Social Dynamics

Social Dynamics is a center-based program for adults who have developmental disabilities and severe behavioral challenges.  It provides an opportunity for individuals to actively, appropriately communicate their needs rather than resorting to maladaptive behavior.  We recognize that behavior is a meaningful expression of an individual's thoughts and feelings.  Maladaptive behaviors occur when people do not have the skills to make their needs, wants and desires known.  The Social Dynamics Project of Life Steps provides an opportunity for consumers to communicate their needs by learning appropriate techniques, thereby decreasing their reliance on maladaptive behaviors.

Through community integration and through reproducing a daily routine that duplicates--as much as possible--the daily routines of typical individuals, the program encourages consumers to function adaptively in various social and vocational milieus. Social Dynamics provides behavioral interventions and education based on structuring a low-pressure environment rich in positive reinforcement.   The program uses a therapeutic method of shaping appropriate behaviors in the setting (community and/or center) in which they are needed.  Non-aversive behavioral interventions are the norm.  Following the initial assessment, the treatment team develops interventions that include a functional analysis of the consumer's behavior (detailed description of the behavior, consequences of maintaining the behavior, frequency of the behavior and behaviors incompatible with the maladaptive behavior).

A person-centered behavioral intervention plan is then developed, including the consumer's input.  Maladaptive behaviors are extinguished by teaching consumers adaptive, alternate responses.   Consumers are encouraged to learn how to make clear choices and develop their interpersonal, communicative, recreational, leisure, self-help, advocacy, vocational and interpersonal skills in order to decrease their reliance on maladaptive responses when attempting to communicate their needs.