When it comes to receiving professional behavior therapy services, there are many components and individuals involved to ensure both the child and family are able to thrive. Marshall Pediatric Therapy offers a focused-based model behavior program (Building Blocks Program), a collaborative and individualized approach to a child’s specific needs and challenges. Most are familiar with the term Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and most are familiar with a rather demanding structure when it comes to how these services are introduced. We help to advocate what program suits one's lifestyle best and are glad that there are options. 

Read more about Marshall's behavior program, Building Blocks, 

is defined as an application of the science of behavior that systematically works to increase skills that aid in the reduction of challenging behaviors and improves the lives of children and families. This is done through reinforcement and teaching strategies based on functional analysis and data collection.

What exactly is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)?

An RBT is defined as a paraprofessional certification in behavior analysis. RBTs help to assist in delivering behavior analysis services and practice under the direction and supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

is to primarily help to collect data in order to best carry out a treatment plan. The treatment plan is formatted by the BCBA and is made up of goals and target behaviors that need to be worked on. The data that is collected helps to track progress and re-access goals.

An RBT’s day starts and ends with both fun and “pairing”. Pairing is the ability to build rapport with someone. RBTS spend time ensuring fun is being had to make sure that the kids are HRE (happy, relaxed, engaged). Similarly to adults, kids learn much better and are much more engaged when in this state. When following a treatment plan, it’s so important that the RBT is engaged with the child.

It is the RBT’s responsibility to provide positive reinforcement to clients. What is positive reinforcement? 

an introduction of a desirable stimulus after a behavior that ultimately makes that behavior likely reoccur. The RBT does this by providing a child with praise and giving them preferred items for functionally appropriate play. This encourages the child to continue doing the desired action and to continue to grow that relationship.

One of the most important jobs of the RBT is to always pair. By pairing, you’re telling the child that you’re always there for them and that you are becoming their safe place.

What education/certification is required to become a Registered Behavior Technician?

You must at minimum have a high school diploma or your GED. At Marshall, it is preferred you have at least a Bachelor’s Degree. In most cases, you must have a minimum of 40 hours of observation/specialty training, as well as have passed the RBT competency assessment/exam. To learn more about the requirements of competency, you can visit the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s page 

Top suggested reads for a Registered Behavior Technician:

To view all of Marshall’s current career openings including that of a Registered Behavior Technician, you can check 

The role of a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) 

So you may be wondering...what exactly is Pediatric Speech-Language Therapy?

Speech-Language Therapy is described as a treatment that helps to support and care for children who have difficulties with communication, feeding, eating, drinking, and swallowing. Our expert clinicians at Marshall Pediatric Therapy want to help answer some of the most FAQs when it comes to this discipline. 

What specific conditions does Speech-Language Therapy help to support?

Examples of when you might need to express your concerns:

What age should a child receive Speech Therapy?

Realistically, there is no specific age a child should receive any particular therapy discipline. it is never too early to start therapy and get an evaluation with a licensed professional as soon as you notice and or experience concerns. It is not abnormal for a child with a disability to show signs of developmental delays as early as 3 months old, if not sooner.

We always advocate for our families to ask plenty of questions to their pediatrician, after all, that’s why they are there for! At Marshall, we see newborn babies, all the way to age twenty-one with a wide array of conditions and concerns. Early intervention is so very important!

If you and your child receive a referral to receive Speech-Language Therapy, we highly suggest that you contact us first to see if you’re in the network for insurance to help offset the cost of therapy visits. Our helpful referral team and clinical support can guide you through all of your financial options and answer absolutely any questions you might have regarding billing/insurance.

At Marshall, we do our very best to always advocate for our families and to help break down the financial barriers that might keep someone from receiving the services they not only need but that they deserve.

For a list of our current insurance providers that cover Speech Therapy visits, you can click 

How we address Speech-Language Therapy at Marshall Pediatric Therapy:

What is Speech Therapy?

The holiday season can be especially challenging if you’re dealing with circumstances that might trigger emotions of sadness, depression, anxiety, uncertainty, or loneliness, to name a few.

Being able to prioritize your mental health and realizing that everyone grieves differently is one of THE most important things you can do during the hustle and bustle that this time of the year can bring about.

Our team of professional Mental Health experts has rounded up some ways to help cope with the heaviness of losing someone.

We hope that you find these practices to be helpful for you and your family this holiday season

At-home activities to keep your mind occupied, reflect, and maybe make new memories and traditions:

Red flag/warning signs to be on the lookout for which might indicate that professional help might be needed:

Mental Health Therapy visits focus at Marshall focus on providing encouragement and support in order to create a more balanced, loving, and overall successful home life. By working with both the child and the family using proven psychological methods, Mental Health Therapy can help manage and even eliminate a variety of mental illnesses and emotional difficulties.

https://marshallpediatrictherapy.com/services/mental-health-therapy

How do we address Mental Health at Marshall Pediatric Therapy:

Children might benefit from receiving Mental Health Therapy even without a diagnosed medical condition. Children who exhibit feelings of worthlessness that lead to depression or anxiety, have difficulty paying attention, and often show signs of physical complaints such as fatigue and withdrawal from social activities may require Mental Health Therapy. At Marshall Pediatric Therapy, we offer sessions individually or as a family if necessary. Receiving Mental Health Therapy does not require a referral. For a list of current insurance coverage and providers, you may reference:

https://marshallpediatrictherapy.com/billing-and-insurance

For a list of helpful links that could help support specific Mental Health Therapy: 

https://marshallpediatrictherapy.com/helpful-links

Ways to Handle Grief 

One of my favorite traditions of the holidays is stockings. There’s just something SO FUN about searching and finding “all of the things” for that special someone and seeing how many items you can make fit in that elongated sock.

This year, I’ve gathered a list of ten popular sensory-sensitive items that would make great stocking stuffers for the kiddos on your list! Sensory play helps to encourage problem-solving and creativity. The clinicians at Marshall incorporate sensory play into sessions to help improve things such as but not limited to:

Use the links below to stem some inspiration and cross off a few kiddos on your list this year!

Sensory-Friendly Stocking Stuffer Ideas

When I was a little girl feeling uncomfortable, insecure, or frightened, I used to imagine my entire body inside a giant, clear bubble of protection. Nothing could get me and I was safe. As I got a little older, I wondered, had I shared my giant bubble of protection with them, would my classmates’ houses have burnt down, would my brother’s bullies have left him alone...? It’s often a helpless feeling to be a child trying to protect yourself and other children.

Childhood experiences certainly become more relevant after we have children of our own. We start to take, personally, the role that caring adults should have and realize that children have a vital need for nurturing guidance, and support. As parents, caretakers, and educators, we try to help young people make sound judgments when coping with danger or uncertainty, realizing that this important life skill will take them into adult life.

Resources are critical for a child’s success and safety education is an important aspect to include. Unfortunately, there is a lack of time spent on safety issues. Safety experts and organizations estimate that between 75 and 90 percent of tragedies could be avoided through better safety awareness and prevention. There’s a tendency to discuss safety measures only after a tragedy occurs rather than spending efforts and resources on prevention.

Knowing the significance of safety preparation and wanting children to feel safe, I wrote an interactive children’s safety book called Safety Safari. It introduces sensitive and frightening topics in a non-threatening way. The information can be reiterated over and over again until children respond instinctively. Safety Safari also encourages children to read, write and communicate. Teaching our children how to evaluate and respond to ambiguous situations empowers them and leads to successful outcomes. What would your child do if he/she gets separated from you in a store? Are your kids protecting themselves online? Does your family have a meeting spot outside in case there’s a fire inside your home? These are just a few of the topics Safety Safari covers.

I always open the floor up to questions or comments after reading my book to groups of children. Sometimes the experiences children describe, in relation to topics in my book, are unsettling. It is alarming and upsetting to hear about their close calls. For me, this further reinforces the need for safety tools and safety discussions. Such resources not only educate children but provide parents and caregivers peace of mind. A tremendous impact can be made and lives saved if we all lead children to examine scenarios and help them practice what to say and how to react so that they have every advantage when faced with the unknown.

Acclaim Press 1-877-4AP- BOOK (1-877-427-2665) 

https://www.acclaimpress.com/books/safety-safari/

From Our Experts

The role of a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

What is Speech Therapy?

Ways to Handle Grief

Sensory-Friendly Stocking Stuffer Ideas

Teaching Children to Stay Safe