Behavior Support Services
People with developmental
disabilities experience high rates
of behavior problems, from inappropriate
social interactions to
severe aggression. Two programs
at the Nisonger Center
develop, implement, and monitor
behavior support plans to
help meet the needs of these
people and their families.
The Behavior Support Services
serves children and adults who
are referred from the Franklin
County Board of MR/DD.
Dr.
Betsey Benson directs services
for the adult population; Dr. Luc Lecavalier directs services for
children and adolescents.
Staff in both units includes
psychologists, full-time behavior
specialists, and graduate students.
Nisonger staff meets with
families, service providers, day
program, transportation, and
residential personnel at the
person’s residence or other
location to conduct functional
assessments. In consultation
with the person’s team, they
then develop a behavior support
plan that aims to decrease
behavior problems and increase
prosocial and adaptive behaviors.
Nisonger Behavior Support staff
trains personnel in plan implementation
and monitoring
according to guidelines provided
by the Ohio Department of MR/
DD and the Franklin County
Board of MR/DD. As the program
operates under contract
with the County board, there is
no cost to individuals or their
families. Only Franklin County Board of MR/DD service coordinators may make referrals.
Contact Kathleen Kraft (adults)
at kraft.5@osu.edu or Christy
Fischer (children) at fischer.69@osu.edu for more information.
