Making decisions about the services your child is receiving can be overwhelming at times. If you are considering choosing an in-home ABA service provider, here are some of the benefits you can look forward to experiencing!
Turkey? Family? PUMPKIN PIE?! There’s a Social Story For That!
Thanksgiving comes in many shapes in sizes across families and how they celebrate the holiday, especially with Covid-19. Navigating the waters of family meals, different foods, and changes in schedule can be overwhelming for those who have difficulty with a change in routine. We want to share with you a useful tool to use when changes are coming….a social story!
Introduction to the Empowering the Spectrum of Parents (ESP) Program
We are so excited to partner with the neuropsychologists at Kids Brain to bring a new parent coaching program to you, Empowering the Spectrum of Parents (ESP)! Join us today, with options for live virtual group sessions, on-demand webinars, and 1:1 individualized coaching!
Guest Blog written by Dr. Jennifer Morrison (Kids BRAIN, Dallas, Texas)
Children on the autism spectrum are not usually very flexible. They require consistency and predictability at a far higher level than other children their age.
“The Function” of Behavior
The phrase “function of (a) behavior” is quite common in the field of applied behavior analysis. As a behavior analyst, identifying the “function” of a person’s behavior is one of the most important aspects of the job. As a parent or caretaker, determining why a behavior occurs is critical to responding appropriately and getting the desired action/response from your child. Why is my child falling to the floor and screaming when I tell him we are having hamburgers for dinner? Why is my kiddo poking his brother in the backseat of the car even though I’m telling him to “STOP NOW!”? All behavior happens for a reason and finding out why is crucial for behavior change.
A strategy to increase positive behaviors and decrease challenges
Individualization in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
What should I look for in an Early Intervention Program?
Finding a high-quality early intervention program for your child with autism can be difficult waters to navigate. These recommendations, guided by the National Research Council and Rogers, Dawson, and Vismara (2012), can help guide you in determining if an early intervention program you are considering for your child with autism is a good fit.
World Autism Awareness Day
As today marks World Autism Awareness Day, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres asserted the promise of the United Nations to "leave no one behind" in its commitment to full inclusion for individuals with autism. This year's observance at the UN Headquarters particularly highlights the importance of assistive technology for people with autism as a way to remove any barriers to full social, economic, and political participation in society and community.
Is ABA effective for adults?
Although Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is well-known for its effectiveness for children with autism, we know that interventions based in ABA can be helpful for individuals of all ages, with or without autism. Although intervention looks different in young children versus older children and adults, the principles used remain the same.
Learning through Imitation
Just by watching others, we can learn what to do. Imitation is a very powerful learning tool! When I see you perform an action, I am able to imitate the same action immediately or later when you are not there. Imitation is one way that we teach children without intentional teaching – children learn so much by copying others around them, whether it is picking up new language or how to navigate social interactions.
Navigating medical appointments: A prevention strategy
As behavior analysts, one of the first things we do when looking at challenging behavior is look to any medical causes and contributions for challenging behavior before intervening. We recommend our clients go to an appropriate medical professional for this. A lot of times, though, getting to and through a medical appointment can be a significant challenge for some children and adults.
1 in 59
In 2018 the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC) released its update on the prevalence of autism in children nationally. Its new estimate: 1 in 59 children, with a startling 15% increase since its last estimate of 1 in 68 children two years prior. As we see an increase in rates of autism documented nationally, we need to ensure that we are providing appropriate individualized services and supports for those affected by autism.
Having Fun Together
Self-Management: An Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)
Self-management is a strategy to increase independence and teach new skills and behaviors through monitoring, recording, and rewarding one’s own behavior. With self-management, the individual monitors his own behavior, rather than someone else doing it. Self-management can be used to address questions, such as:
Strategies for Positive Reinforcement
“The way positive reinforcement is carried out is more important than the amount.” – B.F. Skinner
How do we carry out positive reinforcement to make the most impact? Although the principles of positive reinforcement may seem simple, applying them to reduce challenging behavior and increase appropriate behavior often requires a planned, systematic approach.
When Challenging Behavior is Communication
Whether it is screaming when a favorite toy is taken away, or dropping to the floor when told “no,” challenging behavior often is about communication.
How do we define challenging behavior so we know when to get extra help? Challenging behavior is repeated behavior that interferes with learning, activities, or social interaction with others. It can have negative long and short-term effects on children, including on learning, social skills, and academic and occupational success.
The Power of Positive Reinforcement
When faced with challenging behaviors, a gut response sometimes is reprimanding, harsh or loud language, or other negative consequences. While this may seem effective in stopping challenging behavior in the short-term, research has shown that punishment consequence-based strategies often are ineffective in changing behavior in the long-term. What is recommended instead of punishment? Positive reinforcement of appropriate behaviors!
The Impact of the ADA: Honoring President George H. W. Bush
As people around the world mourn President George H. W. Bush, we are so grateful for his signing of one of the most important pieces of legislation for people with disabilities – the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA, signed by President Bush on July 26, 1990, has been cited by many as one of the most significant pieces of civil rights legislation.
Let’s Get Moving! Physical Activity & Behavior
Welcome to the Ability ABA Blog!
Welcome to the Ability ABA Blog and our website! We are thrilled to offer Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services in the Dallas area.
We look forward to future blog posts and connecting with you!