Making measurable progress… one piece at a time!
Entering the field in the mid 1990’s I hardly knew anything about autism, let alone ABA. Autism was only one sentence in my psychology text in college, and ABA was a new, unheard-of therapy. Thankfully, I would find along the way, that my approach… Continue Reading “The long road from DTT to VB”
I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1995. I used to watch a lot of tv, and thought with a BA in psychology, I would end up living the life on the beach, making great money. Unfortunately,… Continue Reading “My first experience in the field…”
Several therapies for autism have been shown to be effective through research, including: It’s important to note that not all therapies work for every individual with autism, and that a combination of therapies may be needed for the best outcomes. It’s also important to… Continue Reading “Evidence Based Practices for ASD”
A Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is a paraprofessional who practices under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA). RBTs work directly with individuals who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or other… Continue Reading “What is an RBT?”
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a complex developmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. The signs and symptoms of autism can vary widely from person to person, but here are some common signs that may indicate autism: It’s important to… Continue Reading “What are the signs of autism?”
At 2 years old, a child is still in the early stages of developing self-help skills, but here are some skills that they might be starting to acquire: Remember that all children develop at their own pace, so some 2-year-olds may have mastered these… Continue Reading “What skills should my 2 yr old have?”
Verbal behavior is a term used in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to describe the use of language and communication to interact with others and express one’s needs and desires. It is a subset of behavior analysis that focuses specifically on language… Continue Reading “What is Verbal Behavior?”
An autism support group can be a valuable resource for parents of children with autism for several reasons: Overall, an autism support group can provide parents with a sense of community, validation, and empowerment that can be essential to their well-being and their child’s… Continue Reading “Why should I attend an Autism Support Group?”
In behavior analysis, a “mand” is a type of verbal behavior in which an individual asks for or demands something they want or need. It is a request made by the individual that is reinforced by a specific consequence, usually the delivery of the… Continue Reading “What is a “mand”?”
Garner Behavior Services, LLC is a private company that provides behavior analysis services to individuals with developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and other behavioral challenges. The company’s services include assessments, interventions, and ongoing support for individuals, families, and organizations. The company’s team of board-certified… Continue Reading “What is GBS?”
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a scientific and evidence-based approach to understanding and improving behavior. It can be explained to parents as a way of understanding why their child behaves in certain ways and how they can help them change their behavior for the… Continue Reading “What is Applied Behavior Analysis?”
Behavior extinction is a principle in psychology and behavior analysis that refers to the decrease in frequency or cessation of a previously learned behavior that has been consistently ignored or not reinforced. This occurs because the behavior is no longer being reinforced, and as… Continue Reading “Basics of Extinction”
Operant learning is a type of learning in which behavior is modified by its consequences, either being reinforced or punished. This means that the likelihood of a particular behavior being repeated depends on whether it leads to favorable outcomes (reinforcement) or unfavorable outcomes (punishment).… Continue Reading “operant learning”