Empowering Steps Behavioural Intervention

Empowering Steps Behavioural Intervention (BI) utilizes a Developmental Social Pragmatic (DSP) Approach based on the principles of typical child development and how typical children learn to interact. An individual Behaviour Plan of Intervention (BPI) is developed for each child following their initial assessment. Each child is assigned one therapist who works with them at the same time every week from September to June. Most Empowering Steps sessions are one-to-one, usually 30, 45, or 60 minutes in duration and may be up to three times each week in a gym or pool setting, depending on the needs of each participant. 

The one-to-one nature of the session allows for your child to build a trusting relationship with their Therapist, as well as allow for adequate physical and emotional support throughout their session. Daily logs are kept each session to record responses or changes to behaviour, communication methods/improvements, current co-regulation or self regulation strategies, routines, preferred activities, and motor skills. This program is most beneficial for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Fetal Alcohol Symptom Disorder (FASD), Anxiety disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), ADHD, and other behavioural disorders or challenges. Your child may be eligible for third party funding. Please check with your funders. 

Settings

Gym

Each child is placed on one of the 10 motor scales that corresponds with their current motor abilities. This motor scale becomes the medium through which we are able to build relationships, communication, co-regulation and self-regulation strategies, self confidence, intrinsic motivation and promote gross and fine motor development as indicated by their BPI.

As a child becomes more self-regulated and independent during their ESMT sessions, their therapist may suggest a more social component to their BPI. If approved, the child and their therapist may join a class or group of the same age and skill level for a short duration. The focus of this portion of their session is for the therapist to model and encourage appropriate social interactions in a group setting, ie. following directions, waiting their turn, respecting personal space, engaging in cooperative play and communicating appropriately.

Empowering Steps strongly values inclusivity and we strive to encourage each child to be successful and contributing participants in their communities.

Aqua

We also offer Empowering Steps BI services in a pool environment where every participant is assessed and placed in the appropriate stage of development, ranging from getting into the water comfortably then progressing towards stroke development. In this setting, the swimming skills act as a medium for our therapists to implement their individual BPIs.