One of the greatest tools in our toolbox is the ability to break down larger skills into smaller, more attainable steps (and then reinforce each step along the way!). There is a lot that can be accomplished through this teaching method, especially in the area of self-help and independence. What is a Task Analysis? A Read more about How to Use Chaining with a Task Analysis[…]
Any of us working in the field of ABA and special education have seen our share of social stories. They are promoted in schools, at home and in many settings that our kiddos find themselves. What I’ve never seen is a child who isn’t able to greet others, reads a social story about appropriate greetings Read more about Do Social Stories Change Behaviour?[…]
Social skills should always be an integral part of any good ABA program right from the start. By social skills, I don’t just mean being able to play with other kids. In typical development, socializing starts very early – a baby making eye contact with his mother, a toddler pointing out an interesting sight to Read more about When is a Child Ready for a Social Skills Group?[…]
Something I often discuss with teachers is the concept of intrinsic vs extrinsic reinforcement. At what point can we expect the tangible and outside reinforcement to morph and for the student to begin to actually want to do the right thing (and not just because he/she is rewarded for the right thing)? In my experience, Read more about Using Antecedent Teaching to Manage Challenging Behaviour[…]
In the field of ABA we often talk about using “evidence-based practices” in teaching skill. What does this mean? It means that when we are choosing a teaching strategy, we refer to the literature in determining if it has been effective in controlled studies. Video modeling is an example of an evidence-based practice that has Read more about Using Video Modeling to Teach Skills[…]
Parents often hesitate to remove their child from preschool or daycare in order for the child to receive 1:1 ABA. Understandably, parents want their children around typical peers and for them to learn in a natural classroom environment, and sometimes that is appropriate. So why would we recommend for a child to receive 1:1 ABA Read more about 6 Skills a Child Needs to Be Ready to Learn in a Group[…]
Social skills is a common area that we tackle within an ABA program. Why is ABA the right approach to use when teaching social skills? Because in an ABA program we use behavioural objectives that are: Very specific in their content. For example, a goal might be “reciprocates greetings from peers” and not “greetings” Definable Read more about How to Use ABA to Teach Social Skills[…]
One of my favourite things about my job is when we get clients when they are young (2-3 years old). This means that I love creating a program for beginners who might just be learning to talk and socialize. First, let’s clarify what I mean by “beginner”: it’s not only age-based but it could be Read more about Beginner ABA Program[…]
When I was a classroom teacher, I didn’t always have the tools or knowledge to effectively deal with learning or behavioural challenges. It was frustrating! Soon after I graduated with a Masters in Education, I was given a group of 4-year-old preschool children; and, despite my years of studying, I was unprepared. There was one Read more about 5 ABA Principles I Wish I Knew When I Was a Teacher[…]
Every morning, Shelly Yusufov arrives at work pumped up. Not because she’s had too much coffee; simply because she’s passionate about her job as program director at Kid Mechanix Academy. Her enthusiasm and energy also help fuel the students and staff, so that everyone, every day has fun learning. Skilled and savvy, Shelly will also head programs at our new Academy location in Toronto, which opens in September 2017. Here, Shelly shares what keeps her revved about her work. […]