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.
Through the use of effective prompting, we’re able to help our learners succeed. Here, we dive into the hierarchy of prompting so we can use it in the best way possible. We discuss the importance of repetition and modeling and why they help learners become more successful. We also discuss fading prompts, why verbal prompts are the hardest to fade, and how to use least-to-most prompting.
ABA is an evidence-based, effective approach for teaching skills, especially for individuals with autism. Here, we’re diving in deeper and discussing what ABA is. We discuss how ABA uses data to make positive changes in behavior. We also talk about how ABA is tailored for each individual learner, why ABA isn’t only for children or those with autism, and more.
In ABA, a task analysis can be used to break down larger, more complex skills into smaller steps or actions to make things more manageable for our learners. Task analyses can be used to teach a variety of social and life skills. Here, we discuss how to create a task analysis from scratch, the different types of chaining, and how to use prompts to build independence.
To put it simply, autism is a different way of thinking and viewing the world. Here, we dive into the technical definition of autism as stated in the DSM-V. We discuss each level of severity and the criteria for a diagnosis and how to classify autism in terms of behavioral excesses and behavioral deficits. Our conversation also includes discussion about repetitive behavior and how the approach to programming and goal setting is as unique as the individual client.
Play is a skill that a lot of our learners need to be taught. It doesn’t come as naturally to kids with autism or other developmental delays. Here, we discuss how to teach play and the best way to help learners develop these critical skills. We also discuss play teaching best practices, closed and open-ended play activities, and how to use play scripts.
In this special 100th episode, we’ve rounded up some of the best professional advice our guests have ever received. Whether you’re brand new to the field or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with wisdom to help you along your professional journey.
Incidental teaching is a strategy that uses ABA principles to provide structured learning opportunities in the natural environment. Here, we discuss some common misconceptions around incidental teaching and how to use the concept appropriately. We also discuss the differences between incidental teaching and natural environmental teaching and provide tips on how to contrive learning opportunities.
Precision teaching, or fluency-based instruction, is a system of teaching in ABA that utilizes exact measurements and data to guide instruction and curricula choices. Here, we discuss what it looks like when put into practice and how to define fluency. We discuss all the ways to use fluency, including social skills like commenting. We also talk about how to make precision teaching less complicated and more fun.
BCBA Steve Ward has been working as a behavior analyst since the mid-1990’s. As the lead behavior analyst for a center school, Steve conducted more… Read More »Episode 097: Assessing and Teaching Good Learner Repertoires with Steve Ward
