Lessons Archive - FirstPath Autism

What is the Fragile Learning Model?

05/27/2016/by FPAdmin Autism

Behavior strategies

Fragile learner

A child can be considered a fragile learner when there are certain events that are causing or contributing to that child feeling extraordinarily stressed, in turn leading to the child experiencing difficulty effectively managing his/her day.

In this video, Amalie D. Holley, MS Board Certified Behavior Analyst and FirstPath Autism Program Manager, discusses the Fragile Learner Model (FLM).

The downloadable data sheet below helps you to track the frequency of a specific behavior:

ABC Data Collection

Behavior frequency data sheet

05/27/2016/by FPAdmin Autism

Behavior strategies

Extinction burst

An extinction burst is a child’s response to having reinforcement withdrawn that historically followed a maladaptive behavior. Because the maladaptive behavior up to this point has reliably worked for the child getting certain wants and needs met quickly, the child resists giving up this behavior and having to learn a new way to get wants/needs met. An extinction burst can take the form of maladaptive behaviors becoming more frequent, longer in duration, and/or more severe in intensity (e.g., child cries longer than usual to get his/her way; crying escalates to yelling & tantrums; etc.).

In this video, Robert explains how and why extinction bursts occur and how best to guide the child through the behavior.

05/27/2016/by FPAdmin Autism

Behavior strategies

ABC Data collection

Data is needed in order to figure out why a certain behavior is occurring. ABC data is the typical assessment tool and involves directly observing and recording situational factors surrounding a problem behavior.

In ABC data collection, the type of data is broken out into three components: A-B-C

Antecedent = what happened before
Behavior = what the child did that is problematic
Consequence = what happened after

In this video, Robert discusses ABA data collection and how identifying the antecedents and consequences for a behavior will help clue you into why the behavior is occurring.

ABC Data Collection

05/27/2016/by FPAdmin Autism

Maladaptive Behaviors

Non-compliance

Non-compliance is a maladaptive behavior that is defined by a child failing or refusing to start or complete a task or follow an instruction. The purpose of the behavior typically is to avoid a non-preferred demand, instruction, or activity (escape). However, it may also have a function of sensory, attention, and/or tangible.

In this lesson, strategies to address and resolve non-compliance are discussed.

Community safety, Life skills

05/26/2016/by FPAdmin Autism

Community outing

In this lesson, Community outing, we learn how routines (what to expect) and appropriate behavior at various community locations, such as the park, grocery and department stores, restaurants, friends’ homes, birthday parties, the post office, etc. can help give your child more comfort and freedom in social settings.

The basic ability to follow instructions and functionally communicate are helpful in the community environment.

05/26/2016/by FPAdmin Autism

Maladaptive Behaviors

Self-stimulatory

Self-stimulatory behavior is defined by repetitive body movements or repetitive movement of objects. Examples of this include hand-flapping, body rocking, and spinning in circles. Self-stimulatory behavior can also be vocal – the child repeats words and phrases over and over.

One reason that these behaviors are considered inappropriate is that they do not match the current environmental or social context (and so can be socially stigmatizing). Additionally, the child may engage in these behaviors for long periods of time, sometimes for several hours, without interruption, which can also impede the child learning other needed skills. These behaviors are often self-reinforcing – the child doesn’t need another person to provide reinforcement. The child provides both the action and the reinforcer. Self-stimulatory behavior is often sensory in nature and can also indicate a deficit in leisure and play skills.

In this lesson, strategies for redirecting the child to more appropriately meet sensory needs and in more socially appropriate ways are discussed.

Learning readiness, Learning skills

05/26/2016/by FPAdmin Autism

Token System

A Token System (also called a “Token Reinforcement System” or a “Token Economy”) is used to increase appropriate behavior and learning via visual aids. Tokens, or rewards, are the reinforcers that the child earns and that are then exchanged for a larger reward based on the child’s success.

This system helps to structure the breaking down of skills into smaller, more manageable steps. They also assist in gaining instructional control ann teach self-monitoring skills and delayed gratification. The Token System can be adjusted over time as the child’s skills develop and can be utilized less frequently.

05/26/2016/by FPAdmin Autism

Maladaptive Behaviors

Bolting

Bolting, also known as “elopement”, is when the child inappropriately leaves the immediate area and without having permission to do so. Bolting can occur within a home (such as running off to another room in the house) or in the community (such as running down the street or away from the parent when in a store). Bolting can pose significant dangers when out in the community because children often are unaware of safety concerns, such as car traffic or strangers, when bolting.

Teaching the child community safety rules and practicing how to ask for permission before leaving a parent’s side can reduce instances of bolting. Using game play is a fun way to teach the child how to “stop” and “wait” appropriately. Initial practice, and a lot of it, in safe environments is very important before trying out in the community, and adult supervision is a key component in treating bolting behaviors.

In this lesson, strategies for how to address bolting are discussed.

05/26/2016/by FPAdmin Autism

Learning skills, Math skills

Simple subtraction

In this lesson, Simple subtraction, your child learns how to subtract one quantity from another using both tangible objects and written numerals.

Learning simple subtraction will help to develop the foundation for more advanced math functions and teaches the skill necessary for handling money and organizing budgets. The skills learned in this lesson can be reinforced in many ways throughout your child’s day.