Behavior Analysts are interesting specimen: we like to create our own language for things when it may or may not be entirely necessary. While we could easily refer to language in terms like labelling, requesting, or conversation, we made it more complicated – we refer to language in terms of “verbal operants”. The field of Read more about Verbal Operants[…]
When working with any behavior, whether it be a problem behavior or even a target behavior, it is critical to make sure that all stakeholders are in agreement with what that problem behavior is, and what it is not, so that when it is observed it can all be agreed upon. If you are not Read more about Defining Problem Behavior[…]
Often children with ASD demonstrate high rates of non-compliance. Following through with instructions is an important skill that we really want our kiddos to learn. Not because we want them to listen to everything we say or do, or not make decisions for themselves, we love it when our kiddos make decisions for themselves, but Read more about Following Through with Instruction[…]
Extinction is one of the first things practitioners and also parents will learn about in ABA. Many people think this means ignoring the child which is certainly not the case, what it actually is, is just ignoring the behavior. ABA practitioners use this procedure where reinforcement that was previously given for behavior is no longer Read more about Extinction[…]
Sleep challenges are common in children and can cause stress for parents and family members. Some simple straightforward strategies may help your child develop good sleep habits. In some cases, however, intensive treatment strategies are needed. What does the Research Say? Researchers have studied sleep disturbances in the autism population and have found that 52% of Read more about Tackling Sleep Challenges[…]
Reinforcement is one of the most powerful strategies available for teaching your client. A reinforcer is anything that your client enjoys (praise, hugs, candy, preferred toys, etc.) that when provided following the occurrence of a behavior increases the probability that the behavior will increase or happen again. For example, a child points to a cookie. Read more about What is Reinforcement?[…]
Halloween has always been one of my most favorite holidays, the weather is just getting cooler, and getting to watch all the kiddos running around having a great time, is just the icing on the cake. Halloween can also be a very challenging time for our friends with ASD. So here are some tips that Read more about Tips for Getting your Child with ASD Through Halloween[…]
When I was first starting out in the field, I met someone who asked me what I do. When I told her that I am in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis, she responded with something like, “Oh, that doesn’t work. It just makes kids robotic and learn to clap on demand.” I was floored. Read more about What is ABA?[…]
What is Theory of Mind? Theory of Mind is the ability to attribute mental states to the self and to others, and to understand that others have beliefs, desires, and perspectives different than one’s own. For a person who has developed a theory of mind, they will be able to understand that people’s interests are Read more about Teaching Theory of Mind and Perspective Taking[…]
We were recently observing a student working and he had the right pieces in place – classroom rules, behaviour contract, etc. but his lack of attending was really interfering with his ability to keep to the rules and get his work done, especially in the classroom. Even with positive behaviour supports in place, there was Read more about Momentary Time Sampling and Data Collection[…]