We are big fans of preventative, proactive strategies— it’s often easier to address challenging behaviors before they even happen. One of our favorite strategies is the Premack Principle, a tool developed by and named for psychologist David Premack.
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.
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.
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.
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!
