Re: Re: Social skills for an almost non-verbal child ABB

[Guest guest]

Here is some information on aba, which might help with social skills.

 

 

www.mayinstitute.org   source

 

 

ABA is also an effective methodology for many other groups of people in many

different types of settings. Applied behavior analysts use ABA to teach reading,

math, and language skills to typically developing children; to help parents

improve their parenting skills; to address employment issues such as

productivity and absenteeism; and to work with sports teams to improve specific

skills and teamwork, to name just a few potential applications.

But what, exactly, do we mean by the term " applied behavior analysis? "

Let’s begin with the word " behavior. " This refers to actions that can be

observed. We try to work on behavior we can see, that can be clearly defined (so

that two or more people can agree upon when it has occurred and when it has not

occurred), and that can be measured (such as by counting the number of time it

occurs). In other words, we try to be clear and unambiguous in describing what

we are talking about. Typically, we do not focus upon inner, private thoughts or

emotions because those are impossible to observe and therefore impossible to

measure.

Next is the word " analysis. " This means our work is based upon research that has

shown a direct connection between the procedures we use and the positive effect

they have on the individual. We do not use procedures that have no research to

support them. This is very important, especially in the field of autism, where

new, unsupported treatments appear regularly.

We find that behavior changes primarily as a result of what happens after the

behavior occurs. If something good happens after a behavior is exhibited, the

behavior occurs more frequently in the future. If something undesirable happens

following a behavior, the behavior is less likely to happen in the future.

The term " applied " means we use the principles and procedures of behavior

analysis that were identified in controlled settings and " apply " them to social

challenges, such as working with children with autism, or helping parents or

employers. Laboratory research has helped us understand the nuances of rewards,

penalties, choice-making, learning, and behavior reduction.

Today, some of the primary characteristics of an applied behavior analysis

approach include:

- focus on observable behavior that needs improvement;

- design of environment to reward positive behaviors;

- use of procedures with research support;

- individualization of procedures to consider each person’s unique needs;

- use of performance data to assess progress; and

- determining ways to maintain improved behavior over time and in different

situations.

If you are interested in learning more about applied behavior analysis, I

recommend the following websites:

• www.abainternational.org (the international professional organization for

behavior analysts)

• www.behavior.org (the website for the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies)

• www.bacb.com (the national organization that developed and monitors the new

national certifications in behavior analysis for professionals who have

completed a set of required academic coursework and field-based training –

People with these certifications are called Board Certified Behavior Analysts

(BCBA).)

 

• http://seab.envmed.rochester.edu/jaba/index.html (the website for the Journal

of Applied Behavior Analysis)

In Western Massachusetts, we have a special resource available for learning

about ABA. In October, the Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and

Therapy will be holding its 27th annual conference at the University of

Massachusetts in Amherst. The conference will be held October 12-13, and will

include presentations by experts in behavior analysis from all over the country.

This year’s topics include autism, teaching procedures, addressing problem

behaviors, staff training, and more. You can learn more about the conference by

going to the organization’s website (www.babat.org).You may also e-mail or call

me and I can answer your questions or mail the information to you.

Dr. Harchik can be contacted in West Springfield at 413-734-0300, or at

aharchik@....

May Institute is a national nonprofit organization that provides educational,

rehabilitative, and behavioral healthcare services to individuals with autism

and other developmental disabilities, brain injury, mental illness, and other

behavioral healthcare needs. May Institute operates six schools for children and

adolescents with autism and other developmental disabilities, including one in

West Springfield, Mass.

 

 

 

For more information, call 800-778-7601, or visit www.mayinstitute.org.

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Sharon Lang

From: kiddietalk <kiddietalk@...>

Subject: [ ] Re: Social skills for an almost non-verbal child

Date: Thursday, February 19, 2009, 8:44 PM

Pam are you saying she has no interest in playing with any toys at

all? There are so many types of games and toys including balls,

playdoh, dolls, and games of hide and seek, chase etc.

What does she enjoy doing? Are there any activities she enjoys? What

about going to the park, the zoo, the playground? What happens if you

try to play with her? Does she have any brothers, sisters, or any

other children that attempt to play with her that are around?

Here's some basic videos on play skills:

Teach to play 1

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=X-aHvmXOa6c & feature=channel

Teach to play 2

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=mmqLuuwDwNs & feature=channel

Teach to play 3

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=YhAQlmpGBRE

I highly recommend the book The New Language of Toys. I know it's

been remade a few times -here's a link to the one I have

http://www.amazon. com/New-Language -Toys-Teaching- Communication/ dp/0933149735

Here's a link to the one that is the most recent

http://www.amazon. com/New-Language -Toys-Teaching- Communication/

dp/1890627488/ ref=pd_sim_ b_2

Is the issue more imagination? If so for many in this group that is

an aspect of play that it appears takes a back step and comes in a bit

later in this group- but not a concern for the majority.

Let me know!

=====

[Guest guest]

Thanks and I will reply tomorrow! Something just came up and I want to

be able to devote more time to my post!

Thanks again,

Pam in Ga.