Support Behaviour changes lives. You will join a highly dedicated and committed team that focus on the most current and up-to-date understanding of neurodiversity, PBS, and models of distress.

You will gain experience working in community and inpatient settings to change the lives of the people you are supporting. You will be supported to develop you clinical knowledge and understanding, and how to employ this to complex situations where autism and/or learning disability crossover into trauma, mental health, and complex care and support needs.

Our team are valued and respected for the work that we do. We come to any new situation with a fresh perspective and the ability to provide effective input. In many situations we take a leadership role with providing the understanding and road-map for change.

The successful candidate will develop the experience of working in partnership with a range of professionals and this includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, other Allied Health Professionals, Social Workers, and Commissioners. The person will grow in their ability to lead and to take a key role as part of a wider MDT.

Day-to-day life at I Support Behaviour involves managing a small caseload, completing Functional Behaviour Assessments, providing interventions, parent-training, training for staff and professionals, and maintaining excellent clinical records.

The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to take part in other projects and this includes:

* OBM and the Implementation of Organisation Wide PBS
* School Wide PBS
* The Application of PBS to Dementia Care
* Writing and Developing Training

You will work within a values driven team that focuses on and promotes the well-being of the team.

Contact us today if you would like further information, to submit an application, or to request an informal conversation:

[email protected]

10/04/2024

This really is a good resource. I think this will be very helpful for parents/carers, and also anyone working with autistic people. That could include:

* Teachers
* SENCOs
* Social Care Providers
* Support Workers
* NHS Staff Working with Autistic People

This is a particularly good resource to help others understand autism, particularly those with good communication skills and with typical intelligence. Its really a useful resource written by somebody that is autistic.

Autism can be difficult to understand as it is not 'one thing'. I can here the cliche, 'but you don't look autistic', as I write. Many autistic people present typically, mask, and are trying to fit in. This group are often the most misunderstood as their needs or challenges are very subtle - and are often misunderstood as lazy, rude, attention seeking, or some other negative attribution.

I can see this resource being used in many different ways. I can see it being used to help parents/carers as part of a wider 'parent training/coaching'. I can see it being used as part of an experiential training for professionals, and I can see it being used as part of highly bespoke person-centered training around a particular person.

Getting the environment right, getting a 'good-fit' is often the challenge. The right environment, that is supportive of an autistic person, can reduce distress and increase overall well-being. We are big advocates of the 'Capable Environments' framework, and I can see a role for this resource in creating Capable Environments.

One way that I have used this book is to take different sections to ask a person how much they agree or disagree with the statement. For example, the section 'Significant Distress around Sudden Changes'.

The section is read, in its original format or adapted as needed, and the person responds to how much they agree:

* Strongly agree
* I agree
* I don't agree or disagree
* I disagree
* I strongly disagree

The person is provided the means to respond in a way that best supports their communication needs. This can help to gain a much better insight to the person and their needs. It can also lead to further conversations and questions beyond the book.

“What Did I Do Wrong?”: An Accessible Guide to Preventing Traumatic Misunderstandings Between You and Your Autistic Loved One

05/04/2024

This model is called 'The Escalation Cycle' or the Time Intensity Model. It can be a very powerful tool, when used as part of a wider assessment, to understand:

* What causes distress
* What environmental changes can be put in place to prevent/minimise distress
* What different supports may be required at different stages to prevent distress escalating
* What support is required when a person's distress has settled

This model allows for agreed definitions across each stage of distress, which allows for consistency and predictability in staff responses. If the different stages are clearly defined, data systems can be implemented which can help to monitor and evaluate any evidence based supports that are put in place.

If restrictive practice is or has been used, this framework allows for a data driven approach to reducing restrictive practices as part of a wider Restraint/Restrictive Practice Reduction Plan.

We use this model as a part of our Functional Behaviour Assessments and as part of the person-centered understanding of the person. Using this within our assessments means that we are able to provide highly bespoke and individualised training to:

* Schools
* Social Care Providers
* In-patient Mental Health Settings
* Other services that support autistic people and/or people with a learning disability

Talk to us today about how using The Escalation Cycle and understanding how to implement this can be a useful part of you teams workforce development.

[email protected]

04/04/2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AY-RPhgp4w4

We are recruiting to the position to the role of Behaviour Analyst/PBS Practitioner. The successful candidate will:* Have an MSc ABA or PBS* Preferably be a ...

04/04/2024

World Autism Awareness Week 2024 - Day 3.

In 2024 the agenda around autism has shifted significantly and 'awareness' needs to follow and catch up. With autism a part of neurodivergent conditions where brains and people are seen as different and not broken, the agenda is now very much the Social Model and not the Medical Model.

Autistic people are not sick or broken. Some environments work better for an autistic person better than others. Autistic people have a lot to say about who they are, how they want to be supported, and how they can achieve the best quality of life for them.

A part of being more aware in 2024 is being aware of the social and political changes coming from the autistic community, and providing this community with the opportunity to be equal partners in what works best for them.

A core value and commitment for any organisation or professional is to being 'person-centered'. Putting the person at the center of not just the decisions, but also the decision making. Making big changes for an organisation can be difficult, but small steps can be taken with a commitment to being more aware and more inclusive. Co-production is the ultimate form of including any person, not just autistic people, in their care, their support, and the planning for their lives.

You can use this pyramid to see where you are with including autistic people, and set targets for how you will reach the next level.

* Consultation: People are asked for opinions, perspective, ideas, or concerns. There is no formal involvement using forums, questionnaires, or other formal mechanisms

* Involvement: Opportunity for people to take an active role with more input on decision making. The agenda is still largely led by clinicians or other professionals

* Participation: People take part in a defined activity. This may include adding to an agenda or the design of a research project

* Co-production: Equal collaboration between clinicians and/or other professionals and the focus individual. This includes joint decision making on goals, process, and outcomes

Co-Production - 'Nothing about me without me'

[email protected]

02/04/2024

On World Autism Awareness Day (2nd of April) we maintain our commitment to autistic people that have a range of complex support needs, experience distress, and find themselves in environments that are not supportive and increase distress further.

Our focus year round is on autism, learning disabilities, and autistic people with or without additional learning needs. We focus on providing a values driven service where the person is at the center, and understanding distress and increasing quality of life is achieved through co-production.

Our message to parents, carers, families, services, Social Workers, Commissioners, and other professionals is that autistic people are not all the same, because all people are different - no matter who they are.

* To understand autism begins at a point of knowledge

* To be aware comes from knowing autistic people in your community, befriending them, supporting a parent, helping a neighbour,

* Acceptance will come when communities understand that everyone is different, it is ok to be different, and to create safe spaces within communities where people can be different

In 2024 most people are 'aware' of autism but perhaps are unsure or afraid. Speak to families about the challenges they face, speak to them about the help that they need, talk to them about what supports their child. Most of all though, talk to parents, carers, and families about the good times, the times that the families laugh together, the strengths that the autistic person in their life has, their ability to empathise, to love, to show kindness, and all of the other qualities that make us all human - no matter how different we are!

[email protected]

26/03/2024

***We are Hiring***

Job Role: Behaviour Analyst/PBS Specialist

Location: London, Hertfordshire, and Surrounding Counties

Salary: Competitive - Further Details upon Request

Qualifications & Experience:
* BCBA,
* MSc Applied Behaviour Analysis/PBS, Intellectual Disabilities
* BACP Psychotherapist with Relevant Background in ACT/CBT and PBS
* Qualifications for the Role Must Confer Eligibility to Register with the UK-SBA (Practicing Registrant Minimum Standard)
* Experience working with Autistic Children/Adults and people with a Learning Disability

We are not able to accept applications from RBTs or level 6/7 PBS Practitioners. We will be happy to discuss an application further if you are close to completing an MSc and have the relevant experience.

I Support Behaviour changes lives. You will join a highly dedicated and committed team that focus on the most current and up-to-date understanding of neurodiversity, PBS, and models of distress.

You will gain experience working in community and inpatient settings to change the lives of the people you are supporting. You will be supported to develop you clinical knowledge and understanding, and how to employ this to complex situations where autism and/or learning disability crossover into trauma, mental health, and complex care and support needs.

Our team are valued and respected for the work that we do. We come to any new situation with a fresh perspective and the ability to provide effective input. In many situations we take a leadership role with providing the understanding and road-map for change.

The successful candidate will develop the experience of working in partnership with a range of professionals and this includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, other Allied Health Professionals, Social Workers, and Commissioners. The person will grow in their ability to lead and to take a key role as part of a wider MDT.

Day-to-day life at I Support Behaviour involves managing a small caseload, completing Functional Behaviour Assessments, providing interventions, parent-training, training for staff and professionals, and maintaining excellent clinical records.

The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to take part in other projects and this includes:

* OBM and the Implementation of Organisation Wide PBS
* School Wide PBS
* The Application of PBS to Dementia Care
* Writing and Developing Training

You will work within a values driven team that focuses on and promotes the well-being of the team.

Contact us today if you would like further information, to submit an application, or to request an informal conversation:

[email protected]

21/03/2024

2024!

ADD-vance is once again delighted to be partnering with the University of Hertfordshire to bring you FREE Lunch & Learn webinars this week. Open to ALL, not just those in Herts!

Our last webinar is tomorrow at 12pm, 'The Impact of ADHD on the Emergency Services' hosted by Daley Jones, you can find out more about Daley and his talk on the attached poster.

Zoom link to join live: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84323503463

21/03/2024

Celebrating World Down Syndrome today and also World Nero-diversity Celebration week. Be proud to be different, be proud to challenge assumptions, and be proud to be yourself without fear.

[email protected]

15/03/2024

Our team work with people with complex care and support needs. We are working with a young person being supported on a mental health ward. This person has the most extreme form of head-directed self-injury that we have ever encountered.

As a part of our work we delivered a bespoke workshop to half of the team, and we will provide this to the other half next week. This is a part of our initial input to make things safer and to reduce risk, whilst we are completing a very in-depth functional behaviour assessment.

This initial input will be using the following principles to reduce distress, frequency and intensity of distress, risk, and to increase quality of life.

* A Data Driven Approach
* A Values-Orientated Approach that is Person-Centered
* Co-Production
* The Capable-Environments Framework
* Antecedent Supports
* Comfort, Stretch no Panic Model
* Active Support
* Anxiety, Distress, & the Escalation Cycle
* A Commitment to Resist Traumatising and Re-Traumatising

We look forward to providing an update on progress. We are currently looking to see if we can present this as a case-study at conference.

[email protected]

11/03/2024

Our bespoke, highly individulsed PBS training is delivered to services and settings that require additional support and guidance around a focus person. The individual may have complex care and support needs, be at risk of a placement or school breakdown, be on the Dynamic Support Register (DSR, and/or is having/had a C(E)TR.

We can also provide this highly bespoke training for inpatient settings where they are supporting a person with a learning disability and/or autism, and they require this support to understand their patient. This can support with reducing distress, speeding up recovery, and also support to discharge.

This training can be delivered by itself or as a part of a wider package to prevent breakdown or admission into an inpatient setting under the Mental Health Act.

Who is this training for:

* Managers/Assistant Managers
* People in a Supervisory/Practice Leadership Role
* PBS Lead
* Direct Care Staff
* Key School Staff (SENCO, Teacher, Learning Support)
* Key Ward Staff (Ward Manager/Assistant
* Parents/Carers

Subjects Covered:

* Understanding Distress
* Positive Behaviour Support
* The Capable Environments Framework
* Using Data
* Function-Based Strategies and Support

This training is delivered over two days. This can be extended up to a 5-day package and includes bespoke training on Learning Disability, Autism, and Trauma Informed Care.

Why Do this Training

This is unlike any other generic training in Positive Behaviour Support. This is bespoke and highly individualised to a focus person.

Benefits:

* Increase knowledge and understanding of the person's support needs
* Reduce distress by understanding the person's triggers
* Reduce restrictive practice through understanding the Escalation Cycle
* Learn when to commence Active Support strategies to prevent further escalation
* Reduce barriers that are preventing community access and day-to-day life
* Increase quality of support
* Increase quality of life
* Prevent breakdown and/or admission to hospital
* Prevent people from being supported away from family, home, and community

Contact us today for further information or to arrange a consultation to discuss training.

[email protected]

08/03/2024

So proud to be a part of a team that is currently made up of all women (except myself). Our squad are out their every day, improving lives, challenging perceptions of autism and learning disability, helping mothers, women, and young girls, and being leaders in our field!

Too all women, our team, my mother, my wife, my daughter - you are all amazing!

[email protected]

17/02/2024

15/02/2024

I Support Behaviour was founded to improve the lives of people with Learning Disabilities and Autism. Every day our highly specialist Behaviour Analysts and Therapists who have extensive knowledge and experience are working towards transforming lives of people impacted by complex and distressed behaviours. We help social care providers and other teams embed Positive Behaviour Support into their settings. We work with you to change your culture and upskill your staff so the people you care for thrive.

We listen to your needs, and co-produce bespoke, person-centred training workshops

Our Services: Training and Education | I Support Behaviour

[email protected]

www.isupportbehaviour.com

"Let's build a world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive."

13/02/2024

Hooray for Pancake Day! What's your favourite topping?

Check out our free vocabulary download on the Makaton Library, and for Premium Members there's a pancake recipe too!

Create an account via the link http://bit.ly/3DNVApG

02/02/2024

Our team are working with an autistic person that has not left the house, nor been outside at all, since lock-down 2020. That's almost 4 years!

With the leadership and specialist input from Irit and Beth, this person left the house last Friday for the first time (26th Jan 2024). This week he has been to an opticians appointment. There are great things still ahead for this person , with a whole world now ahead of him - one step at a time!

This is a great example of where the frameworks of Positive Behaviour Support and ACT have been used together to improve quality of life with an autistic person that does not have intellectual disability.

You can hear more about this at the PBS UK Good Practice Conference on the 28th of February. Sign up at the link below.

https://lnkd.in/ef5QvKHn

[email protected]

25/01/2024

I Support Behaviour are recruiting – again!

You may have seen us advertising recently in November 2023. Due to the demand for our services, winning tenders, increased delivery of training, and our valued reputation – we need to recruit again.

I Support Behaviour is an exciting and dynamic team providing a range of services for children and adults with learning disabilities and/or autism and a range of complex care and support needs.

We utilise frameworks within Positive Behaviour Support to make significant changes to people’s lives, and to reduce the barriers that prevent a quality of life. We have received awards for our work, and we have an established reputation for being a friendly approachable team that are action focused and get results.

Our office is based in Watford Hertfordshire, and our team carry out their roles face-to-face in the community where people we support are based.

The team enjoy working from home, being in the community, and coming to the office when needed. This is a community-based role, and the person will need to be able to travel to locations where the people we support are based. Most of our work is within the M25, London, and surrounding regions.

The successful candidate will have the appropriate qualifications and experience to enable them to provide assessment, deliver training, and to deliver interventions and support utilising PBS frameworks and technologies.

These include Organisation Wide PBS, Tiered PBS, Functional Assessment, Environmental Assessments, and Barriers Assessment. Knowledge of The Capable Environments Framework, Function-Based Interventions, and other approaches from Behavioural Sciences will also be essential. Knowledge of Organisational Behaviour Management and/or Acceptance Commitment Therapy would be an advantage.

The ideal candidate will have the relevant qualifications and experience and would suit the following:

• Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst
• MSc ABA/Intellectual Disabilities – PBS Practitioner
• Qualified Psychotherapist with behavioural experience with Learning Disability and/or Autism
• HPC registered Psychologist with the relevant experience and qualifications

The salary and banding for this role will be dependent upon qualifications and experience.

For further information, a detailed job specification, or to arrange and informal conversation, contact us at:

[email protected]

12/01/2024

What an absolutely incredible achievement!

After being elected to Valencia’s regional assembly, Galcerán says she wants to be seen as a person, not for her disability

31/12/2023

Thank you to every Commissioner, Social Worker, Case Manager, Psychiatrist, ICB, Local Authority, and Social Care Provider for your committed support of our service through 2023.

We will be off to a blistering start in 2024 with consultancy projects, training, hospital discharges, assessments, and supporting families. 2024 will be a particularly special year for I Support Behaviour. We will be looking forward to our 10th birthday in June!

A very happy new year to you all.

21/12/2023

An absolutely huge congratulations to our very own Justine Djamarani. Yesterday she sat the BACB examination - and she passed. For anyone that does not know, this is an intensive process of supervision and then a very difficult exam.

Well done Justine Djamarani BCBA!

08/12/2023

*Link to version of document with hyperlinks https://www.canva.com/design/DAF2ZJFSnvE/OaKiyaq-agZmAeSQOFOPkw/view?utm_content=DAF2ZJFSnvE&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor

We are fast approaching the Christmas countdown. This can be a very difficult time of year for all sorts of reasons. It is even more important at this time to know how to access mental health support. This could be for somebody struggling with bereavement, depression, anxiety, other mental health conditions, or mental health related issues related to autism, neurodivergence, or a learning disability.

There are a lot of posts on Social Media providing advice to call 988. This is not a service that works or is based in the UK - this is specific for the USA. For more information follow this link:

https://www.mikeysline.co.uk/confusion-around-988-mental-health-support-line-cleared-up-by-uk-charity-mikeysline/

The simple advice if you are worried that somebody is at risk of serious harm to themselves or to others is to call 999, or bring the person into A&E if this is possible.

If you know somebody has a mental health condition, or there mental health gets worse at this time, it is helpful to make a 'Safety Plan' for the person. The following link provides details of how to make one:

https://stayingsafe.net/what_is_a_safety_plan

This website provides advice and guidance and also provides templates. The charity Mind also have useful information on crisis support and making crisis plans:

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/planning-for-a-crisis/

There is a lot of pressure on people at this time of the year. Stay safe!