ABA Therapy in Public School

I currently work as a Registered Behavioral Therapist, my client is a student in Yorktown public schools. My client is autistic and although his behavior has drastically improved since the start of his educational journey in York County, things were not always as simple and "smooth sailing" as they are now. In the past he struggled with communication and for this reason he often had meltdowns in school that would sometimes cause his to act out in class. His mother had explained that in situations where he became upset and could not be calmed down before any repercussions or consequences were enforced, her son as well as his general eructation peers, would be taken to speak with the school guidance office. After speaking with the schools psychologist, the children were then taken to the assistant principal to discuss further punishment if necessary.

Recently, my son was suspended from school. After speaking with his principal we were told that in order to document his actions correctly, the police would have to be called and a report filed. My son is a seven year old, second grader in Hampton City. There are very few things a seven year old can do that would warrant police presence, however, I sat and listened as his principal explained that he had physically assaulted his teacher. I was told that he "shoulder checked" her and rolled his eyes, as a result he was sent to the office and suspended.

The following week I met with his guidance counselor and teacher in hopes of getting them on board with implementing a behavior reduction plan at school, similar to the one we use a home to reinforce positive behavior. I provided his teacher with an "A.B.C. Data Sheet", a "Self-reflection" worksheet and a "Think Sheet" that was to be completed in situations where inappropriate behavior had occurred. The goal of this behavior plan is to find out what causes a particular behavior and help my son process how to behave appropriately in those situations. During this meeting, I was informed that children in Hampton City Schools are required to do similar reinforcement activities AFTER they've received after school detention, or in school suspension. I thought to myself, "it would be more effective to implement plans like these before the children are forced to sacrifice their education".

I've made a vow to change the way children in undeserved communities are treated. I will not allow young children to be criminalized strictly because of the area they live or the color of their skin. It is my goal to educate the public and fight for change in my community!

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