Boost communication

Deux mains tenant des bulles de dialogue en papier, l'une de couleur verte et l'autre turquoise, sur un fond neutre.

Une mère joue avec un jeune enfant assis à une table, tandis que deux autres enfants mangent des bols de nourriture. L'atmosphère est chaleureuse et conviviale.

A unique approach to language

A work anchored in daily life

As a behavior analyst, I approach language functionally, focusing on working separately on each of the communication objectives (request, description, repetition, conversation, etc.), also known as verbal operants. This approach is highly complementary to the structural approach used in speech therapy and generally accelerates the child's progress.

I offer exercises and tools focused on everyday life, allowing you to work on communication within your routines and thus multiply your child's opportunities for practice. From working on the prerequisites of oral language to creating an environment conducive to communication, I give you the keys to foster and strengthen communication.

Aperçu des pictogrammes de communication alternative, incluant des mots et des illustrations pour aider à l'expression verbale.

Quatre enfants s'amusent à tirer sur une corde dans un jeu en extérieur, riant et souriant, dans un environnement naturel.

Alternative communication tools

Teaching social skills

For children with limited or no access to spoken language, I may incorporate alternative communication systems such as PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), PODS or sign language to encourage expression and support the development of spoken language. The choice of alternative communication tools is always made in collaboration with the parents, based on the child's needs, their environment, and the communication goals.

I explicitly teach the child how to initiate and maintain interactions, how to listen, how to answer questions and to understand social rules, thus improving their communication with others. Social skills can also be developed in small groups of children of similar ability, or directly within the school setting, for example, during recess.

Develop autonomy

Étapes pour préparer un sandwich avec du pain, du beurre et du fromage, montrant le processus de tartinage et de découpe.

Une collection de renforçateurs, comprenant un microphone magique, une bouteille de bulles, une balle à picots, un sifflet à coulisse, un slinky et un tambourin.

A step-by-step teaching approach

The benefits of positive reinforcement

As a behavior analyst, I teach self-reliance skills and and the ability to follow daily routines by breaking them down into small, progressive actions, thus facilitating learning. The focus is on identifying transversal skills whose deficiency hinders autonomy and implementing remediation programs.

I rely on a wide range of reinforcers to encourage each step forward, which motivates the child to adopt independent behaviors and allows for a rapid improvement in interactions between child and parents. Identifying these reinforcers is an essential first step and often enables the child to engage in a collaborative process.

Un enfant debout à côté d'un tableau de routine illustré, montrant des pictogrammes représentant différentes activités de la journée, comme des tâches matinales et de soirée.

Une jeune fille avec un carnet et un crayon en train de faire des courses dans un magasin, un chariot plein de produits derrière elle.

Visual and structuring tools

Learning generalization

Depending on the needs, I incorporate tools such as visual schedules, checklists, or pictograms to help the child follow a routine and complete tasks independently. These tools can be adapted to different situations (home, school, extracurricular activities, etc.) and needs (keeping busy, organizing, contributing, etc.).

I ensure that the skills acquired are practiced in different contexts, with different people, and over the long term. The child thus learns to be independent not only during therapy sessions, but also at home, at school, or outdoors. This approach ensures that independence becomes a genuine life skill and not just a behavior observed in a specific setting.

Strengthen foundational knowledge

Une thérapeute enseigne le pointage à un enfant en le guidant main sur main.

Un graphique illustrant la fréquence des réponses selon différentes conditions d'intervention sur plusieurs sessions.

Appropriate learning methods

An objective assessment of progress

I employ a variety of strategies (discreet trial-and-error learning, visual guidance, chaining, modeling, etc.) to adapt to the child's profile and maximize their understanding. Each skill is also broken down into small steps and taught progressively, adapting to the child's pace, to ensure solid acquisition.

Clear and measurable objectives are defined from the outset (for example, “follow oral 3-steps instructions”). I observe and measure each skill regularly to monitor progress and adjust the approach if necessary. Learning is assessed in different contexts (home, school, etc.) to ensure the generalization of acquired skills.

Un enfant montrant un calendrier hebdomadaire à un thérapeute, favorisant l'apprentissage de la planification et de la gestion du temps.

Une collection de cartes de félicitations colorées, présentant différents motifs et messages d'encouragement, comme des étoiles et des personnages animés, pour encourager les enfants dans leurs efforts.

Explicit teaching of executive functions

The implementation of positive reinforcement

Beyond reading, writing, and mathematics, I offer systematic work on executive functions (working memory, cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, etc.), which are essential not only for academic learning but also for a child's autonomy and adaptation. Targeted exercises or games can be offered depending on the child's needs to help them develop effective strategies.

The reinforcement system is chosen based on the child's profile and after verifying its effectiveness and practicality. Whenever possible, I encourage the teacher to contribute to defining the objectives and to support the implementation of the reinforcement system in the classroom.

Foster emotional regulation

Grille d'analyse fonctionnelle utilisée pour étudier le comportement cible, incluant des sections pour le contexte, les antécédents, le comportement, les conséquences et la fonction.

Un enfant montrant des gestes de communication avec ses mains, illustrant l'utilisation de la communication gestuelle.

A detailed analysis of the contingencies

Using adaptation strategies

I use several techniques (structured observation, functional analysis, etc.) to identify specific situations that trigger emotional reactions, such as anger or anxiety. By analyzing these triggers and the consequences of maladaptive behaviors, I can help raise awareness of the underlying factors that contribute to emotional outbursts, the first step towards regulating them.

I emphasize teachingcopingspecific and functional coping strategiesthat can be used when strong emotions arise. These strategies may include deep breathing, counting, using calming sensory tools, or practicing self-soothing activities. Through reinforcement and practice, children learn to use these techniques more effectively over time.

Une mère et sa fille discutent dans une cuisine lumineuse, avec un ordinateur portable sur la table. La mère semble écouter attentivement sa fille.

Une fille touchant un smiley en papier avec différentes expressions faciales, représentant des émotions variées, dans un environnement intérieur.

Replacement behaviors

A preventive approach

Identifying, teaching, and reinforcing alternative behaviors (functional communication, activities while waiting, etc.) helps reduce the occurrence of impulsive emotional reactions. I encourage the repetition of these alternative behaviors by implementing positive reinforcement systems and ensure their generalization across different contexts..

I help children develop their ability to monitor their own emotional reactions and progress towards regulation. Through structured techniques such as self-monitoring lists or visual aids (mood charts, barometers, etc.), children learn to track their emotional states, how to recognize the signs of emotional dysregulation, and to take proactive steps to adjust their behavior independently.