The beginning of the new school year is a good time to consider how you can make sure your child receives a quality education designed to help them meet challenging goals. Disability advocates across the nation are hopeful that the Supreme Courtās decision in Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District will bring changes that…
Easing the Transition Back to School
Easing the transition back to school…itās that time of year again! The transition from summer to fall, more specifically from summer break to the start of the school year, can be overwhelming for everyone involved. The added stressors of back-to-school shopping, meet-and-greets with teachers, and transitioning into new schools can be challenging. We have some…
It Just Feels Good!
Human behavior is complex, no doubt. There are often layers to the reasons why people behave the way they do and those reasons may fluctuate from day-to-day based on a variety of internal or external events. Everyone engages in some behaviors (e.g., scratching a mosquito bite) just because they feel good. That is, the behavior…
How Behavior Can Go the Way of the Dinosaurs
Extinction is what happened to the dinosaurs, the saber-toothed tiger, and the dodo bird. But did you know behavior can undergo extinction as well? Donāt worry, behavioral extinction does not involve a massive comet colliding with the Earth. Behavior is said to undergo extinction when it simply no longer produces the reinforcement it once did….
5 Tips for Finding Activities for Your Child
When my son with autism was in elementary school, I remember wanting to get him involved in āprogramsā and āactivitiesā but not really knowing what was appropriate or how to proceed. I recall contacting tons of people and agencies and asking for āTHEā programs and activities specific for a child with autism. Frequently when the…
Calling the Sandman: Autism Sleep Problems
Unfortunately, the Sandman is a mythical character, and sleep problems are very real. Sleep disturbances are a common concern expressed by many parents and caregivers of people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis. More than 80% of people with ASD have experienced sleep difficulties in their lifetime. Sleep deprivation can affect many aspects of…
Show Me the Data
Close your eyes and think of a behavior youād like to see change in some way. It can be something youād like to see increase or decrease. It can be something that your child, student, partner, friend, or even you do. Have you thought of something yet? Great! Hold on to that for a minute….