Learn how to effectively teach and support children with special needs using behavioural strategies and the science of learning
39-hour interactive online training*
Dates: TBA
If you are interested in this course, please complete the form and we will get back to you when this training will be given in the future.
Classes on Monday & Thursday evenings 6-9pm
*one class will be in-person at the clinic
Certified trainers: Richard Kerkhoven and Brenda Melhem
Cost: $1,000 CAD (plus taxes)**
Language: English
**Early bird registrations get $100 off
Clinique Spectrum is excited to offer once again the training on how to effectively teach and support children with special needs.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social skills, and behaviour. Autism affects 1 in 66 Canadian youth.
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based strategy that uses the science of behaviour to teach skills and promote desired behaviour. It is often used as an intervention for children with autism.
“Thank you Brenda and Richard for making the most out of this class even with many restrictions due to our current circumstances. You were both very helpful and provided me with the proper resources to understand the course material from home. You were both responsive when I had any questions, even from a distance.
I am happy to share that I was able to learn so much, through theory and through the experience of my instructors and other learners, and I have already been able to apply some of what I learned in my day-to-day. I am forever grateful for this experience! Once again, huge thank you to Brenda and Richard!”
What is included?
- The 39-hour interactive lecture. The training includes detailed training slides, videos, weekly quizzes and active student responding, as well as interactive discussions between the trainers (BCBA’s). Practice tests, group activities and class discussions are designed to ensure full comprehension of the discussed topics.
- Online copy of the manual.
Who is the training for?
- People working in Early Education
- People working in the Education System
- People implementing specialized intervention programs
- Parents of children with special needs
- Students wishing to gain more knowledge in the field of behavioural supports and specialized therapies
What makes our training different?
Our training is proudly provided live, by two masters-level Board Certified Behaviour Analysts with a combined experience of over 25 years in the field of autism and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Students who take the training will have the opportunity to learn and practice the teaching strategies and be provided with feedback. Teachers use a variety of different strategies to ensure students master the material, from quizzes, to videos, case studies as well as troubleshooting actual scenarios.
Requirement
Classes will take place every Monday and Thursday evenings, from 6:00PM to 9:00PM, on Zoom. Please make sure to log on Zoom at least 5 minutes prior to the start of each class, and make sure to keep your camera on. Attendance will be taken at the beginning and end of each class.
The training focusses on teaching educators, therapists or parents to be better equipped when helping learners with special needs, in particular autism. It will also serve as an introduction into the field of Therapy using the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis. Within this training, you will learn how to:
- Conduct effective teaching trails using discrete trail and naturalistic teaching strategies
- Properly assess challenging behaviour and address it based on its function (i.e. what the learner is trying to communicate)
- Use proactive strategies to help reduce challenging behaviour and increase or replace with adaptive behaviour
- Use consequence strategies to treat the challenging behaviour by addressing the client with a global support plan
- How to encourage global communication goals
- Track and measure behaviour effectively
- What is autism and how to help support students with that diagnosis
- So much more…
For more information write to our Certified Trainers, Richard Kerkhoven and Brenda Melhem:
rkerkhoven@cliniquespectrum.com
bmelhem@cliniquespectrum.com
“As a parent, I found this class extremely helpful in understanding the various approaches used in ABA therapy with our young child and the potential underlying reasons behind difficult behaviours, along with empowering strategies to address them effectively.”
Clinique Spectrum is an integrated services team for people with autism. Our small-group Training is provided by highly experienced BCBAs.
Trainers
Richard Kerkhoven, M.Sc., has over 15 years of experience working with children with ASD and other special needs. He has extensive experience with parent coaching, conducting behavioural assessments, and the creation of successful intervention plans. He works primarily with preschool-aged children.
Brenda Melhem, MA, has 6 years of experience working with children with ASD and other special needs. She has experience implementing direct behaviour analytic intervention, conducting behavioural assessments, and supporting individuals and families to meet behaviour goals.
“A complete and resourceful training that leaves you with an expanded knowledge on appropriate interventions with clients with ASD. Course is filled with fun activities and practice exams in order to prepare you for the final exam.”
Attestation
Participants who successfully participate in the training and pass the final test will receive an Attestation of Training. The passing grade is 70%.
Cancellation Policy
Registration fees will be reimbursed in full minus a $50 administrative fee, up to 15 days before the event. There is no reimbursement for cancellations 15 days or less before the event. Clinique Spectrum reserves the right to cancel a workshop/training program if there is insufficient registration.
Testimonials
“I took this class because I wanted to expand my knowledge and learn more about individuals with autism and behavioural problems. I really did enjoy the class, and the instructors Brenda and Richard are so warm and welcoming, and are very approachable. It is clear that they are very knowledgeable and are passionate about what they do. If you are looking into doing the training to become a certified RBT, I highly recommend taking the course with them.” – Anonymous (Dec 2020)
“The course provided by Richard and Brenda was very informative but fun at the same time. It was a pleasure to learn with them, as they are both very knowledgeable in their field. As somebody who now works as an RBT, the course definitely helped further my knowledge. I am more confident in my workplace!” – Jessica (Dec 2020)
“Thank you Brenda and Richard for making the most out of this class even with many restrictions due to our current circumstances. You were both very helpful and provided me with the proper resources to understand the course material from home. You were both responsive when I had any questions, even from a distance. I am happy to share that I was able to learn so much, through theory and through the experience of my instructors and other learners, and I have already been able to apply some of what I learned in my day-to-day.
I am forever grateful for this experience!
Once again, huge thank you to Brenda and Richard! ” – Avery (March 2021)
“This class has really changed the way I look at behavior and how I work with the children in my classroom. Whether you work with children with Autism or not, this is a wonderful class to take. Richard and Brenda are a great team. They made the class fun and interactive and explained concepts in ways that were clear and easy to understand. A great learning experience!” – Leia Pare (March 2021)
“Richard and Brenda are amazing and competent teachers. They explained the material in detail and answered all of our questions, while keeping the course light and fun. The course was well structured with the objectives clearly outlined.” – Chloé Klimos (July 2021)
“Brenda and Richard are knowledgeable and interactive trainers. They will support you throughout the learning process and use a variety of teaching styles to cater to everyone. I very much enjoyed taking the RBT course with them and would highly recommend.” – Alexandria (March 2022)
“I took this course to help my young son with autism. This course was taught in an easy to learn manner with practical examples of everyday situations.” – Angie (March 2022)
“Interactive and informative training on becoming a Registered Behavior Technician. As a Special Care Counselor, this course definitely helped enhance my knowledge and skills. Thank you very much Brenda & Richard!” – Anonymous (March 2022)
“A complete and resourceful training that leaves you with an expanded knowledge on appropriate interventions with clients with ASD. Course is filled with fun activities and practice exams in order to prepare you for the final exam.” – Sarah Paiva Roselli (March 2022)
“I really enjoyed having the opportunity to attend RBT training with Richard and Brenda as my instructors. They are both incredibly knowledgeable about the principles of ABA, and are able to provide learner’s access to their knowledge through examples and personal experience. Taking this course was a great way for me to enhance my skills in teaching young learners from all demographics. I highly recommend this course if you work with, or have kiddos of your own, as it can surely benefit your relationship with them in many ways.” – Anonymous (March 2022)