Ep. 221: Would a Behavioral Aide/Shadow Help My Child?

This week, Lisa Topp, M.S., BCBA joins us to talk about the role of behavioral aides or "shadows" in schools, focusing on how they help children with unique behavioral challenges thrive in the classroom. Lisa is a board-certified behavior analyst with a master's in Applied Behavior Analysis and more than a decade of experience in private practice. She provides 1:1 support for children and teens with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and other behavioral challenges, along with parent coaching.

In this episode, we dive into the types of challenges that might indicate a need for a behavioral aide, such as social conflicts, difficulty accessing the curriculum, or challenging behaviors such as refusing to participate. Lisa addresses some of the most common concerns from parents, especially around the stigma of having a shadow in the classroom, sharing how a well-designed support system can improve a child's behavior and relationships with classmates.

Our conversation also touches upon the nuances of securing an aide in public vs. private schools and the importance of advocating for children's needs. Lisa highlights why it's important to monitor progress and ensure that children gain independence over time. She also talks about strategies like visual schedules and reinforcement systems to help children stay on track.

By the end of this episode, parents are sure to have a better understanding of how behavioral aides can make a huge difference in their child’s educational experience and how they can best take on the process of getting the right support in place. 

Show Notes:

[2:33] - Behavioral aides support children in various school activities, addressing issues such as challenging behaviors.
[5:53] - The stigma around classroom shadows is ultimately outweighed by their benefits.
[7:38] - Lisa discusses how public and private schools differ in their approach to providing shadows.
[10:07] - Some schools don't approve shadows for children, which creates further challenges for families looking for support.
[12:52] - Lisa argues that children usually appreciate shadow support.
[15:07] - Lisa explains how families and shadows meet to make child-friendly introductions and discuss the support plan.
[17:32] - Some children need long-term shadow support.
[19:23] - The need for a shadow in high school often indicates significant challenges that require academic support or a new school placement.
[21:42] - To address struggles, Lisa assesses skills, collaborates with teachers, and occasionally involves additional specialists.
[24:49] - Understanding underlying learning challenges helps address behaviors and reduces anxiety, preventing further issues.
[25:35] - Lisa discusses how adjusting assessments, such as offering oral tests, helped a student with dysgraphia excel despite writing struggles.
[27:39] - Assessments ultimately seek to find the best support, track progress and involve parents in home strategies.
[29:03] - Hear how Lisa observes family dynamics, creates plans, and uses visual schedules to support children at home.
[30:34] - Learn how proactive strategies can help prevent challenging behaviors.
[33:48] - Lisa argues that consistent planning across home and school, along with advocacy, is important to support children.

Links and Related Resources:

• Episode 210: Challenging Behaviors or Communication? How Parents Can Respond with Dr. Andrew Kahn

• Episode 218: Understanding IEPs and 504 Plans: Which One Is Right for Your Child? - Marisol Chianello

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