FAQs
Below are some questions that we are frequently asked regarding our services and ABA. If you have any other queries, please feel free to contact us any time.
My child does not have a diagnosis, but I still have concerns. Will your services suit us?
Yes. BeChange provides interventions for ALL children. We have experience working with typically developing children as well as those with special needs. Whether the problem is tantrums and antisocial behaviour, difficulties with bedtime routines, or fussy eating, the evidence shows that the right support early on will increase social competency later in a child’s life. We have found that with our support and guidance, parents gain the knowledge and confidence to help their child overcome all kinds of challenging behaviour.
How much do your services cost?
Given the individualised nature of our services, costs will depend on the specific needs of the child, family or educator. Following the initial phone/email conversation, we’ll schedule an in-person consultation. Typically, this consultation will last one hour. The purpose of this consultation is to discuss your concerns and goals. Following the initial consultation, we’ll make a recommendation of the types of services required and give you an estimate of these costs. The cost of the initial consultation is $179+GST.
What do the BCBA™ credentials mean?
BCBA™ stands for Board Certified Behaviour Analyst. It is an international certification that provides the standards for what constitutes being qualified to practice Behaviour Analysis. There are currently 10,000 BCBAs worldwide but only 48 in New Zealand.
To qualify to sit for the BCBA examination a person must have a Masters degree in a human service field like Behaviour Analysis, Psychology, or Special Education. They must also have undertaken graduate-level coursework specific to Behaviour Analysis. In addition, they must have completed supervised experience (e.g. an internship) under someone who holds the BCBA. Finally, they must have their application approved by review of the board and take and pass the standardized examination. What this means is that the person has established a minimum set of both academic and applied skills as attested to by their training, supervision, and passage of the BCBA examination. BeChange cannot speak on behalf of the Board (BCBA), so for more information on this topic please visit the Board’s website.
What does a Behaviour Therapist do and what are their qualifications?
A Behaviour Therapist is a paraprofessional who practices under the close, ongoing supervision of our Board Certified Behaviour Analysts (Erika Ford, Aimee Houston, Kristina Spasovski, Jenna Cunneen).
The role of a Behaviour Therapist is the direct implementation of skill-acquisition and behaviour-reduction plans developed by the supervisor. A therapist will collect data and may conduct certain types of assessments (e.g., functional assessments). A Behaviour Therapist is not responsible for the design or the intervention plan, only the direct implementation.
Our Behaviour Therapists come from a range of different backgrounds and experience, however they must:
- Be pursuing university study in psychology or a related field
- Successfully complete a criminal background check at the time of application
- Complete our in-house training program (conducted by a BACB certificant)
- Pass our Therapist Competency Assessment administered by a BACB certificant
- Pass the Registered Behaviour Technician exam via the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board
Does BeChange only implement ABA?
All procedures implemented at BeChange are based on the well-researched principles of learning and behaviour. ABA encompasses a wide range of teaching techniques and procedures which includes but is not limited to natural environment training, video modelling, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), peer tutoring, fluency building. Furthermore, teaching procedures can include visual strategies to facilitate learning. Click here for more information about ABA.
How do we begin working with BeChange?
The first step is to call or email us. Following a brief phone conversation, we will set up your initial consultation with our Clinical Supervisor. The purpose of the consultation is to gather background information and discuss your goals. Following this we will recommend what services best suit your needs. Together we will make a plan that is tailored to the individual, family and/or school environment. We follow a 5-step process.
Book a consultation
The first step is to book a 60 minute meeting with us. Here we will establish your goals and what service is right for you.