Pivotal Response Training

Pivotal Response Training (PRT) is a behavioral treatment based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. This method of teaching was developed by Robert L. Koegel & Laura Schreibman at UC Santa Barbara. This is a naturalistic teaching method which focuses on two main skills which they theorize are “pivotal” to all other learning and [...]

Different types of reinforcement and punishment

In applied behavior analysis we use a lot of different terminology when talking about behaviors. At times I like to go back and review the meaning of different terms to make sure that every one is being consistent in the way they are referring to the terms. Today I’m going to review the terms positive [...]

Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) for Autism

Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) is a family – based intervention program for children with autism created by Dr. Steven Gutstein. The basis of this intervention is helping children develop dynamic intelligence skills and motivation. The skills focused on are different than social skills and include development of skills such as “flexible thinking, pragmatic communication, creative [...]

Shoebox Tasks – Based on TEACCH Methodology

ShoeBox Tasks were created by Ron Larsen while he was working as an autism therapist using the TEACCH method. The TEACCH method of teaching children with autism focuses on fostering independent work skills by structuring the environment, schedules and tasks in such a way to make them highly visual and closed-ended to ensure high rates [...]

TEACCH Method of Teaching

TEACCH (Training and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children) is a special education program that is tailored to the autistic child’s individual needs based on general guidelines. It dates back to the 1960’s when doctors Eric Schopler, R.J. Reichler and Ms Margaret Lansing were working with children with autism and constructed a means [...]

The importance of play

One thing that I see overly much is the over-programming of kids with autism which leads to the loss of natural opportunities. What I mean by “over-programming” is that their daily lives are over scheduled with ABA therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, etc. This is by no means to indicate that therapy is not important, [...]

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