Reinforcement is one of our most common and useful tools, and it’s just as important to know how to fade reinforcement. Here, we dive into fading reinforcement through different schedules. Our conversation also includes tips on how to use behavior contracts and self-monitoring as well as how to naturally fade reinforcement in the classroom.
A Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) is a concrete written plan, based on the results of a functional assessment or a functional analysis. It is… Read More »How to Write a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)
Getting back into the routine of a new school year isn’t always easy. Here, we discuss the best ways to help our learners with autism transition back to school. We discuss how to help kids get used to routines throughout the school day, adjusted schedules, the importance of a good communication system, and when to introduce behavior plans.
Following 1 step instructions is a big part of our daily functioning, and it’s more prevalent than we initially realize. We can teach 1 step instructions using ABA.
Trips to the doctor or dentist are hard for any kid. They’re especially tough for our learners with autism and other delays. Here, we dive into how to make these experiences easier for these learners and their families. We discuss the desensitization process, the benefits of social exposure through videos and play, how to be a good salesperson about the dentist or doctor, and the importance of modeling when normalizing going to appointments.
We can’t ignore that children have emotions. As behaviorists, we are trained in behavior that is observable and measurable – not private events like… Read More »How to Teach Emotional Regulation
Kids with advanced language skills may be ready to have conversations with others, but how do we teach these skills? Here, we’re diving into what conversation skills are and how we can best teach them to our learners. We discuss examples of how to use different programs to teach conversation skills. We also talk about the challenges of teaching conversation skills with peers and in the natural environment.
Successful toilet training is one of the most useful and (likely) socially significant skills we can teach our students with autism. Having trouble with or feeling timid about transitioning your student with autism from diapers to the toilet? Fret not! Follow the steps in this blog post– it’s the approach we’ve used for many years to successfully toilet train our students.
The purpose of assessments is to provide us with a starting point and create a baseline for our learners. Some of the most common assessments include ABLLS and VB Mapp and we compare and contrast the two here. We also discuss the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) and why it’s good for early learners, why you shouldn’t outsource assessments to RBTs, information on PEAK, and tips for how to complete a successful assessment.
What motivates you? I know for myself any kind of hazelnut chocolate is a favorite. But what happens when I am sick of chocolate? I have my back up motivators – like sour candies, pretzels, cookies, and more! Not everyone can tell us what motivates them, and sometimes what we think will motivate us does not do the trick. This is why we have preference assessments.
