Halifax Autism & Developmental

 

Sorcha Parker, M.Sc., BCBA is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst providing evidence based treatment services to clients with developmental delays, Down’s Syndrome & autism spectrum disorders. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from St. Mary’s University and a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from The Institute for Psychological Sciences, in Arlington, VA. She completed her graduate training in applied behaviour analysis (ABA) through Pennsylvania State University. As a Certified Behaviour Analyst, Sorcha is a member of a regulated international body of practitioners adhering to strict standards of ethical and professional conduct, and required to engage in ongoing continuing education in order to provide the most up to date, evidence based treatment for clients.

 

Her past experiences include working with the Center for Autism & Related Disorders (CARD) in Springfield, VA, providing one on one therapy to children in homes and preschools. Upon returning to Canada, she took a position with PEI Department of Education & Early Childhood Development as a Preschool Autism Specialist. Following the birth of her first child she returned to Halifax and has since been providing consulting services in the private sector & public sector. For the past several years she has been working with University of New Brunswick in training educational assistants and resource teachers in the use of applied behaviour analysis in schools & preschools. In addition, she provides supervision services to Behaviour Analysts in training.

 

When meeting a new client, Sorcha completes an initial assessment  identifying core areas of strength & weakness, as well as an analysis of specific milestones/skills. She then develops an individualized set of teaching programs in order to address their primary needs. Programming may address goals across a variety of domains, such as communication, play & social skills, academics, and behavioural & self help concerns. She will work with your family to develop goals that not only are appropriate for your child, but that also meet the needs of your family. Programs are designed around the learning needs of individuals and make use of a wide variety ABA techniques, including Discrete Trial, Natural Environment teaching, & verbal behaviour approach. Programs are implemented on a one on one basis, by trained interventionists. Therapy is generally implemented in home, but when desirable and possible, programming can also be designed to be implemented in preschools or schools. Some families may be interested in implementing a portion of the therapy themselves, in this case Sorcha provides training in the necessary skills & techniques in order to help family members be part of the treatment team. She provides ongoing supervision and support to the interventionists & families. Programs are modified and updated as needed with new goals being added as skills are mastered.