I’ve heard success defined as the pursuit and realization of a worthwhile goal. Given that definition a young man in our Workshop is a prime example of success. About a year ago, he exhibited on three separate occasions, aggressive disruptive behaviors that were severe enough to cause him to be hospitalized under the Baker Act laws for a psychiatric evaluation.
During this time, he began receiving behavior services from our Certified Behavior Analyst and Psychologist. A program was developed to assist him to successfully control his inappropriate behaviors. As all behavior serves a purpose (unless they occur as a result of a medical problem), the goal of his program was to teach appropriate behaviors that would serve the same purpose as the aggressive disruptive behavior. This program was implemented, and during this past year, he has made much progress on his communication skills, anger management skills, relaxation techniques and his ability to delay gratification. Thus, he has significantly decreased the aggressive and disruptive behavior.
As a result of this, he is now much happier and able to focus on other goals that are important to him. In the workshop he is accepting more jobs, increasing his work skills and making more money. With his additional earned income, he is able to purchase items he likes. He is also able to access the community more independently to pursue his interests.
During this next year, he will continue to receive positive behavior support as needed to pursue his goals while being a valuable contributing member of society.