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The Workshop
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 introductory workshop will demonstrate through extensive use of video how the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) that emphasize the teaching of verbal behavior are being applied effectively in public schools to teach children with autism language, academics, and other important skills.
Specifically, participants will beintroduced to scientifically-based principles, procedures, and instructional recommendations that enable teachers to:
- Build rapport with their students
- Promote peer interaction and social skills
- Utilize a criterion referenced assessment (VP-MAPP) to develop appropriate IEP goals and objectives
- Teach functional communication skills to vocal and non-vocal students
- Capture and contrive motivation (Motivating Operations) and then use it to expand language repertoires
- Incorporate functional IEP goals for each student within the context of reinforcing group activities
- Transition students from natural environment teaching (NET) to structured teaching (DTT)
- Establish and maintain a high-rate (accurate and fast) student responding during structured teaching
- Teach academic skills (reading, math, etc.) using research-based curricula
- Manage problem behaviors in classroom settings
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About the speaker:
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 awarded the Project of Distinction for his work in training paraprofessionals to work with children with autism. In addition, he completed post-graduate coursework in behavior analysis at Penn State University and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (# 1-04-1820 ).
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 (http://www.abatoolchest.com). He also founded the Verbal Behavior Network (http://www.verbalbehaviornetwork.com), a collaborative web-based solution he designed to assist professionals that work with children with autism. In addition, he developed for Parents of Children with Autism (POAC) an eight-part workshop series Teaching Children with Autism in Public School Settings (http://www.poac.net).
Currently, he provides consulting services and presents workshops to schools and agencies who serve children with autism throughout the U.S. and Ireland. Mr. Caffrey specializes in teaching functional communication skills and in helping teachers to implement strategies to manage problem behaviors in public school settings.
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