This project is designed to provide a combination of training, technical assistance (TA), and consultation to personnel working in and for New Jersey’s Children’s System of Care (CSOC). These services seek to enhance provider capacity to support children with intellectual/developmental disabilities, who are dually diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder and/or engage in challenging behaviors that have not responded to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or other services currently provided.

Training is provided in a variety of relevant areas. The primary training session conducted through a collaboration with Rutgers University Behavioral Healthcare (UBHC) is on Positive Behavior Support (PBS). This workshop provides an overview on using Applied Behavior Analysis in a person-centered and proactive manner, for youth with IDD and challenging behavior.

Additional trainings also are provided on a variety of more specific topics including: Functional Behavior Assessment, other behavioral strategies, Autism and Anxiety, Anxiety and IDD, depression and IDD, integrating medication with behavioral strategies, and aggressive behavior.

These training sessions are available to personnel engaged with the NJ CSOC, ranging from care managers and administrators, to BCBAs, behavior technicians, therapists, parents, and other providers. A schedule of training sessions and registration information can be obtained through the Division of Children and Families (DCF)

Appropriate for referral

• An intellectual/developmental disability (e.g. Autism Spectrum Disorder, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome)
• Possible co-occurring mental health or psychiatric diagnoses
• One or more of the following presenting problems:

• Difficulty accessing appropriate treatment and services (ABA, clinical, IIH, IIC)
• Limited response to treatment
• Lack of diagnostic clarity or other comprehensive evaluations

• Injury or risk of injury to self or family members
• Unable to access community services (doctor visits, school, etc.) and/or behavior causing 911 calls, visits to ER/crisis screening centers

Other Challenging Behavior – related to autism such as feeding, sleep, severe stereotypy, or ritualistic behavior

Deficits in Adaptive Behavior – limited/no functional communication and minimal adaptive life skills (toileting, self-care)

Supervision Needs – Requires constant supervision or redirection

Health/Medical – Multiple medical challenges, unable to access needed care

Complex circumstances and dynamics – Exposure to traumatic events, problematic family dynamics, psychosocial needs, team conflicts

• Match care managers with an experienced technical assistance and consultation provider
• Conduct a service review to maximize services funded by others (e.g., educational entitlement, insurance, and Medicaid)
• Provide expert clinical guidance, including advice on empirically validated treatments, best practices, and appropriateness of service
• Assist in integrating ABA behavior plans with clinical treatment plans
• Collaborate to support the development of a clinically appropriate plan to improve safety and quality of life for youth and family members
• Assist in navigating complex family and team dynamics

• To submit a referral, please access a HIPAA-compliant online referral form. Parents/Guardians of the youth must also sign this CSOC TA Informed Consent Form
• You will receive a response from a member of the technical assistance and consultation team within 2 business days
• CSOC contracts with both The Boggs Center on Disability and Human Development and Autism New Jersey to provide technical assistance and consultation. Requesting parties will be contacted by either The Boggs Center or Autism New Jersey depending on the youth’s clinical needs. On occasion, both agencies may remain involved in the technical assistance process.
• For more information on our technical assistance and consultation program, please contact Philip Smith, PhD, Asst. Professor of Pediatrics, Clinical Psychologist, at philip.smith@rutgers.edu
• Please note that this new process and referral form replaces prior processes for requesting technical assistance and consultation