Salish Sea Behaviour Consulting

Routines work best when they are organized, structured, and predictable throughout the day. If you’re certain about what should happen, your child will also be certain. But as we all know: Life happens and routines change. When this happens try to give your child a heads-up that a change in the routine is coming and be prepared they may require additional support to be successful.

Everyone has their own definition of therapeutic- we believe a therapeutic environment is supportive, fun, enriching and individualized to the neuro-diverse needs of every awesome person we support. #WhatIsYourTherapy #LearningShouldBeFun

What’s your data telling you? Are your efforts paying off or are you back to where you started? Did you meet your objectives? A lot of apps (particularly fitness and weight management apps) provide simple graphs and reminders throughout the day to help you stay on track. If you're not meeting your goals take a step back and ask yourself why... if you are trying to meet a fitness or weight loss goal maybe your measurement isn't capturing the whole picture- perhaps you haven't ...lost weight on the scale but have gained stamina and/or strength. Don't let a small set back push you off your self management focus. Many of the young adults we support require extra support around completing school work and other tasks on time- but just because they don't meet their goal for a day or even for a week doesn't mean we won't keep cheering them and you on and offering support to get you where you need to be to feel successful! #ExecutiveFunctioning #LifeSkill #WhatsTheBigPicture #OneStepAtATime

Meet your child where they are at. Setting realistic expectations and matching the task demands to the child’s actual developmental level increases their level of success and independence. #AgeIsJustANumber

Your child is motivated to get what they want when they want it - This is good news! Unless these wants conflict with what's available at the moment - It happens! So how do we support people when we also have things we need to do to? Create a visual schedule so that your child knows what will happen throughout the day. This allows you to allocate certain times of the day where the child can see that the parents’ have non-negotiable events (such as dinner). ... Provide your child with choices to give them some control- we all need to have choice in our day. Negotiate. The goal here is to move away from the automatic no (because how’s that working out for you?) and have the child pass through a have to to get to the want to. We recommend pairing a First _____, Then _____ visual with this one, because #visuals . Support your learner by encouraging their interests and laddering those interests in to new skill areas. Like Dinosaurs? Cool, lets pretend we are dinosaurs calming our bodies!

This year we have focused on purchasing local and from disability-owned businesses. One of our favourites is: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/RubysGreetingCard Ruby's Profile States:... Hi, My name is Ruby and these greeting cards and ornaments are handmade by me! I have had to go to BC Children's Hospital a lot because I have some medical needs. This is why 10% of the profits from my store are going to be donated to BC Children's Hospital to help kids like me. When you support Ruby's Greeting Cards you are helping support BCCH and a small disability-owned and run business. Thank you! Ruby Please consider purchasing from local and minority owned businesses. Your money goes so much further when you do.

Challenging behaviours occur when the demands being placed on a child outstrip the skills they currently have (be they demands we place on them as the adults in their environment or the embedded social demands that occur all around us). Cognitive flexibility, adaptability, frustration tolerance, problem solving...these are skills that we all learn, but some of us require a bit of additional support in acquiring them. When observing challenging behaviours note which skills a...re required to adaptively respond to the situation. This will inform you of what skills to teach and/or what you need to put in place to better support the learner so that they don't need to engage in challenging behaviours to get a need met. #SupportSkillDevelopment #ItsNotJustProblemBehaviour #ItsCommunication Support Executive Functioning Skills by teaching skills in isolation before expecting a learner to be able to engage in the skill independently and without support.

December 1st is Giving Tuesday! Salish Sea Behaviour Consulting donates to a few organizations in our community including: ACT-Autism Community Training www.actcommunity.ca... The BC Aboriginal Child Care Society BC Aboriginal Child Care https://www.acc-society.bc.ca Friends of Whitecrow Village FASD Society (Whitecrow Village FASD Society) https://www.whitecrowvillage.org Loaves & Fishes Community Food Bank https://www.nanaimoloavesandfishes.org RAVEN (Respecting Aboriginal Values and Environmental Needs) RAVEN Trust https://raventrust.com This Giving Tuesday consider giving to an organization that reflects your values. We are grateful for the hard work that the above non-profits do in order to promote safety, inclusion and protect our vulnerable members of society. Thank you for all you do.

At SSBC our team ensures that behavioral support is delivered within a context of immediate and long-term concern for client welfare within a trauma-informed framework. How do we do this? By encouraging active engagement by our client and ensuring that they have a say in what they want to learn and the skills they want to develop.

These lanyards are incredibly helpful when you have little ones or yourself (*ahem* Jemana...) who are constantly misplacing their masks, then requiring new ones... these lanyards break away so they reduce choking risks. #BuyLocal #COVID19 #Masks #OurClinicalDirectorNeedsaDozen

Steps in creating a visual schedule: Determine a goal - what is the purpose of the schedule? Is it to help with transitions? To teach a skill? Break the task into smaller steps.... Determine the length of the schedule - will you use multiple schedules throughout the day or one schedule the entire day? Pinpoint which type of visual schedule (e.g., objects, pictures, words) is best for your learner. Include a way to show that a particular task/step is complete - you might have a do/done section or simply check take steps off as the learner completes them. #WeLoveVisuals #EspeciallyWhenIndividualised

Self-monitoring - a.k.a self-observation. Another skill that adults need just as much support with as the children and youth we support. When working on your self-monitoring skills keep in mind that the following: Tips & Tricks for Self-Monitoring: 1. Use materials (e.g., calendar, Apps, forms) that make self-monitoring easy.... 2. Incorporate cues or reminders. Visual or auditory reminders help you stay on track. 3. Pick what the most important part of the behaviour you are monitoring is and track that above all else. Eg: if trying to eat less sweets is your overarching goal; keeping an eye on how much overall candy you eat is probably the most important thing to monitor. 4. Check in with yourself frequently. 5. Reinforce your efforts. Behaviour change is hard work - reward yourself, you deserve it! #SelfManagement #WeAllNeedHelpWithThis

By making minor changes in your child’s physical or social environment you can help make tasks manageable. This could be something as simple as having your child do their homework in an area where they can be monitored and given reminders and encouragement to stay on track. It is always helpful to ask your learner what they feel they need in order to be successful and use that as a guide when supporting at home or in the community. #IndividualLearning #ExecutiveFunctioning #L...earnersKnowHowTheyLearn Modify the environment to set up your learner for success.

Let's be honest: we all need help with self-management. A successful self-management program starts by identifying a personal goal or objective and specific behaviour changes necessary to accomplish that goal or objective. Set challenging but realistic and frequent goals as this increases opportunities for reinforcement, which increases the likelihood of obtaining those goals (behaviour goes where reinforcement flows).

If you have a minute please consider filling in this survey for the representative for children and youth regarding the experiences of families accessing CYSN services during the Covid-19 pandemic. This survey closes at midnight. https://rcybc.hostedincanadasurveys.ca/index.php/598491

Did you know that there is no college for behaviour consultants in BC? This is why our behaviour consultants are all Board Certified Behaviour Analysts (BCBAs) and Board Certified Assistant Behaviour Analysts (BCaBAs) or working towards this certification- we want to ensure we maintain a high standard of care. BCBAs and BCaBAs have completed higher education, acquired over 1000 hours of supervised fieldwork (more for BCBAs) and written a comprehensive exam to achieve certification. Visit our website to learn more about us: https://salishseabehaviour.ca/about #DidYouKnow #BCBA #BCaBA #BehaviourAnalysis

Looking for some #GreetingCards or #ChristmasTreeOrnaments? Check out these handmade cards and ornaments made by a young lady we know :). 10% of profits are to be donated to BC Children's Hospital. https://www.etsy.com/shop/RubysGreetingCard?ref=usf_2020

There are two types of effortful tasks: the ones we’re not very good at and the ones we are very capable of doing but prefer not to (due to a litany of reasons including fatigue). The strategies we use here depend on the task at hand. If the task is one that the child struggles to complete, try breaking the task down into smaller steps, starting with the first step and proceeding forward (#forwardchaining) or the last step and proceeding backward (#backwardchaining). If the... task is one you know your child can do but they won’t do it or are not able to start it when needed that day, try making the first step in the task simple enough (or doing the task alongside your child) so that it doesn’t require them to exert a lot of effort. In other words, it doesn’t feel so much like work. #LetsDoItTogether #SometimesIJustDontWantToCleanUp

Have you ever witnessed a child fall apart when things don’t go as planned? The power of predictability is real. Unfortunately, the world is not always predictable. Create opportunities within routines for children to ask for help, solve a problem, or finish the routine in a different way so that you can help them practice "finding another way" in a kind and supportive way. TIP: If your learner likes token boards or visual systems to help them stay on track (a checkli...st works too!) both these options can be used as a great tool to use during routines to reduce challenging behaviour and increase motivation. #BuildIndependence #BuildFlexibility #BeKind

The ultimate goal of all our services is to help people function more effectively in both their immediate environment and society at large. We want the people we support to be able to communicate and connect with their communities in ways that are meaningful for them.

Visual schedules come in all sorts and sizes. An object schedule uses actual objects to cue what to expect. For example, you might use an actual toothbrush on a schedule to indicate that it’s time to brush teeth. Because of their tactile nature they are especially great for children with vision impairments and early learners. Our Clinical Director, Jemana once fashioned bags with clear pockets so that students could carry their objects with them around their school so that ...they could communicate more effectively. We’d love to know... what’s your experience with object schedules? Difficult to implement? Success with specific learners learners? #PleaseDontAskJemanaToSewAgain #VisualSupports #ObjectSchedule #CreativeCommunication

Routines allow children to learn new skills by providing predictable steps to follow. This predictability creates frequent opportunities to master those skills. Start with having the child try the routine to get an idea of which steps they may need additional support with. Create visuals to use as prompts during routines. Reduce the visual cues as the child gains independence. Pick routines that make sense for your learner and that offer meaning. Practice. Practice. Practice.... The more you practice a routine with a child, the more opportunities you’re offering them to gain independence. #PracticeMakesProgress

What do you do if your learner isn’t engaging with his/her visual schedule? First and foremost DO NOT give up! Try using a different type of visual, or maybe break a step down into even smaller steps. Another really effective troubleshooting strategy is to involve the learner - ask them to help you create the steps and possibly even the visuals. The more we are able to engage learners in the process the more likely they are to take ownership over their schedules which promotes both independence and early self advocacy skills. #TroubleShooting #VisualSchedules #ThinkofIndependence #PromoteSelfAdvocacy

At SSBC the ultimate goal of our service is to foster the ability of our clients to function effectively in both their immediate environment and society at large. This means, promoting self-advocacy, reducing unnecessary boundaries and ensuring that vulnerable people have the necessary skills to reduce potential harm. #SelfAdvocacy #Independence #PersonCentred #Individualised

Great recommendations from @BlackbirdSpecialEducation on toilet seats for littles! #toilettraining #ComfortIsKing

Routines work best when they are organized, structured, and predictable throughout the day. If you are clear on what should happen, your child will also be. Disclaimer: Life happens and routines change. When this happens try to give your child a heads-up that a change in the routine is coming. If you use symbols to support understanding a special "something different" symbol can be used to build flexibility. Bottom line: Routines are great but life is not perfect. There are ...a lot of changes throughout a day/week/month. We can’t control these unexpected changes, but we can provide clear, consistent supportive expectations. Takeaway: Implement routines, but also practice being flexible! #routines #beflexible #EverydayChanges

A useful video for educators, therapist, health providers, and caregivers that teaches elementary-aged children what stress is, how stress can be natural and normal, and some strategies for managing feelings of stress.

Talk to your kids about what is happening and the things that they can do to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Meet them where they’re at - use a form of communication that is best for them (e.g., words, symbols, videos).

Exploring emotions? PBS KIDS has an app for that. Daniel Tiger’s Grr-ific Feelings can help young children identify and express emotions through fun games and songs. Each activity helps kids learn about emotions and strategies for how to handle them. Available for: iPad, Android tablet, Kindle

Back-to-School looks a lot different this year. Stress responses are to be expected and normal. Try responding to your child’s stress reaction in a supportive way, listen to their concerns, reassure them, give them extra love and attention, and whenever possible create opportunities for the child to play and relax. Reduce un-necessary demands and expectations over the next few days as children settle in to a new routine. #covid19 #backtoschool2020 #inthistogether

Looking to work with children and get some amazing training? Check out this post for an OT Assistant : https://www.indeedjobs.com/pacific-o//14d68b83f673e93ad8c6

What a great list of books to put on your anti-ableism + neurodiversity loving reading list! What would you add to #read?

Routines can teach skills in context, provide multiple opportunities for children to practice newly acquired skills, and help children generalize skills learned in one setting to others.

Last week @AutismBC wrote a letter to the Ministry of Education expressing the need for inclusive & accessible education in B.C. The needs expressed in the letter include: Access to inclusive education for all students. A remote learning plan for all students unable to attend class. A remote learning plan provided by a students current school team.... Access to supports students are entitled to as outlined in their IEP. Clear direction/supports for all school districts to support students and ensure access to remote learning while remaining connected to their school community. For more information or to support this request click on the link below: https://www.change.org/p/premier-john-horgan-inclusive-acce

#ActuallyAutistic researchers provide invaluable research in to autism research and insight as well.

We support the #blacklivesmatter movement. SSBC is blacking out our social media for a week in support of #blackouttuesday. We believe that all people should be safe in their communities and this includes women, indigenous people, members of the LGBTQ+ community and people with disabilities. We see you. We stand with you. We will walk beside you.

Apps can be a useful tool to help younger kids manage big emotions. This FREE app is great for introducing the concept of calming down through breathing using the Breathe, Think, Do method. Kids help an animated monster facing a frustrating situation to calm down by taking long, deep breaths. Afterwards, they help the monster think of a solution and do it. Available for: Android, iOS

For an update on current service plans please follow the link to read our letter on our website. https://salishseabehaviour.ca//covid-19-update-for-ssbc-fa

A visual schedule provides organization, structure, and predictability. They support routines, inform children about expectations, and teach responsibility and planning- all essential executive functioning skills.

Some good news for people with disabilities who are in hospital: they can have their support people with them. Thank goodness #NotJustAVisitor

FYI - another #free webinar from ACT-Autism Community Training on supporting families reduce #stress during #Covid19

We support the over 30000 children with disabilities impacted by MCFD’s refusal to roll over autism funding and to provide respite for all children with disabilities. Below are some things we can say to children and people struggling with the pandemic that is both supportive and reassuring. Learn about the campaign and how you can show your support by visiting the link below. https://www.facebook.com/WeAreThe30000/

We are living through a challenging time. It’s more than OK if you aren’t able to be the parent you want to be right now. Keep doing the best you can - it’s more than enough!

With everything that has changed around us, so should our expectations. It’s okay to skip a day of learning activities. Worry less about academic success. Prioritize fun and connection.

More voices continue to emerge to support the 30,000 children with disabilities in this province. But as we raise our voices together, MCFD policy makers continue to ignore the needs of some our province's most vulnerable. #WeSupportThe30000 #WeAreThe30000 #MCFD #BCPoli

Some beautiful young women who enjoy some fun with makeup. #EveryoneIsBeautiful #ICanBarelyManageLipGloss

#WeSupportThe30000 children with disabilities in BC without adequate respite funding and the nearly 18000 children being denied autism funding roll over.

Call in and share your experiences.

#WeSupportThe30000 #WeAreThe30000

If you are interested in posting your hearts and showing support for the over 30000 children with disabilities impacted my MCFD's ongoing refusal to roll over autism funding for children with autism in BC as well as their refusal to provide respite funds for all children with disabilities please check out this facebook page started by a neuro-diverse family. https://www.facebook.com/WeAreThe30000/

#WeAreThe30000 #WeSupportThe30000 #NotEnough

We have received a message from one of the families we support that indicates the following (as sent to them by their CYSN worker). What this letter indicates is that for children who are turning 6 and are going to drop down in their funding and for children turning 19 who are aging out of autism funding their funding will be extended by up to three months (parents will need to contact AFB directly to ensure this happens). But for all the other children who utilize autism fun...ding- their funding will NOT roll over. This is a step in the right direction, but still is not enough. Autism funding needs to roll-over for all children in BC and the issue of respite still has not been addressed. We support the remainder of the 30,000 children and families who require funding roll over and additional respite funds to ensure their children can be successful and so that their families can survive and recover from this pandemic. #WeSupportThe30000 #WeAreThe30000 #NotEnough See more

An excellent article written by Doctors Anthony Bailey and Grace Iarocci outline what the ministry of education in BC needs to do to support children with disabilities in BC.