It is not uncommon for children to engage in problem behaviors in order to avoid difficult demands that are placed on them. While it is important to teach functional ways to communicate the desire to avoid a demand or activity, some demands are unavoidable and in some cases, critical to the child’s skill development. Fortunately, […]
Joint attention is recognized as one of the earliest forms of communication in young children and involves the coordinated attention, or gaze shift, between a social partner and an object or event in the environment. Children typically develop social attention between 9 and 18 months of age. Joint attention responses can be facilitated using prompting, […]
Teaching a child to make choices should be considered an important skill when teaching functional communication to individuals with ASD. Children with autism have choices made for them throughout the day. Often their day consists of following demands and instructions from others without being given the option to make a choice themselves. When we teach a […]
What is Applied Behavior Analysis? Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the science devoted to the understanding and improvement of human behavior. “Applied” is the practice of improving behaviors that will enhance a person’s life. “Behavior” is anything a person says or does that can be seen or heard. A behavioral approach uses a behavioral definition […]
Holidays are exciting times in the year that can sometimes become overwhelming for some children. Strategies for preparing children can help make transitions from daily routines to holiday breaks easier for the child. Some strategies/tools may include: visual schedules, role-playing, practicing, social stories, dietary plans and picture cards for family members. This blog will provide you with […]
Social stories are sequenced stories, usually written in the first person, with simple phrases and pictures that describe different events or activities that happen in everyday life. These stories are used to describe what happens during these events and how to appropriately respond or behave in these situations. Social stories can be developed to address […]
Pivotal Response Training (PRT) is a systematic approach to helping children use expressive language. This can begin with children who have never spoken, but is also applicable to children who have a large vocabulary. Since PRT is being used to teach expressive language, previously learned non-verbal communication systems (e.g., PECS exchange, sign language) are not […]
Engaging in non-preferred activities during the day can be a challenge for many children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can often predict that challenging behaviors will take place during certain activities like writing, the bathroom routine, or coming in from playing outside. Here are some tips on using a positive reinforcement system or token economy to turn […]
ABA of North Texas employs researched based applied behavior analysis therapy that ensures our clients have the best possible opportunities to be successful in their lives. We’re proud to serve all of North Dallas as well as all areas of Collin County. ABA of North Texas: Provides quality evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) treatment to children […]