Vivian Attanasio is the Senior Vice President of Operations at Heartshare Human Services and a board-certified behavior analyst with a publication track record. With a background as a school psychologist and extensive experience in working with both children and adults in the field of behavioral analysis, Vivian has a deeply personal connection to her work. Her career includes collaboration with leading researchers like Doctor Carbone and pivotal projects such as the de-institutionalization of high-profile clients at SUS. Vivian is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities through respect, rights advocacy, and individualized support.

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of DSP Talk, host Ashley Blaise sits down with the insightful Vivian Attanasio, Senior Vice President of Operations at HeartShare Human Services and a seasoned, board-certified behavior analyst. Vivian shares her personal journey into the field, motivated by her close family experiences with disability. This conversation delves into the core principles of understanding and managing behaviors in individuals with developmental disabilities, with a focus on communication and relationship-building.

Behavior as a form of communication is central to the discussion. Vivian breaks down the reasons behind various behaviors and offers actionable advice for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to better understand the needs and feelings of those they support. She highlights the importance of building strong, respectful relationships as a foundation for effective support, stressing that trust and mutual respect can significantly prevent behavioral escalations. This episode is packed with both personal anecdotes and professional insights, making it a must-listen for anyone in the field.

Key Takeaways:

• Behavior as Communication: Understanding that behaviors often indicate unmet needs or desires and can be categorized into reasons like attention, escape, tangible (wanting access to something), or sensory issues.
• Importance of Relationships: Building strong, trusting relationships with the people supported is crucial for preventing and managing behavioral escalations.
• Respect and Consent: Always ask for permission and respect personal space, whether the individual is vocal or non-vocal, to foster trust and cooperation.
• Personal Investment: Sharing personal stories and showing genuine interest in the lives of those supported helps in building a stronger rapport and demonstrating respect.
• Consistent Support: Addressing the trauma of temporary staff and frequent changes, emphasizing the need for consistent and respectful support to build long-term trust.

Resources:

• HeartShare Human Services: HeartShare Human Services of New York | Homepage
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) | Autism Speaks
• Dr. Carbone: The Carbone Clinic: Applied Behavior Analysis | Carbone Clinic (thecarboneclinic.ae)
• What is an IEP? What is an IEP? (understood.org)

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