Intervention Behavioral Services
Short-term intervention for acute behavioral issues
Troubleshoot a disruptive behavior and restore equilibrium
This service is designed to address and resolve a specific behavior that is disruptive and unsustainable, giving parents and caregivers back their stability and ability to continue to care for the individual.
Who is eligible?
Participants must meet these criteria to apply for this service via Hamaspik of Kings County.
Here’s how it works:
- A Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) is performed by a certified professional such as an LMSW, and a plan to address the issue is put in place.
- A one-on-one provider overseen by an LMSW is assigned to work directly with the individual to modify behavior, offering support and guidance to parents and caregivers.
- Behavior is reevaluated every three months, and services will continue only if needed for up to a year.
Sheryl’s Story
Sheryl was at the end of her rope. Ben, her nonverbal son would insist on eating after bedtime, and would become violent if not given food, biting at Sheryl’s arms to the point where she was afraid of him — he was quite strong and uncontrollable!
Sara, the provider, observed this behavior and came up with a plan to stop it in its tracks, giving Sheryl specific suggestions. Step one was to wear a jacket for those few hours so her arms were not as accessible to Ben. Next, she instructed Sheryl to set up a few snacks in Ben’s room and explain that if he is hungry he can eat those, but he cannot ask for more. They gradually started leaving fewer snacks, whittling it down to two and then just one snack, effectively modifying the problematic behavior.
Within a few months, Ben’s intense aggression subsided and Sheryl felt relieved and empowered. She had been desperate enough to consider placement for Ben, but after his treatment through Intensive Behavioral Services, she was able to shelve that idea and enjoy his company again.
The heart behind the service
Joel Lefkovits
Director of OPWDD-HCBS Services
“Individuals whose parents were told they’d need to be pulled out of schools and summer programs due to severely disruptive and damaging behavior are now able to remain, thanks to Intervention Behavioral Services. Families have gotten their peace and stability back in ways they never thought possible.”
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You're doing all you can — and yet you always feel like you're failing someone.
Watching your other children navigate their sibling’s challenges can leave you feeling sad or helpless. This guide by Dr. Sora Yaroslowitz — a parenting expert, and herself the mother of a child with special needs — gives you tested tools to ease resentment and strengthen siblings' connection.
You’ll discover:
• How to respond when a child asks, “Can’t we just be normal?” (and the exact words to help ease their frustration)
• The common mistake parents make when trying to “make it up” to siblings (and what actually works instead)
• Ways to help siblings move from frustration to empathy (illustrated by a powerful real sibling story)
