Discrete Trial Training

My 3 year old son was just diagnosed PDD-NOS, and we are anxious to
get his therapy started. Looking for therapists in the Richmond area.
Thank you,
Kim

We are looking for a VBABA therapist willing to work with us.We are
located in North Wilmington, DE-19810.(20 minutes from Commodore
Barry Bridge). We are currently working with a consultant and
looking to form a team in conjunction with parents.

Hi,
I am looking for an ABA therapist to work with my 5 year old son in
Columbia, MD. We have been doing ABA since my son was two and are
looking for another person to join our team. My son is high functioning
and is working on advanced ABA programs. Please contact me if you are
interested.
Thanks so much,
Linda Miller

Hello,
As a third year doctoral student in Fairleigh Dickinson's Clinical
Psychology Ph.D. program, I am seeking the opportunity to do Applied
Behavior Analysis in the New York or New Jersey area. I have
experience working individually and in group settings with children
diagnosed with ADHD, severe emotional/behavioral disturbances, PDD,
and Autism. If interested, please respond to the following email
address: TanyaA77@...
Thanks much,
Tanya Atamanoff, M.A.

Angie,
The prior written notice should say something like "...the action proposed
by the school division is proposed because of

We had our IEP meeting last night and the school wants to:
1. Eliminate the Autism ABA consultant hours from 2 hours per month
to 0.
2. 50% reduction in direct one on one services provided by the
Special Education Teacher.
3. 75% reduction in Teaching Team Meetings w/ parent from 4 times a
month to 1 time per month, with NO consultant!!
4. Replacing current Autism Consultant with a team of professionals
with no clinical application experience in Applied Behavioral
Analysis and they will be available by phone!!
5. Refusal to work a "transitional period" from current consultant
to "team"
6. 50% reduction in OT services from 30 min per week to 15 minutes
per week.
7. Refusal to consider OT during ESY based on regression of fine
motor skills last year.
Even though the test scores indicate that he's still 2 years delayed
across the board on Language, Social Skills, Adaptive Behavior.
So nothing has changed, they just "feel" like Logan is doing so well
that they can reduce his services and he'll do just fine. OH MY
GOD!!!
We left them with a letter asking for Prior Written Notice
explaining how they arrived at their decisions. They acted like
they'd never in their life ever heard of this. They told us that the
IEP meeting was our written notice and they're not obligated to
provide this notice since they are not changing his "identification,
evaluation, or educational placement". We went on to read where it
says "OR the provision of fape to a student."
It's on the FRONT PAGE of Explanation of Procedural Safeguards that
they give to us everytime we have a meeting explaining what this
means. I pulled it out and read it to them.
When the school proposes to change the provision of a free,
appropriate public education to a student;
The written notice must be provided at least 10 days prior to the
proposed or refused action and must include:
1. A description of the action proposed or refused by the district,
an explanation of why the school proposes to take action, and a
description of any other options the district considered and the
reasons why those options were rejected
2. A description of each evaluation procedure, test, record, or
report the district used as a basis for the proposed or refused
action;
3. A description of any other factors which are relevant to the
district's proposal or refusal.
Now, at the IEP meeting we kept saying, what has changed since last
week? Where's the data to support your position?
They said "We have the data to back it up." I said "Great, go
get it." They didn't want to go over it at the meeting to show us.
So I feel like now, they're going to be making up some bullshit data
to support what they want to do but I won't believe anything they
show me now, because why couldn't they come up with it last night?
This is such a nightmare.
Anyway, He's got the same summer services as he had last year so at
least that's off my mind. They wanted to cut THAT in half also, but
we pitched a HUGE fit and told them we would file for due process to
enact the "stay-put" provision which says his current IEP stays in
effect until a new one can be agreed on. So, they caved on that, but
they reduced all the other stuff.
My questions are:
1. We're right on the PWN correct? They really don't believe
they're obligated to provide it, that the IEP is our written notice.
(They never answered our questions about "Why" in writing!!)
2. We left this with them last night, so the IEP goes into effect in
10 days unless we file for due process. How long do they have to
give us the notice?
Thanks so much everyone!! You are all so wonderful!!!
Angie

Okay, the Principle told us today that the IEP we took home last
night was the IEP that would go into effect in 10 days unless we
filed for due process. Which is true in IL.
However, they are telling us that the letter we left them last night
requesting PWN on all decisions that we did not agree with. They
told us that the IEP was their PWN and everything listed on it was
considered at the IEP meeting. They discussed it with us, and they
don't have to put it in writing because they already did that by way
of the IEP. They further told us that asking for the data would be
considered "disclosure" and they are not obligated to provided that
until 5 days prior to the hearing.
I'm so confused! I thought PWN was for the parents to have time to
review the same data that was used in making their recommendations as
well as providing a written response as to WHY? They said it was
data, but they didn't want to go into all that at the IEP meeting
last night because it was too time consuming, but they had the data
and would provide it to us 5 days before the hearing.
What is going on here? Anyone?
Thanks, Angie

Does anyone know of an experienced VB consultant that works in or around
Biloxi, Mississippi? If not, someone relatively close to this area? I am
looking for some one who is interested in managing my little guys home
program. His school is looking to hire a consultant as well. He will be
going into 1st grade and the main focus on his IEP is language and social
skills. He is doing great with the academic goals.
Any help or direction would be greatly appreciated. I will be out of town
this next week but will respond to any posts as soon as I can.
Thanks,
Kim

Please join us at our next LA FEAT Meeting June 14. Two LA FEAT board
member families will be sharing videos of their children in Applied
Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Programs. We will also be showing the Prime
Time Special on autism that highlights ABA Therapy. There will be a
question and answer period on ABA Programs and obtaining services for
an autistic child. All are welcome!
Meeting time and location:
Monday, June 14
7:00-9:00 p.m.
First Lutheran Church
Fellowship Hall
1100 N. Poinsettia Ave
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Agenda
7-7:45 -- Video Presentations -- Marlene McNeill & Chris Thomas,
Laura & Aaron Knapp
7:45-8:15pm -- Prime Time Special
8:15-9:00pm -- Questions and Answers -- obtaining services for an
autistic child -- LA FEAT Board
Please note: Meeting will begin promptly at 7:00pm.
If you have a suggestion for a meeting topic, or would like more
information, please email lafeat@... or call toll free 1-866-
4LAFEAT.
LA FEAT was founded by parents of autistic children. We are a non-
profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to helping families obtain
quality, effective autism therapies. LA FEAT emphasizes the
importance of research based, data driven treatment for Autism
Spectrum Disorders. We endorse Applied Behavioral Analysis as the
most effective treatment available. Current clinical research shows
that nearly half of all young children with autism treated by an in-
home intensive behavioral program achieve normal intellectual and
educational functioning by the first grade. Even if they do not
achieve normal functioning, nearly all children with autism benefit
from intensive, one-on-one training programs. LA FEAT recommends that
families carefully research treatment options and providers. We are
here to support families in this journey. Join us!

I'm so excited. I just found out this morning that I finally got a Medicaid
waiver. If anyone else has one of these please email me off-list. I want to
find out all that it entails.
Thanks
Penny

Hi- please forgive the crosspost. I am getting my dtr's VB program back up and
running after a lengthy "vacation" in the medical world. We had a good program
running and were seeing alot of progress but we are now between therapists and
have finished probing all maintenance work and are setting up to begin again. I
have two immediate concerns.
#1 I want to start with 50 or so picture cards that she can recognize already
receptively, tact, and knows by function (not features yet). How have you all
gone about labelling and taking data with these cards for each of these areas?
Do you use 4 cards of the same picture? Do you put sticky notes on the back of
each picture with functions, features etc? and if so how do you then take the
data?
#2 this leads to my second question which is this. Previously we had been set up
with a simple program (my dtr has Down Syndrome as well as autism so we don't
move quite as quickly as many of you may). And we used prompt level sheets to
track data. Our recent CBA tells me VB programs now often use a simple yes/no
data tracking system- simply putting the correct answers in one pile and the
incorrect in the others. I just watched my video from Sara's mom again yesterday
for inspiration; I know I can get thru several "conversations" including tact,
functions, etc. etc. but I am clueless as to how to take the data. Do I have to
remember the response to 30 completely different trials in my head? Do I need a
bigger head?
I'd appreciate any input. I'm making up the cards again (we've been looking at
the same cards for soooooooo many years and I want to get the materials set so
that we don't grow out of them right away.I don't suppose that language Builder
set of cards is still for sale??
If anyone is out there this weekend and has an answer or suggestion please copy
me directly also as I am on digest. Thank you so very much.
Sherry
gldcst@...

Hi, I found a really fun way to teach skills that kids love. Nickjr has a
website with online learning games such as blues clues, dora, bob the builder
and little bear. They are all online flash games. Lots of learning involved
especially if you make it more interactive by being in control of the mouse
key, getting mands, intraverbals and learning skills (colors, counting etc. ).
There is even coloring pages. _http://www.nickjr.com/_
(http://www.nickjr.com/)
Another fun website is for Captain Underpants kids. The one child I work
with just turned 6 and loves for me to read the comic strip part of the book.
Its action packed with a principal who flies in his underware and saves the
day from evil villians (like professor poopy pants)There is an interactive
website with flashgames and printouts at pilkey.com Have a great day :)
Christy J.

Hello.
I am new to this group. My son Jimmy, who was not diagnosed with PDD until
he was 8, is now 10 years old. We have a consulting visit scheduled with
Dr. John McEachin in approximately one week.
If you have worked with him or know of his work, will you please share what
you know with me? Thank you in advance.

Good afternoon,
Do you have a copy of RDI program video (VHS format) that you're willing
to sell? If so e-mail privately at forough@.... Thank you
very much in advance.
Sincerely,
AF

Facts:
Current IEP has
1 hour meetings w/ educational team (including parent) and autism
consultant 2 X per month.
1/2 hour meetings w/ educational team (including parent) 2 X per
month.
So each week I've been involved in meetings
discussing/evaluating/reviewing/revising his ABA program. We wait
for the consultant to come to the meetings every other week when we
have big issues that come up. This system has worked so well and my
son's really done well in KDG this year, the team is all on the same
page using ABA methodology in teaching him.
We just came from the IEP meeting last night. Our current IEP
expires today and after a 4 hour meeting the team didn't complete a
new IEP so another meeting is scheduled for next Tuesday. Question
1: Do I need to get an extension on his current IEP? He has ESY
services and his IEP calls for 5 hours per day of ABA but it's only
listed for the dates last summer and Christmas and Spring Break.
There will be two days he will not have an IEP in place because
Friday and Tuesday there is no school.
Question 2: The school has decided to cut my son's one on one time
with the Special Ed teacher from 1 hour per day to 1/2 hour per day.
AND
They have decided to fire the consultant and bring in someone from
the local "Autism Team". The only person who's qualified to attend
these meetings from the "Autism Team" can't, so they want to put
that the consultant will attend as needed, because they can't
guarantee that she'll be able to make every meeting even once a
month!?!
Also they want to cut the meeting time with the parent from every
week, to once a month and even then, they can't guarantee the
consultant will be there!!!
I should add that the team agrees that although my son has made
progress compared to himself, he has NOT closed the gap on himself
and his peers, he's still 24 months delayed in communication, verbal
reasoning, daily living skills, socialization skills and pragmatic
language!!! Nothing has changed there, so what's their basis for
making this decision? The Principle told us at the meeting that "We
are spending way to much money. The teachers need overtime to attend
the meetings, we have to pay the consultant, and we spend way more on
your son than we do on any other child." At which point someone on
the team interupted and stopped that conversation and they went in
another direction of course.
So, Question 2 is: Isn't that a drastic reduction in services when
tests scores show he's still 2 standard deviations below the mean????
Thanks as always everyone!!!~

RDI Video by Steve Gustein, used twice. Paid $125.00. Sell $85.00
Please e-mail privately.

Hello To Everyone,
I am looking to join a team to implement ABA-NET-VB-DTT. I have 12 years
experience because I love children and really believe in bringing a child to
become indistinguishable. I understand what it is like to have a home program
and
work all waking moments of the child's day because I am a mother of a child who
is recovered. I have great references.
I live in the Tri-State region of R.I., Mass., Ct. If you are just looking
for someone only for the summer I am available as well. I have trained with the
best behavior analysts and have a desire to see another child reach his or
her fullest potential.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Warm Regards,
Sue
Hope4Autism@...

FEAT North Texas presents the ABC's of ABA Saturday June 26th. Go to
www.featnt.org for registration information. Registration is now open.

Have any of you tried the Oelwein reading method and have any comments on it?
Thank you.

July 26 & 27
Overview-Teaching Verbal Behavior in the Classroom
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 langauge deficits. Reasearch
has demonstrated that the application of these principles leads to
the development of functional communication skills, reduction in
problem behavior and increase in social initiations.
This workshop will illustrate through extensive use of video how the
principles of ABA that empahsize the teaching of verbal behavior are
being applied effectively in classroom settings to teach children
with autism language and other important skills.
Presented by Thomas M. Caffrey M.Ed.
Mr. Caffrey completed his Masters degree in education from Georgian
Court College, where he was awarded the Project of Distinction for
his work on training paraprofessionals to work with children with
autism.
Cost:
Districts: $165.00
Nonmember: $175.00
To register:
All CLIU member school districts must register through CPE Tracker
at www.cpetracker.org. Nonmembers need to complete a registration
form available on the CLIU website at www.cliu.org. Please submit
registration form along with payment.
Location:
CLIU 21
4750 Orchard Road
Schnecksville, PA 18078
For information please contact Joan Denney at (610) 769-1201 or E-
mail denneyj@...

Hi,
Sameer, my son is 4.5 years old and is non-verbal for the past two
years.
He had upto 30 words till the age of 2 1/2 years, then he
regressed.
We are giving him
1. Homeopathy treatment (one dose in 6 weeks...by Homeopathic doctor)
2. B-12 shots
3. Brain-child-nutritionals(Spectrum support I & II)
4. Fish-oil
5. Co-enzyme q-10 (2 through 5 by DAN doctor)
I met with a gentleman whose son is 9 years old and is non-verbal
(autistic).
His son was normal, speaking upto 30 words etc till the age of 2
1/2years then he regressed (he used the term late onset). Since then
he has been non-verbal.
He gave me the news at 10:00pm tonight, since then I was not able to
hold my tears. I just cannot imagine my son being non-verbal at 9
years.
What I would like to know if any body else is in similar situation
and what they have been doing.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Khaleel
khaleel_pa@y...

PDP's and CEU's are pending approval!
POAC of Massachusetts is proud to announce a Three Day Workshop,
Introduction to Verbal Behavior, presented by Dr Vincent J. Carbone Ed.D
BCBA from June 10th - 12th at Merrimack College in North Andover, MA.
At POAC of Massachusetts, we provide grants to full-time college students
majoring in special education or a related field to attend the workshops
that we sponsor. Students must fill out the online form at
www.poac.net/PipelineForm.htm
Workshop Details:
Title: Introduction to Verbal Behavior June 10th - June 12th, 2004
Registration Form:
http://www.verbalbehaviornetwork.com/Registration%20Forms/IntroToVB_6_10_04.
pdf
Directions to Merrimack College: http://www.merrimack.edu/generator.php?id=5
Address: 315 Turnpike Street North Andover, Massachusetts
Workshop #1 Introduction to Verbal Behavior description: Dr Carbone will
describe the behavioral approach to teaching communication skills to
children with autism and other developmental disabilities. This approach is
based on B. F. Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior and the research of
Michael, Sundberg, Partington, and others. Participants in this workshop
will learn [1] to conduct a Behavioral Language Assessment, [2] to select
the most appropriate form of communication for a child or adult (vocal,
signing, pointing to or exchanging pictures, or activating an augmentative
device), and [3] to select the communication responses and supporting skills
that should be taught first. The workshop will include the recommended
teaching procedures for children who have no formal communication skills to
children who are near conversational speakers. The presenter will also
describe and demonstrate errorless teaching, specific quick-transfer
(prompting and fading) procedures, and the use of both discrete trial
training in the natural environment and during intensive teaching sessions.
Many videotape demonstrations will be provided to illustrate the methods to
increase spontaneous language and to develop conversational skills.
Presenter: Dr. Vincent J. Carbone is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with
over 25 years of experience designing learning environments for persons with
autism and development disabilities. He received his graduate training in
applied behavior analysis at Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa. He has
served on the Florida Peer Review Committee, which monitors and guides the
provision of behavior analysis services for persons with autism and related
developmental disabilities in Florida. He has served as an adjunct faculty
member at Penn State University and Florida Institute of Technology teaching
courses in Applied Behavior Analysis and Verbal Behavior. His behavior
analytic research has been published in several peer-reviewed journals
including School Application of Learning Theory, Education and Treatment of
Children and Journal of Special Education Technology. He is a frequent
invited speaker at professional workshops and conferences. Within recent
years he has presented invited addresses on the application of B.F.
Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior at state chapters of the Association
for Behavior Analysis in both Texas and Alabama. He regularly presents his
verbal behavior research at the Florida Association for Behavior Analysis
and the International Association for Behavior Analysis annual conferences.
He has provided the preparatory training and clinical consultation to
hundreds of Certified Behavior Analysts in several states. His research and
clinical expertise focuses predominantly on the design and implementation
of teaching programs for persons with autism with special emphasis upon
teaching verbal behavior to the most difficult to instruct learners. He is
the developer and presenter of a series of workshops on teaching verbal
behavior to children with autism based upon B.F. Skinner's analysis of
verbal behavior. He and his group of associates are currently working with
several school districts, agencies and families throughout the United States
and is presently providing services to persons in Canada and the United
Kingdom. He is the director of a center-based clinic for children with
autism in Rockland County, N.Y. The clinic provides consultation, training
and therapeutic services to children , their families and instructional
teams.
Additional Information: Please visit our website for additional information
at www.poac.net/ma and/or contact me using the information below:
Thank you very much,
Kevin Richards
President
POAC of Massachusetts
(Parents of Autistic Children)
Making a difference...now!
781.475.2762
http://www.poac.net/ma
kmrichards@...

I would echo Mary's response. Our daughter started with sign language two years
ago and developed about 50 signs before she began to vocalize. She now has
easily understandable speech and a vocabulary of over 500 words. She still signs
occasionally for emphasis if we do not answer her immediately. We started with
everyone on the team and in the house using sign language, bought a few
children's books with the sign for each item in addition to the printed word. I
can also recommend "Talking Hands" a children's video with signs in it. Our
daughter still watchs it from time to time and has learned other words besides
the sign being taught. Sign language is promptable and visual. I would also
suggest a site www.simplifiedsigns.org . It has some signs which require less
fine motor skill. We even simplified some of these in the beginning till her
hands were more practiced at the signs.
Mary Elizabeth

I was just curious how many parents of children with Apraxia are using sign
language and how they are doing with it. Presently, I am working with a
little guy who is said to have apraxia. The SLP says that because of the
Apraxia,
he has trouble with motor planning with sign. From what I see, he is able to
maneuver a car seatbelt and puzzles really well so he should be able to
maneuver his hands just as well. I went to the Carbone workshop a few years
back
and he said that just about anyone can sign. I would appreciate any
advice.Thanks, Christy J.

The Nexus School, a private academic school (PA State licensure pending),
will be opening in Huntingdon Valley, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania in
September 2004. The school will initially have two classrooms. There will
be a heavy emphasis on RDI (Relationship Development Intervention -
www.rdiconnect.com for more information).
One classroom will consist of children who are at the end of the ABLLS
Curriculum and will continue their development in language and academic
areas, as well as social development. The age range is 8 to10.
The second classroom will consist of intermediate learners focusing on
increasing their language utilizing the ABLLS Curriculum and with an
emphasis on Verbal Behavior. RDI techniques will be integrated for social
development. The age range is 7-9.
Each classroom will have two teachers and four children. There will also be
two Behavior Consultants, a Certified RDI Specialist, Occupational Therapist
(including sensory integration therapy), and Speech and Language
Pathologist.
Nexus School is now taking applications to fill these two classrooms for
Fall 2004. The application deadline is June 4th. Applications will be
processed as received. If you would like additional information and/or an
application, please email Valerie Stone at VStone@....

"Language Targets to Teach a Child to Communicate" is back from
the printer and ready for shipping.
Here are some pages from the book
http://www.talkingwords.com/languagetargets/index.html
The table of contents lists the 190 categories that contain over 5,000
language
targets to use when teaching a child language.
Please let me know if you have any questions about the new book.
Thank You
Diana Luckevich
TalkingWords, Inc.
diana@...

If you missed the documentary last Tuesday entitled Autism: Time is Brain
you can view it from the WPSX website by clicking on this link or by pasting
the entire address into your internet browser address bar.
http://media2.cac.psu.edu:8080/ramgen/media2/takenotelive/TakeNoteLive200405
18.rm
This will bring up a RealPlayer window which lets you view the entire show.
If you have problems, you can contact me directly at:
camazine@...
Scott Camazine

Hi! We are looking for ABA/VB therapist for my son Andrew, who is
four and has been diagnosed with ASD. We live in Bucks County, PA.
Andrew attends day care during the day and receives services from
BCIU. He has made a lot of progresses since he was diagnosed a year
ago. However, he still doesn't talk well. We would like to get an
ABA/VB therapist to work with him in our home after school for
serveral hours a week. We can be reached through email or 215-369-
9438.

Hi All,
One of my friends at school would like to buy B.F. Skinner's autograph for her
boyfriend as a graduation gift. This guy is a huge fan of Skinner. Can anyone
help me find one?
Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.
-Kim
Mom to Cady 9 asd, Hayley 7 asd, and Corey 5 as

Please contact me directly regarding this - ABAqueen1@...
Set of Language Builder cards for sale - $100. The cards were barely used
and are in very good shape.

Position Available: Tutor (see attached job description)
Starting Date: July 01, 2004
Job Location: Winston-Salem, NC
Contact: selene.johnson@...
336.813.5618
The Applied Behavior Analysis Center of North Carolina (ABC of NC)
is currently seeking enthusiastic, reliable, energetic, responsible
individuals to work and play with children diagnosed with Autism
Spectrum Disorder using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis
(ABA). Positions are available in our new center-based program
opening in August, 2004, in Winston-Salem, NC. Openings include
full and part-time positions.
ABC of NC offers not only competitive salaries, career development
potential, and excellent benefits (for full time employees), but
also the opportunity to effect change in the lives of children with
special needs. ABC of NC provides fully paid, in-house training,
internal promotions, and generous time off.
We celebrate diversity at ABC of NC. The center admits students of
any race, religion, color and national or ethnic origin. The center
employs qualified persons of any race, religion, color and national
or ethnic origin.
ABC of NC is a not-for-profit, research-based, provider of
educational and behavioral services for young children with Autism
Spectrum Disorder. The organization uses teaching methodologies
based on the principles of behavioral psychology. We employ a
variety of behavioral teaching strategies such as discrete trial
training, verbal behavior, natural environment training, Picture
Exchange Communication Systems (PECS), and fluency training.
For more information about ABC of NC, please visit our website:
www.abcofnc.org.
Interested applicants, please send resume and references to:
selene.johnson@....
Job Description
Position: Tutor
Job Summary:
Provide 1:1 teaching for children with Autism Spectrum
Disorder (ASD) using principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Key Responsibilities:
Provides 1:1 teaching for children with ASD using principles
of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Uses curriculum and methodologies/ strategies as outlined by
client's team members/ consultant to teach a variety of skills
types, such as play skills, social skills, communication skills,
and self-help skills
Promotes client morale through positive and effective
communication skills training
Recognizes areas of need/ potential areas of change within
clients' programs and opens discussion/ offers suggestions as to
potential methodological changes
Uses curriculum and methodologies to ensure that child
learns quickly and accurately
Ensures child's physical safety
Job Requirements:
Provides 1:1 teaching for children with ASD using principles
of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Collects data during teaching
Helps with care, development and organization of teaching
materials, toys and supplies
Attends and participates in team meetings and workshops to
discuss individual clients' programs
May serve as school aid and travel to child's school or peer
group
Physical Requirements:
Must be able to work indoors and outdoors
Must be comfortable getting wet/dirty
Must be able to sit on floor/ground and move easily in this
capacity
Must be able to lift 2-6 year old child
Must be able to teach and assist with toileting skills
Must be able to perform the following gross motor activities:
o Climbing (e.g. upon playground equipment)
o Bending (e.g. to assist child with writing)
o Squatting (e.g. to assist child in putting on shoes)
o Running (e.g. running through a sprinkler with child)
o Carrying (e.g. teaching materials, toys, art supplies)
Must be able to perform the following fine motor activities
easily:
o Manipulation of teaching materials
o Assisting in children's art projects (e.g. cutting, gluing)
o Writing and graphing data
Minimum Qualifications:
High school degree; prefer college education.
Pass a criminal background check
Must be fun, upbeat, energetic and creative
Ideal candidate will possess knowledge of Applied Behavior
Analysis and have experience within the field

Hello All -
We are looking for an aide for my 8 year old, Dominic. We would ideally like
someone who could work with him over the summer and then in the fall help
in his third grade classroom. He attends Canton Charter Academy. It is at Ford
and Ridge Roads in Canton, Michigan. It is about 20 minutes from Eastern
and Univ. of Michigan.
As a little background, Dominic is 7 years old (8 in March) he has been
attending regular ed school since kindergarten with an aide. He is a delightful
boy, very high functioning and did very well last year but will still need the
extra support (at least at teh beginning) of next year.
Full or part time hours available. If you are interested please give us a call
and we can discuss more details! Feel free to forward this message. My
number at home is: 734-623-0222. If you don't reach me there you can try my
mobile: 734-657-1815.
Thanks -
Kristine Gillespie

Let me share with you something from my son. He was just 13 when he wrote
this. Alex also has severe language issues - this was part of a radio
interview that was done - it was done with the aid of his computer and
talking software so the "conversation" was not a spoken one, it was a
written one with written questions and written answers (though the
interviewer was here in our house with him giving him the written questions
and recording his answers).
Autism the boy is Alex Bain.
Autism is happy and sad.
I like Autism.
Autism makes me different from my friends.
That's OK.
to hear the full interview, go to http://pei.cbc.ca/GreatKids/alexbain.htm
For background on the contest, the reason the interview was done -
http://www.isn.net/~jypsy/greatkids.htm
-jypsy

Hi all,
The National Autism Conference at Penn State Univeristy is August 2-6. I am
amazed how many great speakers there are this year...Catherine Maurice,
Vincent Carbone, Tristram Smith, Michelle Winner, Sheila Wagner, Brian Iwata,
and
Andy Bondy to name just a few!!
Anyway, I also wanted to mention that PA parents of Children with autism can
attend for FREE! Parents from other States are $50 for one day or the whole
week. Day Care is also provided with pre-registration.
Go to the web site: www.outreach.psu.edu/C&I/autism for more info and/or to
register.
Hope to see you all there!
Mary Barbera

Hi,
I was wondering if anyone has heard or used the PROMPT method with children with
autism. Would appreciate any feedback, good or bad...
Please e-mail me privately.
Thanks,
Prue

Hello Everyone,
We have recently moved to Lima,Ohio and are looking for a good consultant.
Major cities we live near are Columbus, Dayton, Toledo, Ft.Wayne,IN and
Detroit, MI. Any help would be much appreciated including the consultants
contact info. Thanks,
Trina

This Saturday FEAT North Texas presents a program meeting on RDI(
relationship developement intervention). The meeting is free and open to the
public. go
go www.featnt.org

I'm trying to find out where you apply for an NPA(non public agency) in
California. Some school disricts will only pay a consultant who has
this. Please respond privately.
Thanks,
Linda

We are an American family living in Geneva, Switzerland. We are
looking for a therapist to work with our 5 year old son, Jacob, as a
shadow at school and as a therapist in our home program. We would
like a mid-August starting date and a commitment through June 2005.
We offer roundtrip airfare, salary, room and board. We hope to find
an enthusiastic, experienced ABA therapist that can share his/her
expertise and help further Jacob's program. If you would like more
detailed information, please email me at jacobswell99@...
I look forward to hearing from you,
Sharon

it is also not about being politically correct as I so wrongly implied
with my closing statement
"The ever so rarely politically correct but working on it,
Jennica"
it is about respect, and dignity...
uuuuugggghhhhhhh this advocacy stuff is Tough!!!
good thing I have another 8 months of formal training...
I need it!
JEnnica

Unfortunately, we have had to cancel the SAFE Angel of Autism conference for
Friday, May 14 and Saturday, May 15 at Genetti's Best Western in Wilkes-Barre,
PA.
However, the good news is that we are rescheduling it for Friday, October 1
and Saturday, October 2 at the same location.
We are working with all involved to ensure that the conference in October
will flow smoothly and provide you with quality information and topics.
I sincerely apologize for the late notice and the cancellation. There were
unfortunate circumstances beyond our control that made this change necessary.
We will be issuing a new brochure to reflect the changed date and other
information that may be different for the October conference. In the meantime,
check autismsafe.org for any updates.
Thanks for your patience! We hope to see you in October!
Sincerely,
Jacky Martin
Conference Coordinator

We are eagerly recruiting additional team members for our son's
emerging in-home VB program. This program is fresh, based on quality
interactions, and focused centrally on an adorable 25-month-old
little boy! These openings are for experienced VB therapists or SLPs
looking to work with a well-organized, educated, and involved family.
We are looking for individuals who are: college graduates or
students, energetic, dedicated, passionate about working with young
kids with Autism, and experienced in ABA / VB programs. Pay is
competitive based upon experience and desire to learn, grow, and
drive one's self towards best practice. We are willing to train
interested parties in VB. We live in the Naperville/Aurora area
(Chicagoland). Training and support from behavior consultant and lead
therapist is provided.
Please contact me directly at:
carriedunsmore@...
Thank you,
Carrie

I just heard the devastating news that after a year-long battle with lung
cancer, Dr. John Jacobson has passed away.
Dr. Jacobson will always have a special place in my heart and will be
remembered fondly by my family here in Ontario, and also by countless
individuals across Canada, the US and around the world whose lives he has
touched either directly or indirectly by his outstanding contributions to
the world of autism.
While Dr. Jacobson was one of the most highly respected scientists and
clinicians in his field, he never forgot about the human side of autism,
dedicating his time, effort and expertise to advocating for the need for
evidence-based treatment for people of all ages afflicted by autism.
As many of you may know, Dr. Jacobson served as an expert witness in my
family¹s lawsuit against the Ontario provincial government. After having
heard his testimony, I know that his memory will live on forever, on the
lips of every child with autism who utters his first word, and in the tears
of joy shed by these children¹s parents.
Bobby Newman wrote a book entitled "When Everybody Cares". Dr. Jacobson
personifies this title, demonstrating that mountains can be moved, and that
David really does have a shot against Goliath when people like Dr. Jacobson
make a difference, fighting for what is right and what is good.
Brenda Deskin

Hi,
I am new. I have a 9 year old boy, and I am a homeschooler. We use a
AVB program. I am frustrated because we have been working on Number
ID for about 3 months, and we don't seem to make progress. I need
some ideas.
The problem:
* He can verbally name numbers 1-11, 95% accuracy (calls 9 eight,
sometimes)and could about 4 or 5 months ago.
* He had a lot of trouble with the teens... basically 13 and 14 sound
the same when he names them. 15 is "fiveteen". Fine with the rest.
* We moved on to the twenties, and he could ID them very quickly,
but...
NOW he calls all the numbers "twenty____" for example, 3 is twenty
three, 18 is twenty eight... AND, 12 is twenty!
What we have tried:
* Receptive ID, giving, for example, 6, 16, 26... He still is very
random at this (about 60%)
* Sorting number families - digits, teens, twenties - 100% No problem
with this!!!
Any ideas? He hates numbers, it took him for ever to be able to
rembember the digit numbers, and now is able to match up to 4 or 5
objects to the number, so I am very happy he is making progress in
that respect.
Thanks in advance!!!!
Coral

Hi,
I was wondering if anyone knows of, or is doing ABA/AVB/Discrete
Trial Training with children diagnosed with any of the following
disorders/syndromes and their results:
1. Angelman Syndrome
2. Prader - Willy Syndrome
3. Williams Syndrome
4. Down Syndrome
5. Rett Syndrome
Thank you,
Dianne

We will be attending a wedding in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 30, and need an
ASD-savvy babysitter for a few hours. Our son will be 7 in July, is diagnosed
PDD/NOS, is quite verbal, and does not have behavior problems.
In another city, we were able to get excellent leads on babysitters from a
local autism support center. However, we've been unable to find such a center in
Las Vegas by Googling (Reno yes, LV no).
If you have any suggestions on either whom to ask, or on babysitters or
services, we'd love to hear them. Thanks!
Dan and Carole

URGENT ACTION ALERT!
preserveIDEA@...
IDEA Rapid Response Network (RRN)
Action Alert #A12 May 4, 2004
Action Alert #A11 has been very successful; the Senate has received hundreds of
letters from
parents telling Congress that enforcement is key to IDEA and that the current
lack of enforcement
and compliance hurts our children.
We write again to urge you to keep these letters pouring in. There are rumors
on the Hill that
officials from the State of Washington are pushing the National Governors
Association agenda to
relieve states of enforcement requirements. So it's especially important that
parents and
advocates who know examples from WASHINGTON STATE write to Senators Maria
Cantwell and Patty Murray
as well as to Senator Ted Kennedy of the HELP Committee to let them know how
important enforcement
is to families.
IT IS CRITICAL THAT PARENTS' VOICES BE HEARD IN WASHINGTON. The Senators can
use the examples we
send in our letters in their floor speeches when the Senate debates S. 1248.
ACTION NEEDED:
Write a letter to say that THERE MUST BE STRONG AND EFFECTIVE MONITORING AND
ENFORCEMENT OF IDEA BY
THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, and there should be NO AMENDMENTS TO THE ATTORNEY FEES
PROVISION.
Each story should start with "WHY ENFORCEMENT OF THE IDEA IS NECESSARY."
Tell your child's story. If you have had to use an attorney, include how that
came about, how your
concerns were resolved and through what means, and why it is important to keep
the current attorney
fees provisions.
Send faxed or emailed letters to Senator Ted Kennedy.
Sen. Edward M. Kennedy
Fax: 202-224-2417
Email: connie_garner@...
Letters to Senators from the state of Washington should also be sent to:
Sen. Maria Cantwell
Fax: 202-228-0514
Email: Use the web form at http://cantwell.senate.gov/contact/index.html
Sen. Patty Murray
Fax: 202-224-0238
Email: Use the web form at http://murray.senate.gov/email/index.cfm
Please also send a copy to preserveIDEA@... or fax to 510-841-8645. You
may also want to
copy the Senators from your own state who represent you.
LET THE SENATORS KNOW THAT IT IS AN OUTRAGE TO STRIP PARENTS OF THE LITTLE HELP
THAT IS NOW
AVAILABLE.
SCHEDULE FOR SENATE BILL 1248: The bill may come to the Senate floor at any
time, but probably not
before next week, so THERE IS STILL TIME TO WRITE.
TO JOIN THE RRN: Visit www.dredf.org and complete our online subscription form.
Earlier Briefings
can also be found on our website: www.dredf.org. We now have nearly 4000
subscribers.
WHOSE IDEA IS IT ANYWAY?
PRICE REDUCED-THE IDEA T-SHIRT: Wear a bright red IDEA and advertise your
support of special
education and civil rights for students with disabilities!
A red light-bulb face with electric hair that spells out "Individuals with
Disabilities Education
Act" and the slogan, "Whose IDEA Is It, Anyway?" White, with red DREDF logo on
left sleeve and
purple SEIU logo on right sleeve.
Heavyweight 100% cotton, U.S. made and union printed, available in Youth Large
and Adult Large and
Extra Large sizes.
Shirts are $12, plus $2.50 postage and handling. Buy 3 or more for $10 each.
We don't have the
capability to process online orders, but you can print out the order form from
our website:
http://www.dredf.org/ and send checks to DREDF, 2212 Sixth St., Berkeley, CA
94710. The order form
has an illustration of the shirt to check out also. Remember to specify
quantity and size.
We are also offering these shirts as a special thank you to individuals who
donate $100 or more for
our work.
SUPPORT DREDF: We need your support to continue our work on behalf of children
and adults with
disabilities and their families. Please add DREDF to your giving list (and
remember that a gift of
$100 or more brings you a free IDEA T-shirt. Details below).
For your convenience (but not required), our website has a form
(http://www.dredf.org/rrn/donation_form.html) you can fill out to mail along
with your
contribution. Our mailing address is:
DREDF
2212 Sixth Street
Berkeley, CA 94710
DREDF has 501(c) 3 non-profit status, and your gifts to us are fully
tax-deductible.
DREDF has been advocating for children and adults for almost 25 years as a
national law and policy
center. We were a leader in developing and ensuring the passage of the ADA, and
we have been
working continuously over the last 18 months to monitor the IDEA reauthorization
process and to
keep parents informed. We helped to organize the successful rally in Washington
in June 2003, and
our attorneys and policy analysts are working closely with members of Congress
while our Director
of Government Affairs works on the Hill to ensure that the voices of parents are
heard. In
addition, we have current projects on access to voting places and equipment,
access to healthcare
services, long-term care community-based supports, and transportation access for
people with
disabilities, as well as several international disability law initiatives.
Thanks from DREDF and the RRN Staff!

My son was approved for 5 hours of ABA, 5 hours of speech therapy, 2 1/2 hours
of OT, and 2 1/2 hours of PT by NYC. We are looking for licensed speech, OT, and
PT therapists that would be interested in working with a 6-year-old boy with
autism on Staten Island weekeday evenings and/or on Staten Isalnd or Manhattan
during the weekend. We are also looking for ABA/VB therapists who would be
interested in working on Staten Island during weekeday evenings and either on SI
and Manhattan on weekends. Child is in a full-time VB center-based program
during the day.
If interested, please, call LANA at (718) 477-6861 or (646) 831-5914 to get more
details.
Thank You.

Parents, teachers, & advocates: please take 5 minutes to call in and have your
voice counted...
May 3, 2004 National Call-In Day #2
S.O.S. Save Our Students
· Let them know that we will not allow our children to be used
as political pawns.
· Tell the Senate that children are more important than special-
interest money.
· Let them know that the families of 6.5 million children with
disabilities vote and will remember.
· The needs of children MUST come ahead of the convenience of
adults.
· Don't let them destroy IDEA!
Call your Senators 800-839-5276
Call Senator Frist 202-224-3344
Call President Bush 202-456-1111
Call Senator Kerry 202-224-2742
"May Day" - The international distress call.
Tell them "May Day, May Day. Vote NO on S.1248"
Tell them that S.1248 will hurt our children by removing short-term
goals and objectives, by allowing children with disabilities to be
removed from the classroom for non-disruptive, non-dangerous
behaviors, and by restricting the due process rights of families.
For a call-in script, go to www.spedvoters.org or
www.ourchildrenleftbehind.com.
Join the 100 disability groups, including www.tash.org, who have come
out in opposition to S.1248.
If not us, who? If not now, when?

S.A.F.E. (Supporting Autism and Families Everywhere) and The Coalition on
Autism ae pleased to announced their third annual conference to be held on
Friday, May 14 and Saturday, May 15 at Genetti's Best Western Hotel,
Wilkes-Barre,
PA.
The conference will feature such noted speakers as Sandra L. Harris PhD,
Richard Foxx PhD, Rick Kubina PhD BCBA, and Thomas M. Caffrey M.Ed.
Keynote speakers are:
Friday, May 14 Secretary Estelle B. Richman, PA Department of Public Welfare.
Saturday, May 15 Jerry Newport, subject of the full-length film "Mozart and
the Whale," a movie based on Jerry and his wife Mary, both of whom have
Asperger's Syndrome.
Friday break-outs:
The Impact of Autism on the Family--Nina Wall Cote, MSS, LSW
Relational Frame Theory--John McElwee, MS, BCBA
Siblings of Children With Autism--Sandra L. Harris, PhD
Teaching Verbal Behavior in Early Intervention--Deanne D. Saltzer, MS, CCC-SLP
Toilet Training Individuals With Autism--Richard Foxx, PhD
Building a Child's First Programming Paradigm--Juliet Burk
Sexuality, Friendship and Relationships in Adult and Teen Life--Jerry Newport
From Mom and Dad to Parent Advocate--Debra Schafer, BS
Establishing Fluency Aims for Children With Autism--Rick Kubina, PhD, BCBA
Educating and Building Awareness With First Signs--Nancy Wiseman, Brenda
Eaton, MEd, Tina Franks, BS
Parent Power: How Playfulness, Perseverance and Passion Can Shape Your
Child's Program and Success--Juliet Burk
Saturday, May 15
Estate Planning, Special Needs Trusts and Power of Attorney
Promoting Speech and Language in Children With Autism: From Theory to
Practice--Joanne Gerenser, MS, CCC-SLP
Doctors, Dentists and Haircuts--Randy Horowitz, MSEd, SAS
Verbal Behavior in the Classroom--Thomas Caffrey, MEd
Fluent Verbal Behavior--John McElwee, MS, BCBA
Project Overview: PA Initiative to Implement Verbal Behavior Classroom
Services for Children With Autism--Mary Barbera, RN, MSN, BCBA; William
Galbraith,
PhD, BCBA, Michael Miklos, MS, BCBA
Advocacy for Yourself and Others--Jerry Newport
Transfer Trials: Stimulus Control Procedures to Teach Language and Other
Skills--Michael Miklos, MS, BCBA
The Brain and Autism--What Do We Know? Thomas D. Challman, M.D.
Fees are as follows:
Parent: One Day $100 Two Days $150
Professional: 150 200
Students: 100
To register, please contact S.A.F.E. at 1-877-510-SAFE or visit our website
at www.autismsafe.com.

Workshop
TOPIC: Teaching Language and Appropriate Behaviour to Children and
Adults with Developmental Disabilities Including Autism
SPEAKER : Dr. Patrick McGreevy, Ph.D., BCBA from Orlando, Florida.
https://www.goldlearningcentre.com/index.htm
(Based on the ABA work of B.F. Skinner, Mark Sundberg, Jim Partington,
and Vince Carbone)
Simulataneous translation will be available
DATE: Monday, May 10 & Tuesday, May 11 2004
TIME: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM.
LOCATION: 6700 Trans Canada, Pointe-Claire, Montreal, Quebec
For Hotel Reservations: (514) 697-2164 (Special rates)
Hotel accommodations are not included in registration fee.
ABOUT THIS CONFERENCE:
This workshop provides an introduction to teaching language, especially
expressive language, to vocal and non-vocal children and adults with
developmental disabilities, including autism. The teaching procedures
described in this workshop are based on the principles of Applied
Behavior Analysis (ABA), along with B.F. Skinner's analysis of verbal
behavior (expressive language). Teaching procedures such as
noncontingent reinforcement, stimulus fading-in, other motivational
operations, interspersed discrete trials, errorless teaching, stimulus
control transfer, and fast paced instruction are innovative procedures,
based on the published research and teaching manuals of Jack Michael,
Mark Sundberg, Jim Partington, and Vince Carbone, that will be
described and demonstrated during this workshop.
This combination of ABA teaching procedures, Skinner's analysis of
verbal behavior, less commonly used ABA teaching procedures, and a
balance of natural environment and intensive teaching often result in
expressive language that is spontaneous, natural, fluent, and
generalized. Using these procedures children and adults often learn to
spontaneously request and describe specific items and events, work
cooperatively, and initiate and participate in conversations that
include a variety of questions and answers. Many older children and
adults, whose communication or language are limited to receptive
responses, learn to express their needs and wants for the first time.
This workshop also provides a description and demonstration of
additional ABA teaching procedures that are effective with problem
behaviors -- non-compliance, along with disruptive, stereotypic,
obsessive-compulsive, aggressive, and self-injurious behavior.
WORKSHOP AGENDA:
May 10, 2004:
1. Why behavior analysts became interested in language?
2. An introduction to Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior
3. Stimulus control transfer and joint control procedures
4. Signing vs. picture selection - topography-based vs. selection-based
verbal behavior
5. The Behavioral Language Assessment (BLA) and the Assessment of Basic
Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS)
6. A verbal behavior program from beginning to advanced
May 11, 2004:
1. Teaching procedures - noncontingent reinforcement, stimulus fading
in, other motivational operations, interspersed discrete trials,
errorless teaching, stimulus control transfer, and fast-paced
instruction
2. Natural environment and intensive teaching
3. Probe data collection
4. Data display and decision-making
5. Common problems and frequently asked questions
6. Managing problem behavior -- non-compliance, along with disruptive,
stereotypic, obsessive-compulsive, aggressive, and self-injurious
behavior
For more on Dr. McGreevy, visit www.behaviorchange.com
IF YOU WISH TO REGISTER ONLINE FOR THIS CONFERENCE, CLICK ON THE LINK
register now AT javascript:openWindow
https://www.goldlearningcentre.com/index.php?page=shop/flypage&print=1&
product_id=97&category_id=ec6f3604b04008bd44edf733cf3ed45f&PHPSESSID=74
150d2398f73f4c40dfe8541d05884b
OTHERWISE, PLEASE CALL US AT (514) 345-0210 EXT. 319

Hi Folks,
It was pointed out to me that in my last email, I used the term "Autistic Child"
instead of Child with Autism. Something I beleive is important and was always
careful about in the States.
However, since coming to Germany, my phrase "child with autism" was always
translated as "Autisticher Kinder" and I began using that term myself.
Maybe this error is a sign that I should be the first here to begin using the
term "Kinder mit Autismus"
The more we can keep a proper perspective the more other people will see the
child before the disorder.
Thanks for pointing out my error,
Robert

Kim...
I just got back from my Carbone Clinic evaluation so this one is fresh in my
mind. Of course without seeing why he's doing this... this advice is just
advice. I'm just a mom.. not a professional!
Try the count and mand procedure. When he vocalizes at the table say
something like "no gibberish (i realize that's a difficult word.. maybe you
can come up with something better.. but I am trying to avoid no talking!
how about "be quiet..." okay let's try that.) be quiet...1, 2, 3, 4, 5..
and you keep stating the request and counting until the child complies. And
then move into a reinforcing activity when the child complies.
I've seen this work very well with my son and emphasize this tact will not
be taken forever! The child will comply quicker and quicker if it is done
on a constant basis.
Dee Perkins
---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.667 / Virus Database: 429 - Release Date: 4/27/04

Ebanks, M.E., Fisher, W.W., (2003). Altering the timing of academic
prompts to treat destructive behavior maintained by escape. Journal of
Applied Behavior Analysis, 36(3), 355-359.
Following a functional analysis showing that destructive behavior was
reinforced by escape, we altered the aversiveness of task demands by
interspersing easy and difficult tasks and by presenting a corrective
prompt as an antecedent event the next time a previously failed item was
presented: this procedure was compared with one in which the corrective
prompt was provided as an immediate consequence. Results of a reversal
design showed that the antecedent prompt acted as an establishing
operation and reduced destructive behavior to zero.
<http://www.autismbehaviorconsult.com/
<http://www.autismbehaviorconsut.com/
Kristine Quinby
Behavior Consultant 6165 Mountain Laurel Court

O'Neill, R.E., Faulkner, C., and Horner, R.H. (2000). The effects of
general case training of manding responses on children with severe
disabilities. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 12(1),
43-60.
Families, applied researchers, and teachers and support providers
continue to be interested in effective strategies for teaching
generalized repertoires of communicative skills to learners with severe
disabilities. The present study assessed the effects of a general case
training procedure in establishing manding or requesting responses by
three students with severe disabilities across a range of settings and
situations. The data indicated that the general case approach was
successful in establishing generalized manding for all three students.
The limitations of the study and the implications of these results for
future research and application are disussed.
<http://www.autismbehaviorconsult.com/
<http://www.autismbehaviorconsut.com/
Kristine Quinby
Behavior Consultant 6165 Mountain Laurel Court

May 3, 2004 National Call-In Day #2
S.O.S. Save Our Students
· Let them know that we will not allow our children to be used
as political pawns.
· Tell the Senate that children are more important than special-
interest money.
· Let them know that the families of 6.5 million children with
disabilities vote and will remember.
· The needs of children MUST come ahead of the convenience of
adults.
· Don't let them destroy IDEA!
Call your Senators 800-839-5276
Call Senator Frist 202-224-3344
Call President Bush 202-456-1111
Call Senator Kerry 202-224-2742
"May Day" - The international distress call.
Tell them "May Day, May Day. Vote NO on S.1248"
Tell them that S.1248 will hurt our children by removing short-term
goals and objectives, by allowing children with disabilities to be
removed from the classroom for non-disruptive, non-dangerous
behaviors, and by restricting the due process rights of families.
For a call-in script, go to www.spedvoters.org or
www.ourchildrenleftbehind.com.
Join the 100 disability groups, including www.tash.org, who have come
out in opposition to S.1248.
If not us, who? If not now, when?

I wonder if there is one (or possibly more than one) book (or video)
that succintly explains the concepts of DTT NET philosophy (and its
differences and similarities from other Table oriented programs such
as the ABA for example).
I searched the Archives, but could not find any references.
The reason I ask is that we are interested in increasing what our
child can learn from the natural environment (he is doing the ABA/VBA
now).
We also are a dual language family and are looking for ways in which
he could understand the additional language (while not interfering
with the English only ABA/VBA program).
Comments/Suggestions/Disucssion Welcome.
Thanks

I'm wondering if anybody has any examples of self-monitoring
checklists that they have used with older children. Something that
can be used with the individual.

Dear fellow parents,
I am a mother of a 10 year old with autism, and I'm a student. I am in a
statistics class and today was given a project to work on in a group. I
suggested to the members of my group that we do a project about autism and
it was very sweet. They were totally interested. One girl said that her cousin
was just diagnosed with autism a few months ago, and another said that her
boyfriend is autistic. They all don't know very much about autism, but are now
very excited about working on this with me. I suggested that the simplest
thing that we could do would be to look at the trend of increasing autism and
we could just pick what geographic domain to look at. They wanted to do
something much more interesting. One girl said "Eh, we all know autism is
increasing. Let's look at something that will actually teach us something and
the class something too." I'm really impressed and don't want to let the group
down. My suggestion then, was to see if there is a correlation between the
number of siblings with spectrum disorders and their respective Childhood
Autism Rating Scale. This interested them and we all agreed. The problem is
that I haven't been able to find any databases with anything much more than
prevalence data.
I'm posting to this list to ask for your help. If you know your child's CARS
score, would you mind sending it to me, along with the number of siblings with
ASD (if any)? It of course needs to be anonymous, so all I need is those two
numbers (or if you have multiples, a pair of numbers for each child). We need
as many responses as we can get as soon as we can get them, because our
sample size needs to be fairly large and we need to present our data
(uninterpreted) on Monday. Please e-mail the information to me at
klevermore@.... Thank you in advance for your help.
Karla Levermore-Rich
Mom of Kaleb and Kira

Shadow for 6 Year Old with PDD Needed:
Typical Kindergarten Class
Location is Hoboken, N.J.
Position starts in September
Great Salary
For more info, contact Dina Pressel at (973)361-7507.
Thanks!

Lecture & Workshop
Be Your Child's Best Advocate and Teacher
April 24th 2004
"The Importance of Generalization: Stimulus Generalization, Response
Generalization and Maintenance of skills between school and home settings"
Date: April 24, 2004 (Saturday)
Time: 10 AM to 3 PM
Place: AHRC, 189 Wheatley Rd. Old Brookville, NY
Cost: $45.00 per person per day (includes bagel breakfast)
To register: call (718) 812-3571 or e-mail mt5296@...
For.
a.. Parents, professionals, therapists, caregivers, friends and anyone
interested in teaching children with developmental disabilities and Autism.
b.. The life enhancement for individuals with developmental disabilities and
Autism
Learn.
· The specific strategies of Applied Behavior Analysis
· Useful techniques and terminology
· To provide reinforcers successfully
· How to deal with challenging behaviors
Presented by:
BCBA = Board Certified Behavior Analysts
Bobby Newman, Ph.D., BCBA (www.room2grow.org)
Vanetta LaRosa, M.A., B.C.B.A. (vlarosa@...)

http://www.thearc.org/familyguide/

Have SRA Reading Mastery 1 (Rainbow Edition) - complete set - for sale. Please
email me privately if interested. Thanks.

April 12, 2004, a "Special Edition" of the Schafer Autism Report is issued
in the sole aim of misrepresenting and defaming Michelle Dawson. Mr Schafer
illustrates his disregard for basic courtesy and fair play by refusing to
publish Michelle Dawson's reply:
http://www.autistics.org/library/dawson-response.html (and below)
Following our long standing effort to be heard rather than silenced, the
autistic community expresses its support for the work and voices of
autistics in the following pages:
In Support of Michelle Dawson and Her Work
http://www.autistics.org/library/dawson.html
Past, Present, and Future - by A M Baggs
http://www.autistics.org/library/time.html
ABA Proponents Attack Autistics: Showing Their True Character - by Frank Klein
http://home.att.net/~ascaris1/attacking-autistics.html
Response to A Mother's Response - Connie Baker
http://www.autistics.org/library/bakerresponse.html
Critical analysis of Kit Weintraub's personal attack on Michelle Dawson,
seen on the ASAT pages - by David N. Andrews, BA-status, AEPiT (U Bham),
Applied Educational Psychologist/Psycho-educational Consultant
http://dna1fi.tripod.com/intropage/id2.html
The Sub-Human Life - from Ragged Edge Magazine - by Cal Montgomery
http://www.raggededgemagazine.com/mediacircus/leland.html
Ralph Smith - biography - by Ralph Smith
http://www.sentex.net/~nexus23/bio.html
A message from Alyric RE:consumer driven services
http://www.PlanetAutism.com/AuSpin/mdalyric.htm
Links Page - by Jane Meyerding
http://staff.washington.edu/mjane/links.html
These links and others can be found at:
Autistics Reject Disrespect and Defamation
http://www.PlanetAutism.com/AuSpin/disrespect-defamation.htm

An assistant who has been working in my classroom for several months is
interested in pursuing a position working in-home with an autistic child (or
children). She has been trained in ABA methods and has extensive childcare
experience: she has worked overseas as an aupair and governess, she has also
had a great deal of domestic in-home childcare, as well, she has been a
long-time volunteer with kindergarten and younger Special Olympics athletes.
She thoroughly enjoys working in my class (with three, 9-11 year old boys, with
autism of various functioning levels, including non-verbal ) and has eagerly
learned how ABA is applied in the classroom. She is a hard worker and good
employee. She loves to sing with the kids, tickle them and joke around. If you
know of a position or would like more information about her/ her availability
please write her at Miss.May@... or write me here. Many thanks.

The school my daughter attends is not set up to support children with
autism. Most autistic children in the district are placed in an all
autistic classroom with very little interaction with mainstream.
I want my daughter in the least restrictive environment, but they do
not have the training to educate her.
What are your suggestions?

hi,
my son is totally non-verbal.Can anyone please suggest any software
which will help in his speech?I have tried teaching him how to type
but have not been very succesful.
Also please let me know where you can find them and how much do they
cost.
thanks.
Sarmistha.

Hi,
If you're looking for good materials, you might want to check
out the ABLLS:
http://www.difflearn.com/DISPDB.ASP?action=DrillDown&cv=1&cf=&so=
Scroll down until you see Sundberg and Partington's books.
Emily

I have twin daughters who we feel are somewhere on the autistic
spectrum (not yet tested). They are 2yrs, 5mo old and are the most
important things in my life, my angel babies.
My husband and I have been doing lots of research on ABA and have
started working with the girls at home as much as possible for about
5 weeks now. We've seen lots of progress such as eye contact, gross
motor imitations, matching, ...
We would love to hire a team to work with them but resources just
don't permit it. Can anyone recommend good literature/training
manuals for parents? I have the "work in progress" book and the one
by catherine maurice. Does anyone know of a good training seminar
that's "reasonably" priced? We live in Arkansas and I haven't found
anyone who is trained in or knows about ABA.
We've also put them on a gfcf diet with little noticable
improvements. They're also on nystatin, culturelle, DMG, and
supernuthera.
Any help/advice ANYONE can give would be appreciated.

Your son is more advanced than mine, so I have not looked at those you
mentioned, but some suggestions:
1. Find out if there is an "adaptive equipment" consult team available in
your area. We home-school Jon, but utilized the services of the SPED
collaborative consult team. I believe the consultant was trained thru a
federal grant (? maybe state--we live in MA)
2. Some companies will allow you to try their product (such as DTTrainer)
for a small fee. It doesn't hurt to ask.
3. Laureate has a demo CD that is sent free of charge.
4. I also found a lending library available thru a state-run residential
school for mentally retarded adults.
5. You might be able to find software thru your public library, especially
if there are several libraries linked via a sharing network.
Marilee

Hi,
I have an 8 year old autistic son who is at least moderately affected
by his autism, tests moderately mentally impaired and has severe
apraxia. We run a vb style ABA program 30 hrs/week and my son attends
a school program that uses components from PECS and TEACH.
My son has make great gains the last several months, particularly
in the areas of reading and typing. A lot his progress has been due
to using the DTTrainer software. Since my son has done so well with
this program, I am wondering if anyone has tried any of the following programs
that are listed at Different Roads to Learning. My son skills are all
over the place but generally functions at a much younger age (3-4 years old on
average) with some lower, some higher. The TalkingWords software is
listed as a tool for using to keep track of targets and manage a vb program.
I would be interested in any feedback on these software titles and how
your child liked them, how much did they learn and at what level of
functioning your child was when they used the software. My son likes
and benefits from the DTTrainer software because it is to the point and
doesn't have a lot of "fluff" (extra words or music that my son gets lost
in and will walk/run away).
Earobics Step 1
Sound It Out Land, Phonics Adventure
My First Incredible, Amazing Dictionary
The Great Action Adventure Version 2.0
Dr. Peets Talk/Writer
SpeechTeach
Computhera
Labeling Tutor
TalkingWords
I really appreciate any help which can save be some $$$$ from ordering
software that may not be appropriate for my son at this time. Thanks!
Dave Adams

Can someone tell me if you have to have access to the internet to
use the training CD's available from ABA toolchest? I noticed on
the system requirements you must have an internet browser/Microsoft
Internet Explorer 5.0 (or higher) ?
Hopefully this isn't a dumb question ! :)
Thanks, Kim.

Office Depot & NAAR Promotes Autism Awareness
Educational Campaign Educates Customers in 900 Stores Throughout North America
26 March 2004
In honor of National Autism Awareness month in April, Office Depot, Inc., is
teaming up with the National Alliance for Autism Research for a second year to
launch an awareness campaign in Office Depot's 900 retail stores across North
America.
Office Depot's awareness program educates customers with informational
brochures and posters in the stores about autism and the need for increased
research. The program runs through the month of April.
"Despite the strikingly high prevalence and significant national interest in
autism, research remains considerably under funded," said Bruce Nelson,
Chairman and CEO of Office Depot. "We are pleased to lend our support to NAAR as
they seek to find a cure for autism and improve the quality of life for those
struggling with it."
In 2003, thanks to the support of Office Depot, other corporate sponsors and
many dedicated volunteers, NAAR committed a record $4.9 million to fund 50
pilot studies and fellowships focused on autism research â the largest
single-year autism research commitment ever made by a nongovernmental
organization.
NAARâs partnership with Office Depot is the result of the work of Dianne Orr
and Tim Paull, both Office Depot employees, parents of children with autism
and NAAR supporters. Dianne served as co-chair of the 2003 Palm Beach/Broward
Walk F.A.R. for NAAR and is serving as co-chair of the 2004 event. Last year,
Dianne and Tim worked with their colleagues at Office Depot and NAAR staff to
bring the organizations together. The 2003 promotion marked NAARâs first
national retail partnership.
As part of last yearâs campaign, Office Depot produced a video hosted by Mr.
Nelson that features employees of the company who are parents of children with
autism. The segment was used as an educational tool for store employees and
customers.
In addition, Office Depot hosted the 2003 Palm Beach/Broward Walk F.A.R. for
NAAR at the companyâs corporate headquarters in Delray Beach, FL and Mr.
Nelson served as honorary chair of the event. At the Walk, Mr. Nelson presented
NAAR with a $50,000 check.
Office Depot is a major sponsor of the Palm Beach/Broward Walk and will host
the 2004 event at their corporate headquarters for a second consecutive year.
"We are excited to be partnering with Office Depot again in 2004 with this
important initiative that educates the general public about autism spectrum
disorders," said Prisca Chen Marvin, Esq., chair of the NAAR Board of Trustees.
"We are grateful for the outstanding support Office Depot has given to NAAR as
we continue to search for answers to this devastating disorder."
Mary Wong, Office Depot's Director of Community Relations, said the company
feels strongly about supporting research and providing hope to the many
families facing autism who are looking for answers to a baffling disorder.
"For parents of children with autism, it can seem like everyday living is a
puzzle. Fortunately, NAAR is helping to find the cause and a cure for autism â
and once again this year, Office Depot is pleased to partner with this
extremely worthwhile organization," she said. "We believe strongly in the
importance
of our partnership with NAAR and are pleased to know that we are helping in
the effort to find a cure for autism."
For more information on Office Depot, or to find a store in your community,
please visit <A HREF="http://www.officedepot.com/"

Dear listmates,
I would like to thank all those who responded to my question about Low EO. I did
find some great ideas and great advice and we are implementing some of them. My
son is now manding for 5 items almost spontaneously.
Thanks again,
Bindu

The following article is a good review of some of the research that is
out there on issues such as: general case programming (using several
examples of a target during teaching), short inter-trial intervals
(quick pace of instruction), task variation (mixing tasks that are
presented and not mass trials), interspersal of new and mastered
targets, providing reinforcers that are related to the response (NET),
and time delay. I have included the abstract below. Check your local
college library for the full article or contact me for more information
on how to find this article.
Sincerely,
Kristine Quinby
<http://www.autismbehaviorconsult.com/
<http://www.autismbehaviorconsut.com/
Kristine Quinby
Behavior Consultant 6165 Mountain Laurel Court

Does anyone know of a good reading program? One targetted for children with
symptoms of dyslexia and/or auditory processing.
Thanks!
Prue

I would like to thank everyone for their suggestions regarding a good math
program for our kids,
most of you recommended either touch math or connecting math concepts from
SRA, now I have to choose one, if any therapists or parents have experienced
both of them I would like to hear which one you would recommend, thanks once
again.

I am looking for a consultant and therapist in the Norfolk area of
Virginia. My family and I will be moving to the region in Aug/Sep. I
have a just turned four, beautiful boy named Christopher dx with PPD
nos/Asperger's. Any information on services in the area would be of
help! Thank you! Sincerely
Jody Coward

A review of scholarly journals yields limited numbers of scientifically
based studies regarding reading instruction for children with autism. The
following is a website of a doctoral student who is examining reading
approaches for this population. I have merely only gone to the website and
not contacted the researcher directly to find out what she is going to do
with all of the information when it is collected. However, by participating
in this study one can only hope that more information will be collected that
will help children with autism learn the skills necessary to read. If you
feel this survey is relevant, please pass this information/link on to
special education (or even regular education) teachers who work with kids
with autism. This is a huge task, and our efforts to help will hopefully
yield some results in the area of effective reading strategies and
curricula.
HYPERLINK
"http://elearning.ou.edu/autism/NationalStudy/consentform.htm"http://elearni
ng.ou.edu/autism/NationalStudy/consentform.htm
- Leandrea Voskanian
(Graduate student and ABA therapist)
---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.644 / Virus Database: 412 - Release Date: 3/26/2004

We are french researchers and we are working about behavior analysis in
infants and children. Actually we are trying to developp ABA in France
for children with autism and behavior troubles but it is not very
easy... No formation and no center in France...We organize an
international conference about ABA in Europ and in USA. If some people
from Europ are interesting about that, I give you the web site to make
registration.
http://www.univ-lille3.fr/autisme
Thanks
Vinca RIVIERE
--
Vinca RIVIERE
Responsable DESS Psychologie de lenfance et de ladolescence
Université Lille III
Unité de Recherche sur lévolution des comportements et apprentissages
BP 149
59653 Villeneuve dAscq
France
03.20.41.68.66

Hi there,
If anyone is interested in a 2-year contract, working with a 9 year old boy,
pls email me
personally for more details.
Many thanks
Padma

I just finished reading an article in Teaching Exceptional Children March/April
2004 called, "Teaching Students with Autistic Spectrum Disorders". The author of
the article endorsed "Teaching Reading to Children with Down Sydrome: A Guide
for Parents and Teachers", by P. Oelwin. The article gives some basics about
teaching and some teaching strategies but doesn't go into much depth beyond a
few strategies. The theory focuses on visual strategies (pictures, flashcards,
etc.). I've never seen the book.
Hope this helps,
Sandra Finney :)
PS... In general, you should start with words in your child's environment. I
like to start with words which also serve as reinforcers for the child (e.g.
candy, ball, mom, dad, etc) and have them match them to pictures at first.

Hi I am from Arizona, a very dry state in more ways than one. I have
a 6 year old boy with autism. I have the one behavior analyst in the
state leading his team thank goodness. But having
qualified/adequately trained therapists is a real challenge. It is a
state very stuck in old ways and slow to change. Over that the thing
I feel even more deeply about is that I have a child who wants to
learn at light speed and there is no support for that. I look
forward to associating with like minded parents who have discovered
real ABA/AVB and the power it has to change lives.

Does anyone know about a good math program that I can use with my son, please
email me if you have had good success with any math program. Thanks.

So one of my problems with Kenzie would be taking away videos to make DTT more
reinforcing. I have been really bad and he has had open forum on whatever and
how ever many videos he wants. Kenzie likes physical play but other than that
he has no play skills. I'm interested in ideas that would keep him involved
without having to have me be a part of it all the time. I need to get things
done especially going into our busy season with our business. We have very
little space in our house. Does anyone have any ideas on what I could do to
replace the videos?
Also what should my plan of action be? Should I go cold turkey or put a timer
out and he can watch them for so long? I know this is all basic stuff that has
been discussed many times but I could still use some direction.
Thanks
Penny

For those who have started or taught sight words, how did you determine
-- Which words to teach? Is there a good list of words out there?
-- What order to teach the words in?
-- How to teach them?
Thanks very much!

Hi everyone,
Last fall I attended the Intro to VBA and Parent Workshops held by Dr
Carbone. We're presently working primarily on requesting for
information, labeling (G-23 up) and Intraverbals (H-15 up). Can
someone point me in the direction of lesson plans for the remaining
portions of our program?? Is there an ABA book that can be used
following the VBA model?
Thanks in advance.
Vicki

Autism Networks a new 501(c)3 not-for-profit orginization is proud
to bring you the following workshops:
April 13th 9pmEST "INCREASING VERBAL BEHAVIOR" (FREE)
This will be a FREE online workshop/chat brought to you in
association with TALKAUTISM.ORG
During the chat we will:
Review three of the four major communication systems (verbal,
picture exchange and sign language) Discuss the pros and cons of
each communication system enabling parents and professionals to make
better choices on which communication system