Autism: Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) & Teaching Verbal Behavior in the Classroom
A FREE workshop for professionals, parents and caregivers sponsored by:
The Foundation for Autism Training and Education (FATE)
Using the analysis of language as a behavior that is under the influence of the principles of operant conditioning provides a viable model for helping children with language deficits. Research has demonstrated that the application of these principles leads to the development of functional communication skills, reduction in problem behavior, and an increase in social interactions. This two-day workshop will illustrate through extensive use of video how the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) that emphasizes the teaching of verbal behavior can be applied effectively in classroom settings to teach language and other important skills to children with autism or other developmental disability. Specifically, participants will be introduced to evidence-based principles and procedures that will help teachers to:
- Establish and maintain rapport with their students
- Develop social skills and promote peer interaction
- Select developmentally appropriate IEP goals for each student based on a criterion-referenced assessment (VB-MAPP)
- Teach functional communication skills to vocal and non-vocal students
- Capture and contrive motivation and then use it to expand language repertories
- Select group activities that promote functional communication and peer interaction
- Transition students from natural environment teaching (NET) to discrete trial training (DTT)
- Maintain high-rate (accurate and fast) student responding during DTT
- Teach academic skills (reading, math, etc.) to children with autism using a research-based curriculum
- Utilize reinforcement-based approaches that reduce problem behavior by function
Thomas M. Caffrey completed an undergraduate degree in Education from Arizona State University and a Masters degree in Education from Georgian Court University where he was honored for his work in developing video-based training materials designed to help teachers working with children with autism in public schools. In addition, he completed post-graduate coursework in behavior analysis at Penn State University and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Mr. Caffrey co-authored with Dr. Vincent J. Carbone an 8 hour professional development training CD series The Verbal Behavior Approach to Teaching Children with Autism. He specializes in helping public schools to develop and maintain quality ABA programs. Mr. Caffrey has given over 200 national and international conference presentations and workshops. Currently, he and his colleagues at VBN Training conduct workshops and provide hands-on support for schools and agencies throughout the United States, Ireland, Italy, and Egypt.
Date & Time:
October 29-30, 2011 at 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Location:
Lynn University
3601 N. Military Trail
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Registration:
Registration required – FREE TRAINING FOR PARENTS AND TEACHERS
Online Workshop Registration
Attendees are responsible to print and bring the handouts to the workshop. The links will be in your registration confirmation you will receive upon registration.
Food:
Light breakfast will be provided. Lunch is on your own.