For nearly every child, the first dental experience is a scary one. With new people, sights, and sounds it can be an overwhelming experience for anyone. For children with autism though, this first dental visit can be even more of a harrowing experience. Fortunately, there are ways to make it easier on both you and … Read more
What is Functional Communication Training? Functional communication training (FCT) is a practice that came from research on Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA). The purpose of FBA is to determine the purpose of a behavior that is interfering with a learner’s growth and development, although this behavior may or may not be used to communicate. These kinds of behaviors … Read more
Naturalistic intervention is a collection of practices including environmental arrangement, interaction techniques, and strategies based on applied behavior analysis principles. These practices are designed to encourage specific target behaviors based on learners’ interests by building more complex skills that are naturally reinforcing and appropriate to the interaction. Why Use Naturalistic Intervention? Naturalistic intervention can be used to help learners communicate or become more … Read more
Three-functional-assessment-methods—Functional behavior assessment (FBA), considered an evidence-based practice for use with students with Autism Spectrum Condition, is a process designed to gather information about the purpose a behavior serves for an individual. It is important to emphasize that FBA is a process—not a form or a single procedure, but the organic application of a set of … Read more
When using interventions that reduce interfering behaviors, the goal is to communicate one central message to the learner– The behavior is no longer effective and/or efficient at achieving its purpose, and other more appropriate behaviors can achieve your goals. How this message is communicated to the learner may vary depending on the function of … Read more
On this website, there is a detailed guide on Discrete Trial Training for children with Autism. Based on that post, we have received many follow-up questions from parents. In this thread, we are capturing the most commonly asked questions on this subject. If you have more questions, add them to this thread. Q. What types of skills … Read more
On this website, there is a detailed guide on how to use Differential Reinforcement for children with Autism. Based on that guide, we have received many follow-up questions from parents. In this thread, we will address the most commonly asked questions on this subject. If you have more questions, add them to this thread. Q. How do … Read more
Question: What are restricted patterns of behaviors, interests, and activities? Answer: These are behaviors and interests that are repetitive and can interfere with learning. Behaviors can include interests that are very intense and sometimes odd, non-functional routines, repetitive motor movements, and preoccupation with parts of things. Question: Is a special interest always about something odd, like … Read more
Here are some thoughts on how to manage difficult behaviors of an autistic child. While restricted and repetitive behaviors are key components of the diagnostic definition of Autism, several other behavioral symptoms may be present in children with Autism; some common ones are: mood volatility, inattention, hyperactivity, aggression, and self-injury. To a large extent, medication can be used … Read more
The most viable way by which an individual with ADHD can feel included and needed in society is by managing the symptoms in the very best possible ways. Information about ADHD is much more easily available today than it used to be; medicines that manage symptoms and behavioural therapies go a long way in building up … Read more
Diallo Alex Jr, age10, is a ‘runner’ – a term given to children who are constantly wandering off! Diallo is autistic. The Case Study of Diallo and his Wandering Instincts Like many kids with autism, his reaction to sound, is different from normal children. He enjoys the clicking sound of a pen, or the tinkling … Read more
In a modern school setting, its not too hard to find a classroom with one or more students with Autism, Asperger’s, ADHD or other forms of learning or physical disability. It goes a long way to educate and make other kids aware of their peers with special needs, albeit in a friendly and respectable manner. If … Read more
While Autism continues to be on the rise, many parents, caregivers and educators are often clueless about protecting the young from water-borne dangers. Danger from water doesn’t only mean water-borne diseases but also the possibility of drowning. The condition itself adds to the increase in the risk of such extreme possibilities. Drowning is a leading cause … Read more
Handling attention deficient disorder in children or those who have hard time learning due to a slightly different brain circuitry throw real challenges to any teacher. In a classroom, the number is usually more than one, so it’s tougher for the classroom teacher to cope with ADHD and learning challenges for multiple students in a … Read more
The sight of dogs helping to keep children with Autism calm or helping them to find the correct classroom and designated seat is becoming more and more common nowadays. And so is the sight of a dog lying calmly at a child’s feet amidst a busy social situation. Or, it can be a dog helping a child … Read more
Traditions are always much awaited and filled with loads of excitement, as well as entertainment. Halloween is one such tradition. However, social and cultural events like Halloween can sometimes be extremely challenging for autistic children. Few might tend to struggle in grasping the concept since Halloween activities are basically imagining, spontaneous interactions as well as … Read more
