June 13 - Language of Emotions
In this LANGUAGE OF EMOTIONS session we will review traditional approaches to teaching children with autism to communicate about their emotions as well as respond to such language from other people.. These lessons may involve very young children or teenagers and adults who continue to have difficulty with this topic. We also will look at a very important part of language that helps communicative partners better understand the perspective of someone who is attempting to communicate. We will review why this area is so difficult for those with autism and suggest teaching strategies that may lead to successful acquisition of these complex language skills.
June 14 - Managing Challenging Behavior
The Guide to Managing Challenging Behaviors training involves an introduction to broad‐spectrum behavior analysis in the form of the Pyramid Approach to Education. Discussion focuses on the importance of addressing students’ skill deficits prior to or simultaneously with addressing behavior excess or other unwanted behavior. Other key elements of the training include the description and the design of effective educational settings that emphasize the use of systematic reinforcement. The link between functional activities, communication training and the reduction of unwanted behavior is explored. In addition, issues related to teaching skills are addressed. This workshop teaches participants to determine and define unwanted behavior targeted for intervention. Participants are assisted with understanding the functional assessment of behavior, and the selection and teaching of alternative responses to replace unwanted behavior. Participants are exposed to antecedent strategies designed to reduce unwanted behavior as well as differential reinforcement procedures and consequence based strategies. Finally, issues related to the evaluation and monitoring of behavior plans are discussed.
