Challenging Behaviors

Collaborative support for families and school district staff in the design of assessments, data analysis, plan review, and identification and implementation of instructional and behavioral evidence-based intervention strategies.

Challenging behaviors focuses on students who have a wide variety of disabilities exhibiting severe behaviors that require intensive supports and intervention. Northwest AEA staff members who support challenging behavior and autism services work collaboratively with parents and school district staff to evaluate and design interventions to address the needs of students with autism spectrum disorders and other challenging behaviors who are eligible for special education services.

Staff members help the IEP team in designing assessments, analyzing data, reviewing plans and identifying appropriate instructional or positive behavioral intervention strategies. These staff members also provide training to other AEA staff, teachers and classroom associates through workshops available via the agency.

If you are a parent who has concerns that your child is exhibiting signs of autism or another challenging behavior, visit contact Northwest AEA at (712)222-6060.

For more information or questions, contact the the following Northwest AEA employees for each school district:

  • Mary Bruck - Ar-We-Va, Charter Oak-Ute, Denison, Maple Valley-Anthon Oto, OABCIG, Schleswig
  • Brenda Langstraat-Janisch - Cherokee, Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn, Le Mars MS & HS, Sheldon, Sibley-Ocheyedan, South O'Brien
  • Randy Marks - Central Lyon, West Lyon, George-Little Rock
  • Stephanie Robinson - Galva-Holstein, Lawton-Bronson, River Valley, Sergeant Bluff-Luton, West Monona, Westwood, Whiting, Woodbury Central
  • Beth Tisher - Hinton, Kingsley-Pierson, Le Mars (elementary), Sioux City
  • Kelly Van Gelder -  Akron-Westfield, Boyden-Hull, MMCRU, MOC-Floyd Valley, Rock Valley, Sioux Center, West Sioux

Important contacts

Staff Directory
Image thumbnail for Brenda Langstraat-Janisch

Brenda Langstraat-Janisch

School/Family/Community Mental Health Liaison

712-222-6060 Email Brenda Langstraat-Janisch