As summer winds down and we transition into the new school year, we at Koala ABA are excited to embrace the energy and enthusiasm that August brings. This month is filled with fresh beginnings, new opportunities, and the promise of continued growth for our students and staff. In this edition of our newsletter, we’ll be sharing updates, celebrating achievements, and spotlighting an individual that makes our community so special. Thank you for being a part of our journey as we strive to create a supportive and enriching environment for everyone at Koala ABA.
Information Station
Positive punishment is a concept in behavior analysis where a stimulus is added following a behavior to decrease the likelihood of that behavior occurring in the future. Unlike negative punishment, which involves taking something away, positive punishment introduces an aversive consequence. For example, if a child touches a hot stove and feels pain, the pain serves as a positive punishment, making it less likely that the child will touch the stove again. The goal of positive punishment is to reduce undesirable behaviors by associating them with negative outcomes.
Employee Spotlight
Lenny’s journey at Koala ABA is a testament to his dedication and passion for the field of applied behavior analysis. He started off as an RBT in 2019 up until 2020. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, he transitioned into the role of Case Manager, showcasing his adaptability and commitment during challenging times. His hard work and leadership skills were further recognized in 2023 when he became part of the administration team. Originally in school for pre-med, Lenny decided to take a gap year, during which a long-time friend and fellow Koala ABA admin introduced him to the role of an RBT. This opportunity aligned perfectly with Lenny’s personal life, as his brother has autism. This background provided Lenny with a profound understanding and a personal connection to the work he does, driving him to learn more about behaviors and interventions. In May, Lenny achieved a significant milestone by graduating with a Master’s degree in Special Education, specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). His educational journey is not over yet; he is currently preparing for his Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam, which he plans to sit for before the end of the year. Lenny’s dedication to his professional growth and his passion for making a difference in the lives of individuals with autism make him an invaluable asset to the Koala ABA team.
Information Station
Positive punishment is a concept in behavior analysis where a stimulus is added following a behavior to decrease the likelihood of that behavior occurring in the future. Unlike negative punishment, which involves taking something away, positive punishment introduces an aversive consequence. For example, if a child touches a hot stove and feels pain, the pain serves as a positive punishment, making it less likely that the child will touch the stove again. The goal of positive punishment is to reduce undesirable behaviors by associating them with negative outcomes.