Toolkit The purpose of this toolkit is to introduce a framework for engaging in team-based, family and student-centered autism evaluations that are data-focused and designed to identify the specific areas of educational impact to be targeted for intervention. This toolkit will progress through a series of five key steps, starting from the time a concern… Read more Optimizing the Autism Eligibility Process in Schools: A Team-Based Approach
Category: Educators
Token System – An Overview
Evidence-Based Practice Link Token boards are an intervention that incorporate reinforcement, which is an evidence-based practice for autistic students. Reinforcement is defined as “application of consequence that happens after a skill or behavior occurs that increases the learner’s use of the skill or behavior in future situation.” (Steinbrenner et al., 112). Token boards are based… Read more Token System – An Overview
Evidence-Based Practices for Autistic Students (for Educators)
What is evidence-based practice (EBP)? An intervention is an evidence-based practice when there is scientific evidence to support its claims. Evidence-based practices must be selected for implementation based on sound professional judgment, coupled with the careful review of available data, input from individuals and family members, and an honest evaluation of the educators’ capacity to… Read more Evidence-Based Practices for Autistic Students (for Educators)
Prader-Willi Syndrome Teacher Tips
Postsecondary Education for Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities
Why a Postsecondary Education? A postsecondary education can open a whole new world for people both with and without disabilities. The college experience allows one to broaden one’s interests, establish and pursue one’s goals, and form life-long friendships. In addition to a college education allowing for the possibility of a higher paying job, the social… Read more Postsecondary Education for Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities
Trauma and Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
What is trauma? Trauma is understood as experiences or situations that are emotionally painful and distressing. Trauma can overwhelm an individual’s ability to cope, leaving him or her to feel powerless. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) describe traumatic experiences in a person’s life occurring before the age of 18. Examples of traumatic events that can have… Read more Trauma and Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Token Economy (for teachers)
What is a Token Economy? Token economies are based on the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and emphasize the use of positive reinforcement to target behavior change. Token economies help students to visualize progress, accept and work for delayed reinforcement, learn to self-monitor, and learn to regulate behavior. Developing a Token Economy When developing… Read more Token Economy (for teachers)
Children and Stuttering (for parents)
What Is Stuttering? According to the Stuttering Foundation, stuttering occurs when the flow of speech is broken by repetitions (li-li-like this), prolongations (lllllike this), or abnormal stoppages (no sound) of sounds and syllables. Unusual facial and body movements amy also be associated with the effort to speak. What Causes Stuttering? While the exact causes of… Read more Children and Stuttering (for parents)
Supporting Students with Emotional or Behavioral Disorders (for teachers)
What are Emotional or Behavioral Disorders (E/BD)? The term emotional or behavioral disorders (E/BD) refers to a variety of conditions and symptoms that impair the learning, social functioning, safety, and behavioral health of children or adolescents. E/BD may occur in conjunction with a variety of other developmental disabilities, and when their presence leads to eligibility… Read more Supporting Students with Emotional or Behavioral Disorders (for teachers)
Teaching Stranger Safety Skills to Children and Adults With Disabilities
Why Do Children and Adults With Disabilities Need To Learn Safety Skills? Compared to people without disabilities, individuals with disabilities are at increased risk of experiencing abuse, being taken advantage of or bullied, and being kidnapped. It is important for individuals with disabilities to be aware of potential dangers and to learn skills that protect… Read more Teaching Stranger Safety Skills to Children and Adults With Disabilities