The Importance of Behavioral Support and an Introduction to the Self-Determination Program
June Neurodiversity Night Wrap-Up
Families playing at Mendo LEAP
Something we really pride ourselves on at Mendo LEAP is the community we’ve created, and Neurodiversity Night is a perfect example. While it may feel daunting to show up to an event without knowing what to really expect, the vibe at Neurodiversity Night is always one of welcome. Families are coming together for a shared purpose. We eat dinner together, the kids play, and conversation flows naturally.
June’s Neurodiversity Night was hosted by Path to Possibilities. Andrea and Chris Alesi each took the floor to discuss two different topics. Chris went first and went over the finer points of the Self-Determination Program (SDP.) After a quick break, Andrea gave a presentation about Behavior Support. Both stayed after the presentation to answer questions and talk with families. Redwood Coast Regional Center was also present to translate and share information about their support services for Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled (IDD) Individuals.
We’d like to thank Path to Possibilities, Redwood Coast Regional Center, and Slam Dunk Pizza for their ongoing support for these monthly community events.
Did you miss the presentation? Read on to catch up!
Part 1: A Brief Overview of the Self-Determination Program
Chris Alesi, an Independent Facilitator and co-founder of Path to Possibilities, kicked off the evening with an overview of the Self-Determination Program (SDP.) The Self-Determination Program (or SDP) is a California State program through the Department of Developmental Services which allows individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families more freedom, control, choice, and responsibility in choosing services and supports with their local Regional Centers. It was created by the state to be in compliance with home and community based services.
A child looking at a map
The Self-Determination Program is a California-specific program that can provide funds for your child’s goals. Funds can be used to access services which families of IDD individuals may not typically get access to. These services include things like music therapy, swim therapy, occupational therapy for job coaching, skills training, and much more. The program is built around individual goals, and the available budget is reflective of those goals (so more goals means more funds.)
To get started with the SDP, let your regional center service coordinator know that you’re interested. The service coordinator will start the process of SDP certification and recommend independent facilitators. Once you are started in the SDP program, your Independent Facilitator will work with you to create a person-centered plan. This plan will help guide all providers who come on board to help your child.
Path to Possibilities helps people participating in the SDP with a range of support services such as behavioral consultation, goal-setting, and financial planning. They offer free 30 minute consultations to help people get started.
Part 2: The Importance of Consistency in Behavior Support
Andrea Alesi talking to families at June Neurodiversity Night
Andrea Alesi closed out the night with a fantastic presentation about behavior support. Attendees also had a lot of questions about discipline, dealing with aggression, and screen time. Andrea has a wealth of knowledge on the topic and–while this blog is a good start–we highly recommend you reach out to Path to Possibilities or visit their website to really dig in to behavior support.
What is Behavior Support?
Behavior support can be life-changing, whether you struggle with transitioning your child from preferred activities to non-preferred activities, over-reliance on screen time, or having your child work with non-preferred people. Behavior support focuses on setting the individual up for success and getting all caregivers, teachers, and therapists on the same page to encourage consistency. This consistency is especially important when responding to tantrums and other challenging behaviors. It’s crucial to set expectations for positive behaviors and consistently teach and reinforce those skills.
Encouraging Positive Behaviors Reduces Challenging Behaviors
A woman crouching to talk to her child at eye-level
A cornerstone of behavior support for children of all neurotypes is recognizing and celebrating desired and/or positive behaviors. A lot of parents and caretakers get stuck because they want a challenging behavior to stop, but their child may not yet have the appropriate skills to react differently. In fact, negative or challenging behaviors often get reinforced because they garner attention from adults (even if this attention is negative!)
When faced with a negative behavior, the key is to focus on redirection and reinforcement rather than relying solely on punishment or consequences. Consistent redirection and refocusing can help children learn to respond with desired positive skills.
What Redirection Can Look Like:
Giving a choice
Using a distraction
Offering an alternative (e.g., running around/being loud outside vs inside)
Providing minimal attention
Example: If your child is acting out to gain negative attention, sometimes the most helpful response is to stay calm and not react. Instead, give your energy and attention to the positive behaviors—this teaches them what really works. (e.g., hitting to gain access to a preferred item vs. learning to say, ‘My turn, please.’)
Conclusion
There is so much more to learn about both the SDP and Behavior Support, but we hope this wrap-up gives you a good jumping-off point for your own learning journey.
Our next Neurodiversity Night is on Saturday, July 26th from 5pm-7pm. We hope to see you there!
