Many of our learners experience difficulties with rigid behavior and flexibility, a common trait in the diagnostic criteria for autism. This can negatively affect their lives, but fortunately, there are strategies to help them overcome these challenges. Here, we discuss the best ways to incorporate teaching flexibility into ABA programs.
Did you know that every time we want to decrease a challenging behavior, we should replace it with something? Today’s topic is all about replacement behaviors.
Toilet training is one of the most important skills we can teach our learners. When it comes to toilet training children with autism or with other special needs, it means we can promote their dignity.
Chris Collins is the Executive Director of Ability to Include. Here, Chris shares insights into inclusion, which he believes extends beyond kids with autism. Our conversation with Chris also includes how he obtains funding, his thoughts on the future of ABA, and why we need better training and development for RBTs.
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.
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.
Shane Finkelstein is one of Shana’s original ABA clients from 20 years ago and is here to talk about his experience with autism. Here, he shares his favorite aspects of ABA, especially weekend outings, which helped him form healthy relationships and thrive in social settings. We also talked to Shane about the skills he’s currently working on and his experience in the workforce.
Erin Porter is a family autism coach from Ontario, Canada who supports parents who have newly diagnosed children with autism. Erin shares her thoughts on the major gaps and challenges she sees. Some of the challenges start before the diagnosis, including how to talk to doctors. We also talk to Erin about how she assists parents through her Guided Autism Program.
We are rebroadcasting this episode where Ling and Jane join us to explain their AAC platform, Linggo. Communication is a complex concept and requires an interdisciplinary approach while keeping the needs of the child front and center. Linggo is much different than traditional AACs and the company also provides training for both parents and practitioners, which helps with adoption and adherence. For more information on our upcoming CEU event with Ling and Jane, head to our website.
