Assessment and Treatment of Challenging Behavior Maintained by Social Reinforcers

• By: Sarah K. Slocum, PhD, BCBA-D Stephanie L. Trauschke, PsyD, BCBA-D Alec M. Bernstein, PhD, BCBA-D Marcus Autism Center at Emory School of Medicine
• September 23rd, 2021
• challenging behavior, communication, Fall 2021 Issue, functional behavior assessment, reinforcement, treatment
• 2044    0

About 1 in 54 school-age children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; Maenner et al., 2020). The core symptoms of ASD include impairments in social interaction, difficulties communicating, and restricted and repetitive interests (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Although not a...

Enhancing Communication to Reduce Challenging Behaviors

• By: Todd Merritt, PhD, BCBA-D Jessica Basir, MS, BCBA Chelsea M. K. Hawley, MS The Arc Westchester
• September 23rd, 2021
• ASL, assessment, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, challenging behavior, communication, deafness, Fall 2021 Issue, functional behavior assessment, functional communication training, sign language, technology
• 2913    0

The most recent report from the CDC found the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to be one in 54 children in the US (Maenner et al., 2020). Because the diagnostic criteria for ASD includes persistent deficits in communication and deficits in nonverbal communicative behaviors, many...

Preparing Children with ASD for New Siblings

• By: Devon Ritenour, MEd, BCBA, LBS-PA Jennifer Rosenblum, MS, BCBA, LBS-PA Samantha Smith, MSEd, BCBA, LBS-PA Exceptional Learning, LLC
• October 1st, 2020
• behavioral skills training, challenging behavior, desensitization, fall 2020 issue, family, functional communication training, newborn, parenting, siblings, sleep disruption, transition
• 5837    0

Introducing a new baby is a wonderful, joyous time for a family. When preparing children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for a new sibling, your approach may need to begin long before the new baby arrives. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5),...

Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Home: How to Thrive as a Family Unit

• By: Sheila Simchon, LSP, LCSW Samantha Curiale-Feinman, MSEd, TSHH New Frontiers Executive Function Coaching
• October 1st, 2020
• best practices, challenging behavior, fall 2020 issue, family, mindfulness, neurodiversity, self-care, siblings, support groups
• 2142    0

Various research studies have shown that early intervention for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is important for providing the tools and strategies needed for long term success in areas such as education, career, and life in general (McEachin, Smith, & Lovaas, 1993). It is...

Cover Up for Safety! Suggestions for Mask Toleration for Individuals with ASD

• By: Samantha Smith, MSEd, BCBA, LBS-PA Jennifer Croner Lauriello, MSEd, BCBA, LBS-PA Exceptional Learning, LLC
• July 1st, 2020
• challenging behavior, COVID-19, masks, overstimulation, safety, sensory issues, staff, summer 2020 issue
• 2420    0

During this difficult and unpredictable time, everyone is faced with new challenges. These challenges may be exacerbated for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). School and daycare closures and a decrease in employment, among other changes, have caused a significant disruption to daily...

Two Case Studies of Success Using ABA to Increase Independence for Adults with Developmental Disabilities

• By: Amy Bukszpan, BCBA Amanda Duva, MS, RBT Vivian Attanasio, BCBA Services for the UnderServed (S:US)
• July 1st, 2015
• ABA, adult, challenging behavior, intermediate care facility, residence
• 2391    0

“I had a doctor finally help me with my head, and now I feel so much better. I got glasses when I needed them. I couldn’t have a job before because I was always in the hospital. Now I can get a job.” These are the words of a 36-year-old woman transformed. A woman who 8 months ago had a future...