Friday, May 28, 2010

Online webcasts from the National Autism Conference, August 2-6, 2010 Penn State

Webcasts from the National Autism Conference August 2-6, 2010; Online CEs, including BACB, available.


Note: This listing highlights those online webcasts which offer Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) CEs, but the full program also has opportunities for ASHA and Psych CEUs.
**For those not seeking CEs, the webcasts are FREE OF CHARGE.**

For those interested in attending the conference in person, please see the Conference Homepage.

Webcasting
"The Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education, and PaTTAN are proud to announce an exciting opportunity to participate in the 2010 National Autism Conference via live Webcasting.

Various sessions will be available to view live from your computer. During the conference, simply visit the Web site and click on the live Webcasting page and follow the instructions on the days that you wish to participate..."

For complete session descriptions, CEU amounts, and registration information, please visit agenda pages.

Monday, August 2, 2010
1:00–4:00 p.m.
4. Effective Instruction: The Difference between Mediocrity and Excellence
Ed Schaefer

1:00–4:00 p.m.
9. Promoting Independence for Maximum Success
Bridget Taylor
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
9:00 a.m.–noon
14. Using Direct Instruction Curricula to Teach Learners with ASD
Cathy Watkins

1:15–4:15 p.m.
24. Development of Advanced Intraverbal Repertoires
Mark Sundberg
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
9:00 a.m.–noon
34. Teaching Verbal Skills to Students with Autism
Carol Afflerbaugh

9:00 a.m.–noon
37. Eating and Feeding Challenges in Autism
Keith Williams and Laura Seiverling 
Thursday, August 5, 2010
9:00 a.m.–noon
55. Crisis Management for Families
David Lennox

1:15–4:15 p.m.
60. Precision Teaching, Fluency, and Celeration-Based Learning
Kent Johnson

1:15–4:15 p.m.
65. Toilet Training at Any Age
Frank Cicero
Past related posts

Sunday, March 21, 2010
Fascinating audio presentation by Mark Sundberg, Ph.D., BCBA-D on verbal behavior assessment for children with autism and the VB-MAPP

Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Highlights from the Penn State National Autism Conference 2009


Best wishes!

Blog to the Verbal Behavior Wiki

DISCLAIMER: Personal opinion and blog, for information only and
not intended to be professional advice or endorsement.

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Friday, May 14, 2010

Association for Science in Autism Treatment Spring 2010 Newsletter is now available!

The Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT)'s Spring 2010 newsletter, Science in Autism Treatment is now online and available for download at their website.

ASAT has a request that those who find these newsletters and other resources offered by ASAT of value, help spread the word to friends, families and colleagues about ASAT, the resources offered, and the newsletter so that as  many as possible know where to go to get good information on evidenced treatments and interventions for autism spectrum disorders.

To sign up for future issues of Science in Autism Treatment when they are issued,

Some of the contents in the Spring 2010 Science in Autism Treatment,
  • "Facilitate This": Part I of a Two-Part Interview with Dr. James Todd
  • Message from ASAT President, David Celiberti, Ph.D., BCBA-D
  • Science in Autism Treatment (SIAT) Team
  • ASAT Committee Members
  • Clinical Corner: Discussing Concerns with Family Members
  • Book Review on Blessed with Autism : A Parent’s Guide to Securing Financial Support for the Treatment of Children with Autism.
  • AAP Position Statement on Vision Therapy
  • ASAT Board of Directors
  • Consumer Corner: "Resources for Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice"
  • Parent Survey Opportunity
  • Science Corner: "Interventions for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum and How Best to Evaluate their Effectiveness"
  • Letter from the Co-Editor : Josh Pritchard, MS BCBA
  • Research Review: "Multiple Effects of Joint Attention Intervention for Children with Autism"
  • Research Review: "Joint Attention Training for Children with Autism using Behavior Modification Procedures"
  • "Treatment Summary: Developmental Therapy"
  • Announcement: ASAT on Facebook
Past post
Friday, June 12, 2009
ANNOUNCE: Free newsletter from The Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT)

Best wishes!

Blog to the Verbal Behavior Wiki

DISCLAIMER: Personal opinion and blog, for information only and
not intended to be professional advice or endorsement.

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Saturday, April 10, 2010

WORKSHOPS: Robert Schramm, M.A., BCBA workshop schedule

Robert Schramm, MA, BCBA, author of
Educate Towards Recovery: Turning the Tables on Autism

2010 WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
April 10 and 11 - Workshop 1 - Frankfurt, Germany 
(no more seats available)

April 27 and 28 - Workshop 1 - Cardiff, Wales

risca18@hotmail.com for info and signup
 
May 16 and 17 - Workshop 1 - Washington DC, USA
kaneabaconsulting@gmail.com for info and signup
More information
 

May 20 and 21 - Workshop 1 - Chicago IL, USA 
maryhig@hotmail.com for info and signup

May 22 and 23 - Workshop 2 - Chicago IL, USA 
maryhig@hotmail.com for info and signup
 
May 28 - June 1 - Seven Steps to Inst. Control, Workshop and Symposium - San Antonio TX, USA
ABA International 36th Annual Convention
 http://www.abainternational.org/events.asp

Oct. 16 and 17 - Workshop 1 - Trondheim, Norway
knospeaba_janina@yahoo.com
 
Nov 8 and 9 - Workshop 1 - Buenos Aires, Argentina
claudiohunterwatts@yahoo.com for info and signup
More information
 

Nov 11 and 12 - Workshop 2 - Buenos Aires, Argentina
claudiohunterwatts@yahoo.com for info and signup
More information

Past related posts
Monday, March 1, 2010
Robert Schramm, MA, BCBA video from February 10, 2010 presentation
: Also info on his May Presentations at the ABA International Annual Convention

Tuesday, January 19, 2010
WORKSHOP: May 16-19, 2010 - Robert Schramm, MA, BCBA in Alexandria, VA

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Best wishes!

Blog to the Verbal Behavior Wiki 
DISCLAIMER: Personal opinion and blog, for information only and 
not intended to be professional advice or endorsement.

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Thursday, April 8, 2010

WORKSHOPS: Atlanta, GA May 13-16, 2010 : Marcus Center Language &Learning Clinic Workshop Series

The Marcus Autism Center
1920 Briarcliff Road
Atlanta, GA 30329-4010

Language & Learning Clinic Workshop Series Click here to learn more about the primary presenter, Amber Valentino, Psy.D., BCBA-D. 

  • Attendance at Workshop 1 is required to attend subsequent workshops.  
  • Cost: $50 per person, per workshop, or $180 for all four workshops.
  • All workshops will be conducted by doctoral level board certified behavior analysts (BCBA’s).
  • Workshops will be held four consecutive days from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  

The Workshop Series is designed for parents, educators and other practitioners interested in using the principles of applied behavior analysis and B.F. Skinner’s analysis of language to teach children with autism and other developmental disabilities.

Continuing Education for BCBA's and BCaBA's: Continuing education units will be provided for Board Certified Behavior Analysts and Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts.

Schedule:
Download and print a detailed Workshop Series schedule and description of each workshop. 

To find out more information regarding workshop content or for questions, contact Susan Shepard at 404-785-9412.


Best wishes!


Blog to the Verbal Behavior Wiki

DISCLAIMER: Personal opinion and blog, for information only and
not intended to be professional advice or endorsement.
 

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    Thursday, April 1, 2010

    Helpful article on child safety in the March OARacle

    The March issue of the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) newsletter, The OARacle, has a useful article addressing an issue of interest for parents with a family member on the autism spectrum,

    HOW TO: KEEPING YOUR CHILD SAFE
    Kate Britton, M.S.Ed., M.A., BCBA  and Bridget A. Taylor, PsyD, BCBA-D
    Take Practical Steps to Ensure Your Child’s Safety

    This article recommends 7 strategies, including a very useful list of Functional Safety Skills; the article closes with a list of helpful resources.
    Recommended!

    To get acquainted with all the resources offered by OAR, including the "Life Journey Through Autism" series, AND to sign up for your own subscription to the e-newsletter, visit the OAR website.

     ---------
    Best wishes!

    Blog to the Verbal Behavior Wiki
    DISCLAIMER: Personal opinion and blog, for information only and
    not intended to be professional advice or endorsement.

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    Sunday, March 28, 2010

    Repeat: Yale Child Center makes course on autism available online at no cost to the public

    **Repeat of post from March 24, 2010 - this really is an exceptional opportunity to access a quality resource at no cost, and I want to let it stand a few days so readers can take note of its availability. The original post was bumped for a time-urgent workshop announcement**

    The Yale Child Study Center has recently made their undergraduate seminar course on autism available to the public online at no cost.




    This is the same course that has been available to Yale University students. Presentations include .pdf handouts to accompany. If the videos are viewed on YouTube, there is the option of close captioning and possibly translation.















    These seminars may be of interest and value as a general overview of the various areas of research and application involved in the autism spectrum disorders.

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    Best wishes!

    Blog to the Verbal Behavior Wiki
    DISCLAIMER: Personal opinion and blog, for information only and
    not intended to be professional advice or endorsement.


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    Saturday, March 27, 2010

    WORKSHOP: April 30, 2010 - Hicksville, NY - "Autism & How it affects the entire family unit: How to recognize and remediate quality of family life issues..."

    Presentation: Autism and how it affects the entire family unit: How to recognize and help remediate quality of family life issues - From marriage, friendships to siblings.
    Presenters: David Celiberti, Ph.D., BCBA, & Ruth Donlin, M.S.

    Date: April 30, 2010
    Time: 10am to 2:00pm [10am-12Noon; 12:30-2:00pm]
    Location: Levittown Community Hall
    201 Levittown Parkway
    Hicksville, NY (between Stewart Ave. and Old Country Rd.)
    See Elija Foundation conference page for full information, cost, registration and RSVP.

    10:00am - 12:00Noon : What about me? Understanding and addressing the needs of siblings of children with autism
    Presenter: David Celiberti, Ph.D., BCBA
    Description: The bond we share with our siblings is one of the longest, most important relationships of our lives. Unfortunately, many parents may struggle with concerns and questions related to their typically developing children.

    This workshop will provide a comprehensive overview of some common sibling challenges and address important topics such as the possible impact of autism on siblings, parent-sibling communication, siblings' understanding of autism and related disabilities, siblings' relationships with their friends, self esteem, and balanced parenting.

    Objectives
    • Learner will identify several possible positive and negative effects of autism on the sibling.
    • Learner will describe strategies for communicating with the sibling about autism
    • Learner will describe strategies for helping the sibling manage questions from peers
    Presenter bio: David Celiberti received his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Rutgers University in 1993 and obtained his certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in 2000. He is President of the Association for Science in Autism Treatment and President and founder of the Parent Professional Partnership SIG of the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). He is in private practice, providing consultation to schools and agencies in the U.S. and Canada, and has authored several articles in professional journals and presents frequently at regional, national, and international conferences. He has taught at both undergraduate and graduate levels and has conducted research in the areas of applied behavior analysis, family intervention, and autism.

    12:30pm-2:00 pm: How to beat the statistics: Understanding and addressing how autism affects the family unit
    Presenter: Ruth Donlin, M.S.
    Description: Families can become consumed with improving the life of their child(ren) with autism. However, in becoming singular in their focus to make sure they have done everything they can to help their child, they may overlook how to create a balanced family environment of love, peace, and stability which serves as the foundation by making the family relationships a priority and focus. There are purported statistics indicating that the divorce rate of families of children with autism is in the 80% range. Personal difficulties reported by parents of autistic children include increased stress; poor physical health; depression; excessive time demands; parental burnout; effect on family life, and future psychosocial problems. Parents also report decreased marital satisfaction and increased marital turmoil as a result of the daily  tensions associated with raising an autistic child. This is an important  observation considering that marital satisfaction seems to be a strong  predictor of a parent’s ability to cope with his/her child's disability (Friedrich, 1979). 
    This workshop will focus on employing strategies to build and strengthen the family unit.

     Objectives:
    • Learner will recognize common family stressors when raising a child with  autism.
    • Learner will identify strategies for improving marital communication  toward a common goal.
    • Learner will identify strategies to rectify these stressors and improve  the family unit.
    Presenter bio:  Ruth Donlin is a consultant whose private practice is based in New York. She provides consultation to schools, agencies, and home programs that serve children and adults on the autism spectrum. She has completed her course requirements for a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute and is currently completing her dissertation. She presents on a variety of topics such as challenging behaviors, classroom management, using visual supports, team dynamics, and social skill development at conferences regionally, nationally, and internationally.

    Ms. Donlin is President of the Autism Special Interest Group (SIG) for the Association of Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).
     ---------
    Best wishes!

    Blog to the Verbal Behavior Wiki
    DISCLAIMER: Personal opinion and blog, for information only and
    not intended to be professional advice or endorsement.

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    Wednesday, March 24, 2010

    WORKSHOP: IN 3/27/10 - Teresa Grimes, M.S., BCBA & Steve Ward, M.A., BCBA

    IN FEAT (Indiana Families for Effective Autism Treatment) is hosting Teresa Grimes, M.S., BCBA & Steve Ward, M.A., BCBA
    from Whole Child Consulting,
    in a workshop for parents and professionals on  
    The Inventory of Good Learner Repertoires.

    Saturday, March 27, 2010, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
    Hammond, Indiana

    Conference Location
    The Calumet Conference Center
    at Purdue University Calumet
    2300 173rd Street Hammond, IN 46323
    (219)989-3136

    The workshop is free/no-cost*. There is a $20 fee for the box lunch and coffee service.
    * BACB CEs offered for BCBAs and BCaBAs. There is an additional charge for BACB credits.
    Full description from the IN FEAT website.
    ***After March 21st, please call to secure a seat and make arrangements to pay the day of the conference.***
    For questions, contact
    jillannmcneil@aol.com or call Jill at  (219)742-2803.

    Description of the event:
    This workshop is designed for teachers, parents and therapists, and can benefit all students, no matter their developmental level. The focus of this workshop is on helping students become easier to teach.
    The Inventory of Good Learner Repertoires will help you identify ways to make your students easy to teach, and this workshop takes the next step- showing you how to teach those learner repertoires. Stop wasting time working too hard to teach anything, and teach your student how to learn! 

    WHAT MAKES A GOOD LEARNER? Good learners respond readily in a wide variety of circumstances. They demonstrate "quality responding" in all environments.  

    The Inventory of Good Learner Repertoires asks how well your student performs in a variety of specific instructional conditions. It is a detailed assessment that goes beyond other assessments. 
    It looks at core behaviors, such as 
    • Resilience and Regulation, 
    • Perseverance and
      Focus, Flexibility, and Spontaneity. 
    It helps you pinpoint the areas which are most important to target to help your student become a good learner. In addition, it helps you evaluate the adaptations required to evoke quality responding and to focus on removing those adaptations over time, so the learner can maintain quality responding in the most natural circumstances possible.

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    Best wishes!

    Blog to the Verbal Behavior Wiki
    DISCLAIMER: Personal opinion and blog, for information only and
    not intended to be professional advice or endorsement.

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    Yale Child Center makes course on autism available online at no cost to the public

    The Yale Child Study Center has recently made their undergraduate seminar course on autism available to the public online at no cost.




    This is the same course that has been available to Yale University students. Presentations include .pdf handouts to accompany. If the videos are viewed on YouTube, there is the option of close captioning and possibly translation.



    These seminars may be of interest and value as a general overview of the various areas of research and application involved in the autism spectrum disorders.

    ----------
    Best wishes!

    Blog to the Verbal Behavior Wiki
    DISCLAIMER: Personal opinion and blog, for information only and
    not intended to be professional advice or endorsement.


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    Sunday, March 21, 2010

    Fascinating audio presentation by Mark Sundberg, Ph.D., BCBA-D on verbal behavior assessment for children with autism and the VB-MAPP

    This is a fascinating (and long) audio presentation by Mark Sundberg, Ph.D., BCBA (may need Quicktime), of the rationale and history of the application of Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior to learners with autism.

    Dr. Sundberg discusses appropriate structuring of curriculum based on learner skill levels, and comparison of typical learner repertoires and language levels and how this informed Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program/ VB-MAPP development.

    I believe that this is useful in considering a holistic and compassionate picture of teaching language to children with autism; it's long, but worth listening to - and more than once if you can do it.

    35. A NEW GENERATION OF VERBAL BEHAVIOR ASSESSMENT AND INTERVENTION: THE VB-MAPP
    2008 Penn State National Autism conference
    August 5, 2008 9-4:15PM
    Mark Sundberg, Ph.D., BCBA-D
    Audio (mp3)   Handout (pdf)

    (INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED, BACB CEUs)
    The evolution of Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior will be presented, with an update on its application using the VB-MAPP.


    All past posts related to Mark Sundberg and his presentations

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    Best wishes!

    Blog to the Verbal Behavior Wiki
    DISCLAIMER: Personal opinion and blog, for information only and
    not intended to be professional advice or endorsement.

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    Friday, March 19, 2010

    A favorite article: "A model for problem solving in discrete trial training for children with autism."

    While not a "VB" article, per se, I like to point this particular paper out to people when I can because I think it's very useful for thinking about how to teach and assess progress or, as may occur, lack therein in a logical and systematic matter. Don't let the "discrete trial" of the title throw you; there are other instructional strategies discussed, including incidental teaching and video modelling.


    Ferraioli, S., Hughes, C., & Smith, T. (2005). A model for problem solving in discrete trial training for children with autism. Journal of Early and Intensive Behavior Intervention , 2(4), 224-246.

    Note: As of 2010, the Journal of Early and Intensive Behavior Intervention is in the process of changing its name; it will now be known as the Journal of Behavior Assessment and Intervention in Children (JBAIC)
    See the Journal website for more information.

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    Best wishes!

    Blog to the Verbal Behavior Wiki
    DISCLAIMER: Personal opinion and blog, for information only and
    not intended to be professional advice or endorsement.


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    Tuesday, March 16, 2010

    Second Call for the Summer Direct Instruction Conferences in Eugene, OR & NEW Direct Instruction for Students with ASDs, Columbus, OH

    Another reminder about two summer conferences of interest to those who use the Direct Instruction (Becker, Engelmann) model of instruction or are interested in learning more about it and specific curriculum packages-
    • 36th National Direct Instruction Conference And Institutes, which will be held in Eugene, Oregon and
    • Effective Programs for Learners With Autism Spectrum Disorders—A Direct Instruction Conference, Columbus, Ohio. (As a special note, the Columbus, Ohio conference is being hosted in cooperation with Haugland Learning Center).
    For example, some of the language concepts taught in
    "Language for Learning"
    For more videos at Youtube


    36th National Direct Instruction Conference And Institutes July 25–29, 2010
    Hilton Eugene Hotel & Conference Center
    Eugene, Oregon

    Beginning and Advanced Training
    College Credit
    BACB® Approved Continuing Education Units available


    "Join us for the longest running, most comprehensive Direct Instruction Training available.

    This year we are pleased to present long time DI Consultant Carolyn Schneider along with Zig Engelmann as our keynote speakers.

    We will have sessions for beginning and veteran users, as well as sessions designed for classroom teachers and parapros, coaches, and administrators. Special tracks for general, and special education and many others will be highlighted"

    Please see the conference brochure for full information on events, registration and lodging.

    Questions about the National Direct Instruction Conference should be directed to the Association for Direct Instruction



    AND a new special focus Direct Instruction Conference in Columbus, Ohio

    Effective Programs for Learners With Autism Spectrum Disorders—A Direct Instruction Conference, Columbus, Ohio
    August 16–18, 2010
    Hilton Columbus/Polaris
    Columbus, Ohio

    BACB® Approved Continuing Education Units available!
    College Credit Available!
    Training Designed for Teachers, Practitioners and Parents!

    "Training on Reading Mastery, Language for Learning, DISTAR Arithmetic, Connecting Math Concepts and Corrective Reading Comprehension will be featured at this training tailored specifically for those that work with students with an ASD diagnosis."
    [Blog author note - for information on these curriculum packages, see Signals, The Direct Instruction Community]

    Please see the conference brochure for full information on events, registration and lodging.

    Questions about the Effective Programs for Learners With Autism Spectrum Disorders conference should be directed to the Association for Direct Instruction

    ------------------------------
    For More Background on Direct Instruction


    Signals, The Direct Instruction Community 

    Zigsite: The website of Zig Engelmann


    Direct Instruction page at the Precision Teaching Hub & Wiki

    [some links and info need updating]


    An Introduction to Direct Instruction
    Special Connections

    Best wishes!

    Blog to the Verbal Behavior Wiki

    DISCLAIMER: Personal opinion and blog, for information only and
    not intended to be professional advice or endorsement.

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    Sunday, March 14, 2010

    Interesting blog on Direct Instruction

    I was looking for a Direct Instruction (Becker & Engelmann model) reference and ran across the blog,
    D-Ed Reckoning. Very interesting, and some useful advice between the posts themselves and the comments.

    For example, the post from

    June 27, 2008
    Question 4: What to do after 100 easy Lessons

    That's a common question, with some uncommonly good answers.
    Hope it helps. Happy reading.


    ----------
    Best wishes!

    Blog to the Verbal Behavior Wiki
    DISCLAIMER: Personal opinion and blog, for information only and
    not intended to be professional advice or endorsement.

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    Friday, March 12, 2010

    WORKSHOP : April 12-13, 2010 - Leesburg, VA - Mark Sundberg, Ph.D., BCBA-D- A Behavioral Approach to Language Assessment and Intervention

    A BEHAVIORAL APPROACH TO LANGUAGE ASSESSMENT AND INTERVENTION
    Presented by Dr. Mark Sundberg, Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral

    WHERE: The Aurora School,
    420 Wildman Street, Leesburg, VA 20176

    WHEN:  April 12-13, 2010, 8:30am-4:30pm*
    *Coffee/Continental breakfast, water, and light snacks provided. Lunch is on your own.

    Please visit The Aurora School for full details, costs and registration form

    This workshop will teach participants how to use the VB-MAPP (the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program), to assess an individual’s language and social skills, and how to identify potential barriers that may inhibit a child’s development. The VB-MAPP is derived from behavior analysis, B.F. Skinner analysis of verbal behavior, and the developmental milestones of typical children.
    • Identifying intervention priorities
    • Using the VB-MAPP to determine an individualized language and social skills program
    • Transition to a less restrictive environment
    • Setting up a verbal behavior classroom or home program,
    • Choosing augmentative communication systems,
    • Data collection
    • Reducing problem behavior 
    ----------
    Best wishes!

    Blog to the Verbal Behavior Wiki
    DISCLAIMER: Personal opinion and blog, for information only and
    not intended to be professional advice or endorsement.

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    Wednesday, March 10, 2010

    WORKSHOPS: Levittown, NY: Elija School "Opening Doors Workshop Series"

    The Elija School  "Opening Doors Workshop Series"

    Workshops presented by Debora Harris, BCaBA*
    Time: 7 PM- 8:30 PM
    Fee:  $15 for Individual Topic
    Location: Elija School  
    100 Periwinkle Rd. Levittown NY 11756
    To Register: jkaplan@elijaschool.org  or  call 516 216 5270

    Dates & Topics
    • March 18th, 2010 - Special Education Law and Advocacy      
    • March 24, 2010 - Curriculum Development- How to effectively use the ABLLS and other assessment guides.  
    • April 29, 2010 - Sensory Issues – Habit reversal and desensitization.
    • May 20, 2010 - Intensive Toilet Training- Steps for teaching initiation and how to move away from schedule dependence.
    • June 24, 2010 - Learning is Fun! Building a relationship with students and setting a positive environment for learning.
    • July 29, 2010 - Problem Solving- Elements of good teaching.
    * Debora  received her BA in Sociology from Hofstra University and is a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst.  She serves as the Co-Executive Director of The Elija School, is Co Founder of the ELIJA Foundation and Co Director of Effective Interventions Clinic, a behavioral clinic/agency serving the needs of individuals with autism. Debora has volunteered her time to numerous autism groups such as the Nassau County's Department of Health Early Intervention Coordinating Council, The New York State Association of Behavior Analysis,  Nassau County Autism Coalition run by the County Executive and currently serves as a board member of The Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®). For the past 8 years she has been providing advocacy to famlies and conducted training workshops to promote evidence based instruction for families and educators who have been touched by Autism. She has an 11 year old son with autism. 

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    Best wishes!

    Blog to the Verbal Behavior Wiki
    DISCLAIMER: Personal opinion and blog, for information only and
    not intended to be professional advice or endorsement.


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    Monday, March 8, 2010

    WORKSHOPS: Dayton, OH area - DAFEAT workshop schedule for 2010

    DAFEAT- Dayton [Ohio] Area Families for Effective Autism Treatment

    Workshop schedule for 2010

    DAFEAT notes that registration will be available one month before the event.

    These monthly workshops are FREE for DAFEAT members and at a nominal cost for non-members, which includes a year-long membership to DAFEAT. Please see the DAFEAT website for information.
    March 20, 2010
    Ask for Anything:  Mand Training with Signed Responses
    Amber Valentino, Ph.D, BCBA-D
    Registration currently open
    Other workshops

    April 17, 2010
    Ask for Anything 2:  Mand Training with Vocal Responses & Advanced Requesting Skills
    Amber Valentino, Ph.D., BCBA-D

    May 8, 2010
    Natural Environment Training
    Carl Sundberg, Ph.D, BCBA-D

    June 19, 2010
    I Want to Learn!  An Intro to Beginning Structured Teaching
    Amber Valentino, Ph.D., BCBA-D

    July 17, 2010
    Show Me The Data! An Intro to Data Collection, Analysis & Graphing
    Amber Valentino, Ph.D., BCBA-D

    August 28, 2010
    Just Go Already! An Intro to Toilet Training
    Amber Valentino, Ph.D., BCBA-D

    September 18, 2010
    Dealing with Challenging Behaviors
    Carl Sundberg, Ph.D., BCBA-D

    October, 2010
    18-Hour VB Intensive 3-Day Training Workshop
    Lisa Flake, BCaBA

    November 20, 2010
    Why ABA?
    Amber Valentino, Ph.D., BCBA-D

    December 11, 2010
    VB-MAPP Language Barriers
    Carl Sundberg, Ph.D., BCBA-D

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    Best wishes!

    Blog to the Verbal Behavior Wiki
    DISCLAIMER: Personal opinion and blog, for information only and
    not intended to be professional advice or endorsement.

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    Friday, March 5, 2010

    The Pennsylvania Verbal Behavior Project

    I would like to share this video from the PaTTAN (Pennsylvania Training & Technical Assistance Network)  Pennsylvania Verbal Behavior Project which I believe is one that gives a reasonable and realistic slice of what Applied Behavior Analysis and Verbal Behavior looks like - and to counter what I see as unfair and misrepresentative stereotypes that applied behavior analysis is not considerate or caring to the children being taught and assisted under this method of intervention. I might add that often times these misrepresentations are made by those who have their own commercial reasons for making such statements.

    Please note that many of the behavior analysts in this video are themselves parents of children with autism and, naturally,  have a personal interest in their own children receiving effective and ethical treatment, as well as the children that they serve and instruct.

    Verbal Behavior Project





    Related resources from PaTTAN/Pennsylvania Verbal Behavior Network

    PaTTAN generously makes these materials free of charge.

     Pennsylvania Verbal Behavior Network Family Handbook,
    Includes,
    • What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)? . 7
    • What is Verbal Behavior (VB)? . 8
    • How Do We Implement VB in the Classroom? . 10
    • What is the Behavioral Language Assessment Form (BLAF)? . 11
    • What is the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS)? . 12
    • What is the VB-MAPP? . 13
    • Important Terms to Know . 14
    • Behavior Reduction . 15
    • Resources . 17
    • APPENDIX 1. – BLAF . 18
    • APPENDIX 2. – ABLLS. 21
    • APPENDIX 3. – VB-MAPP Milestones Master Scoring Form. 22
    • APPENDIX 4. – VB-MAPP Barriers Scoring Form . 23
    • APPENDIX 5. – Reinforcement Assessment Form . 24
    • APPENDIX 6. – Glossary of Terms . 26
    The Pennsylvania Verbal Behavior Project
    A Beginning Guide to the Intensive Teaching Process of the Verbal Operants

    Advanced Verbal Behavior Principles and Approaches for Developing Language in Children with Autism
    December 9, 2005
    Workshop Materials

    Other Training materials from PaTTAN

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    Best wishes!

    Blog to the Verbal Behavior Wiki
    DISCLAIMER: Personal opinion and blog, for information only and
    not intended to be professional advice or endorsement.

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    Wednesday, March 3, 2010

    WORKSHOPS: NY - March 16 & 18, 2010 - ProjectLink's FREE workshops with James D. Partington, Ph.D., BCBA-D


    Project Link has announced their no-cost workshops with presenter,
    James Partington, Ph.D., BCBA



    Tuesday March 16, 2010
    Malta Town Hall
    2540 Rte. 9, Malta, NY 12020
    Registration 8:30 a.m., Workshops 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

    9 a.m.–11 a.m. Parents/Professional Questions and Answers- Project LINK’s exclusive series is back.
    Please bring or send in your questions on the registration form and they will be addressed.

    11 a.m.–2 p.m. The research is in! For the first time Dr. Partington will be presenting his research on
    typically developing children tracked by the ABLLS®-R. Age ranges, norms, averages
    and means for every skill area have been calculated and will be released in journals soon.
    Be the first to see how your child compares!

    2 p.m. –4 p.m. The imitative repertoire, the research, the needs and importance of developing this critical
    area for a child’s success. Practical strategies will be explored to ensure participants have
    the tools to enhance their child’s learning

    Thursday March 18, 2010
    Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library
    475 Moe Road, Clifton Park, NY 12065
    Registration 8:30 a.m., Workshop 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    Programming and Teaching in the Natural Environment-
    Parents, educators and providers often have difficulty determining how to transfer skills into everyday
    settings. This workshop has been redesigned with new video, enhanced strategies for teaching with
    critical programming elements that will provide the participants with solid teaching practice in everyday
    settings. Participants will view, analyze and learn from various school, home and community settings.

    Please see the registration form for full information, which includes contact info for questions.


    Best wishes!

    Blog to the Verbal Behavior Wiki

    DISCLAIMER: Personal opinion and blog, for information only and
    not intended to be professional advice or endorsement.

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    Monday, March 1, 2010

    Robert Schramm, MA, BCBA video from February 10, 2010 presentation

    Robert Schramm, M.A., BCBA has posted twelve video segments from his 10 February 2010 presentation in Trondheim, Norway. Robert suggests it as potentially useful to those who may have read his book  Educate towards recovery: Turning the tables on autism, but have not had an opportunity to attend one of his workshops or presentations.

    A Basic Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis
    and Verbal Behavior for Parents, Students and Teachers

    Robert Schramm, MA, BCBA
    Part 1 (of 12)




    All 12 of the video segments can be viewed at Robert Schramm's YouTube video channel

    On a related note, Robert will be presenting a workshop (5/28/10) and chairing a panel discussion (5/31/10) at the Association for Behavior Analysis International annual convention in San Antonio, TX (5/28/10 - 6/1/10).

    Workshop #40           CE: PSY/BACB
    05/28/2010   6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    Republic A (Grand Hyatt)   Autism/AUT
    CE Instructor: Robert Schramm, M.A., BCBA

    Motivating Learner Participation Without Blocking Escape, Forced Physical Prompts, or Nagging
    ROBERT SCHRAMM (Institute Knospe-ABA)

    # 445 Panel Discussion
    05/31/2010   3:00 PM - 3:50 PM
    203AB (CC)   Autism/AUT; Applied Behavior Analysis

    Gaining Learner Instructional Control Without Blocking Escape, Forced Physical Prompts, or Nagging
    Chair: Robert Schramm (Institute Knospe-ABA)
    BENNO BOECKH (Institute Knospe-ABA)
    ALLISON KANE (Kane ABA Consulting)
    SILVA VARTOOMIAN KLEINFELD VARTOOMIAN (University of Maryland, Balitmore County)

    Related past posts:
    Tuesday, January 19, 2010
    WORKSHOP: May 16-19, 2010 - Robert Schramm, MA, BCBA in Alexandria, VA

    ----------
    Best wishes!

    Blog to the Verbal Behavior Wiki
    DISCLAIMER: Personal opinion and blog, for information only and
    not intended to be professional advice or endorsement.


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    Friday, February 26, 2010

    The "Journal of Early and Intensive Behavior Intervention" is changing to the "Journal of Behavior Assessment and Intervention in Children"

    An email notice is currently circulating that the online open access journal, Journal of Early and Intensive Behavior Intervention (JEIBI) is changing its name to the Journal of Behavior Assessment and Intervention in children (JBAIC) in order to reflect the changing mission of the journal. A new ISSN number for the new title is pending.

    Current and archived issues of JEIBI are still available through the website, and a new site is set up for when the transition to the JBAIC is completed.


    Best wishes!

    Blog to the Verbal Behavior Wiki

    DISCLAIMER: Personal opinion and blog, for information only and
    not intended to be professional advice or endorsement.
     
     

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    Thursday, February 25, 2010

    Highlights from the February 2010 newsletter from Behavior Analysts, Inc.

    Behavior Analysts, Inc. has just put out their February newsletter. This is a listing of some of the contents - please see their website for the full offerings, for more information, and to sign up for your own newsletter subscription.
    [Just a reminder that posting is for informational purposes does not imply recommendation or endorsement; please see the featured businesses and consultancies directly and evaluate for relevance to your needs and interests.]
    -----------------------------
    From the Behavior Analysts, Inc. Biannual Newsletter
    February 2010

    Conferences and Corporate Events Calendar-
    • Spring Workshop Series, February and March in Walnut Creek, CA
    • Project LINK Spring Training Series March 2010 in Albany, NY
    • World Autism Congress Asia- May 15-16 in Hong Kong
    • Jubilee Conference- June 2-4 in Norway
    Dr. James Partington will be visiting the following areas throughout the 2009-2010 year.
    If you are a school, agency or family in need of assistance and want to schedule an appointment, please contact Autumn Bailey at bailey@behavioranalysts.com or 925-262-8523.
    • Hong Kong – May 2010
    • Hawaii- March and May 2010
    • New York- March, July and November 2010
    Check the Behavior Analysts, Inc. website frequently, as we routinely update our workshop calendar.

    New! Teach Your Children Well DVD Series
    This spring, Behavior Analysts Inc. will begin to release its new DVD training series. For the first time ever parents, practitioners, school districts, agencies and universities will have the ability to enhance their learning and lending libraries with Dr. Partington’s trainings! Everyone who works with children on the spectrum can learn how to provide the best possible outcomes, enhance their programs and motivate their children to learn.
    Please keep checking our website for the release date!

    Partnership Update:
    Our partner companies continue to enhance your use of the ABLLS®-R through their signature series of products. You can visit our website for more information and purchase these products to get your complete solution today at www.behavioranalysts.com.
    Our current partnerships are:
    • Watch Me Learn
    • Autism Concepts Incorporated
    • Maximum Potential
    Attention Military Families, Behavior Analysts, Inc. can help!
    This fall, Behavior Analysts, Inc. has received approval to provide services to children with autism whose families are part of the tri-care health system. We are now affiliated with TriWest Healthcare Alliance to provide both the Echo and Autism Demonstration Programs. For more information please contact Autumn Bailey at bailey@behavioranalysts.com or 925-262-8523.

    Preliminary Research Findings for Typically Developing Children using the ABLLS®-R is in!
    As the ABLLS®-R continues to be the premiere assessment tool of choice, Dr. Partington and his colleagues have now begun to release some of their research on the development of the skills measured in the ABLLS®-R demonstrated by typically developing children worldwide. A sample of this important research can now be found at www.webablls.com.

    In March 2010, Dr. Partington will be presenting this information for the first time in Albany NY. For more information on this workshop, go to www.behavioranalysts.com.

    Soon, this information will be released for publication, peer review and embedded into our signature WebABLLS® product where users can get comparative analysis for the children they serve. Buy a subscription now at www.webablls.com.

    Learner Profiles
    We continue to have many successful Learner Profiles in our clinic in Walnut Creek, CA and would like to extend an invitation to any family who wishes to participate in this service. Dr. Partington and a consultant work one on one with your family to identify the child’s existing skills and identify those skills in need of development. From this analysis of skills, we create individualized program recommendations for the child and teach the parents how they can help their child learn these important new skills. If you are interested in this service, please contact Autumn Bailey at bailey@behavioranalysts.com or 925-262-8523.

    Summer 2010 trainings and 1:1 clinic sessions
    Behavior Analysts Inc. offers year round service to families who come from all over the world. Our clinic will be open for summer sessions, but space is limited. If you need 1:1 services for your child during the summer, please contact Autumn Bailey at bailey@behavioranalysts.com or 925-262-8523 for more information.

    We will be announcing our summer training series soon, so please continue to check our website for further details.
    If you wish to provide the best possible outcomes to the children you serve,
    Behavior Analysts Inc. can help!
    www.behavioranalysts.com
    ---------------------------------
    Past posts:

    Monday, January 11, 2010
    WORKSHOPS: Behavior Analysts, Inc. Announces Spring ABA/VB Workshop Series in Walnut Creek, CA

    Best wishes!

    Blog to the Verbal Behavior Wiki

    DISCLAIMER: Personal opinion and blog, for information only and
    not intended to be professional advice or endorsement.
     

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    Wednesday, February 17, 2010

    February 24, 2010 is the last day for early bird registration for the ABA International Annual Convention, San Antonio, TX

    One week warning on early deadline registration for the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)'s 36th Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas, May 28 - June 1, 2010 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
    -----------------------------------------------
    Wednesday, February 24, 2010 is the last day to register for the annual convention at the "early bird" pre-registration pricing. You can save over 30% by registering today instead of paying on-site!

    Hotel rooms may still be available at the 4th overflow hotel, the Hyatt Regency, located within walking distance of the convention center. Please visit the hotel information page  to make your reservation on-line.


    Best wishes!

    Blog to the Verbal Behavior Wiki

    DISCLAIMER: Personal opinion and blog, for information only and
    not intended to be professional advice or endorsement.


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    Monday, February 8, 2010

    Conference: Summer Direct Instruction (DI) Conferences - with a NEW Columbus, OH DI conference for students with ASDs

    We'd like to give an early heads-up on two summer conferences of interest to those who use the Direct Instruction (Becker, Engelmann) model of instruction or are interested in learning more about it and specific curriculum packages-
    Zig Engelmann Discusses Direct Instruction, 6:13
    For more videos at Youtube

    • 36th National Direct Instruction Conference And Institutes, which will be held in Eugene, Oregon and
    • Effective Programs for Learners With Autism Spectrum Disorders—A Direct Instruction Conference, Columbus, Ohio. (As a special note, the Columbus, Ohio conference is being hosted in cooperation with Haugland Learning Center).

    36th National Direct Instruction Conference And Institutes July 25–29, 2010
    Hilton Eugene Hotel & Conference Center
    Eugene, Oregon

    Beginning and Advanced Training
    College Credit
    BACB® Approved Continuing Education Units available


    "Join us for the longest running, most comprehensive Direct Instruction Training available.

    This year we are pleased to present long time DI Consultant Carolyn Schneider along with Zig Engelmann as our keynote speakers.

    We will have sessions for beginning and veteran users, as well as sessions designed for classroom teachers and parapros, coaches, and administrators. Special tracks for general, and special education and many others will be highlighted"

    Please see the conference brochure for full information on events, registration and lodging.

    Questions about the National Direct Instruction Conference should be directed to the Association for Direct Instruction



    AND a new special focus Direct Instruction Conference in Columbus, Ohio

    Effective Programs for Learners With Autism Spectrum Disorders—A Direct Instruction Conference, Columbus, Ohio
    August 16–18, 2010
    Hilton Columbus/Polaris
    Columbus, Ohio

    BACB® Approved Continuing Education Units available!
    College Credit Available!
    Training Designed for Teachers, Practitioners and Parents!

    "Training on Reading Mastery, Language for Learning, DISTAR Arithmetic, Connecting Math Concepts and Corrective Reading Comprehension will be featured at this training tailored specifically for those that work with students with an ASD diagnosis."
    [Blog author note - for information on these curriculum packages, see Signals, The Direct Instruction Community]

    Please see the conference brochure for full information on events, registration and lodging.

    Questions about the Effective Programs for Learners With Autism Spectrum Disorders conference should be directed to the Association for Direct Instruction

    ------------------------------
    For More Background on Direct Instruction


    Signals, The Direct Instruction Community 

    Zigsite: The website of Zig Engelmann


    Direct Instruction page at the Precision Teaching Hub & Wiki

    [some links and info need updating]


    An Introduction to Direct Instruction
    Special Connections

    Best wishes!

    Blog to the Verbal Behavior Wiki

    DISCLAIMER: Personal opinion and blog, for information only and
    not intended to be professional advice or endorsement.

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    Wednesday, February 3, 2010

    Highlights from the Penn State National Autism Conference 2009

    The annual Penn State National Autism Conference is one of the great ones - because of the number of presentations, the stellar lineup of some of the best in autism intervention, and that they go to great lengths to generously make the content available to families and practitioners by webcasts, archiving of some presentations and some sales of video.

    Here are some examples of archived video presentations [Quicktime & WindowsMedia], via Penn State WPSU PBS & NPR Member-Supported Public Media Serving Central Pennsylvania, that may be of interest in getting caught up and self-study.

    The hope is that this "taste" will encourage readers to explore the Conference website and to take the opportunity to attend this conference, either in 2010 or in the future.

    All presentations are 3 hours.

    6 - Behavior Analytic Research in Autism - Carbone -Vincent Carbone, Ed.D., BCBA 
    The Carbone Clinic
    HANDOUT
    This presentation will provide an overview of the contribution of applied behavior analytic research to the treatment of persons with autism.

    7. Research in Communication Challenges of Learners with Autism- Joanne Gerenser, Ph.D., SLP-CCC,
    The Eden II Programs
    HANDOUT
    This presentation will review research in language acquisition and development and discuss implications for assessment and intervention for children with autism.


    3. Pennsylvania Project: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Headsprout Early Reading Program for Learners with Autism - Janet S. Twyman, Ph.D., BCBA
    Headsprout
    HANDOUT

    This presentation will review the evaluation of Headsprout Early Reading with approximately 100 learners with autism in classrooms across Pennsylvania.


    56. Using Automatic Reinforcement to Develop Skills in Learners with Autism - Mark Sundberg, Ph.D., BCBA
    Marksundberg.com
    HANDOUT
    This session will highlight the role of automatic reinforcement in language acquisition and instruction.

    26. Evidence-Based Strategies for Effective Early Intervention Programs-Jim Ball, Ed.D., BCBA-D
    JB Autism Consulting
    HANDOUT

    This presentation will discuss seven systematic techniques for working with children with autism, focusing on teaching specific skills, enhancing motivation, and generalization training.


    15. Assessment and Treatment of Problem Behavior in Educational Contexts - Brian Iwata, Ph.D.
    University of Florida, Gainesville
    HANDOUT

    This presentation will review assessment methods for distinguishing between attention- and escape-maintained problem behavior and will describe a number of strategies for replacing problem behavior with more socially acceptable alternatives.

    50. Educating Learners with Severe and Dangerous Behaviors: Ethical Considerations- Jose Martinez-Diaz, Ph.D., BCBA
    Florida Institute of Technology
    HANDOUT
     

     This presentation will cover recent developments in strategies for abating and decelerating severe and dangerous problem behavior, and developing, evoking, and accelerating alternative, pro-social behavior.

    Best wishes!

    Blog to the Verbal Behavior Wiki

    DISCLAIMER: Personal opinion and blog, for information only and
    not intended to be professional advice or endorsement.

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