Behavior Intervention, Adaptive Skills Training and Social Skills Training are essential practices that help our school-age children develop. Behavior Intervention can turn challenging behaviors into positive choices and helps children stay safe and ready to learn. Adaptive Skills Training breaks daily living tasks into manageable steps, building independence at both school and home. Social Skills Training uses role-playing, turn-taking and group practice to help children build confidence in social settings and make lasting friendships.
For school-age children, these services work hand-in-hand with the local school district, which holds primary responsibility for intensive behavior support as part of a child’s education. As payer of last resort, Lanterman also coordinates with each family’s health plan and other available resources before authorizing services directly.
Behind every one of these services is a team of credentialed specialists ensuring the highest standard of care — including Board-Certified Behavior Analysts, Licensed Clinical Psychologists, a Developmental Pediatrician, and Psychiatric Nurse Consultant. Today we’re highlighting two members of our Clinical Team and the school-age services they help oversee.
Dr. Mandana Moradi, Psy.D., Consulting Clinical Psychologist, brings more than 30 years of experience diagnosing and treating individuals with disabilities across the lifespan — through her private practice, her consulting work with Lanterman, and her work with the Los Angeles Juvenile Public Defender. Dr. Moradi participates in interdisciplinary consultations with our Autism Team and advises Lanterman staff on clinical interventions.
Dr. Jean Johnson, BCBA-D, Autism Clinical Specialist, joined Lanterman after completing her doctoral studies at the UCSB Koegel Autism Research Clinic, where she focused on evidence-based practices. At Lanterman, Dr. Johnson reviews ABA-based services, consults on complex cases, and trains our community on autism and evidence-based practice through her work with CAPTAIN.
Thank you for the expertise you bring to our community.