Resources
Behavior Matters LLC serves children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, ages 12 months through 18 years. Each child’s treatment program is designed based upon his/her individual needs as determined by assessment.
The terminal aim of every child’s program is to “close the gap” between their current skill level and those of their typically developing peers. To meet the aim of ‘closing the gap’, a comprehensive, behavioral and education program is necessary.
Beginner Learner
Lacking all or most “Basic Learning Skills”.
The following are considered “Basic Learning Skills” because they are building block skills or skills that are needed in order for prompting to be effective and more importantly to learn from the natural environment. Attending – looking and paying attention to instructor, materials, reinforcers, “Turned into” others and the environment.
- Imitation – the ability to match others gross and fine motor actions, AND vocally (Echoics).
- Matching – the ability to match object to object, object to picture and words to objects and pictures (labeling / tacting).
- Receptive Language – the ability to understand what others say and respond non-verbally.
- Manding – the ability to ask for desired items and activities.
Intermediate Learner
At least 10 separate, instructor controlled items or activities that serve as reinforcers.
Typically cooperative in teaching situations for increased amount of time with contrived reinforcers. Able to engage socially with others, particularly adults. Initiate social interactions by looking at others, return greeting from adults. Beginning to show interest in other children.
Much improved “Basic Learning Skills”. They are able to attend for at least 3 – 7 minutes during non-preferred activities and often much longer for preferred activities. They are able to imitate most actions and words but may need a few trials. Typically quite good at matching objects and picture. Able to expressively label at least 100 common items and pictures of those items. Receptively understand at least 200 words, able to follow many simple instructions, especially within the context of routine activities and some out of context, able to learn new receptive labels in 1 – 5 trials. Manding – able to ask for most reinforcing items and activities. Able to learn new mands in 1 – 5 trials.
Advanced Learner
Many instructor controlled items or activities that serve as reinforcers.
Typically cooperative in teaching situations for increased amount of time with contrived reinforcers and social reinforcers. Able to engage socially with others, adults and children. Initiates social interactions by looking at others, initiates greetings, able to play for 10 or more minutes with typical children, independently.
Much much better, approaching typical “Basic Learning Skills”. They are able to attend for at least 15 – 20 minutes during non-preferred activities and often much longer for preferred activities. They are able to imitate most actions and words typically on the first try. Typically excellent matching objects and picture. Able to expressively label at least 250 common items and pictures of those items. Receptively understand at least 500 words, able to follow many simple instructions in and out of context, able to learn new receptive labels in 1 trial. Manding – able to ask for almost all reinforcing items and activities in varied sentences. Able to learn new mands in 1 trial.
Helpful Resources
We have a collection of the most helpful videos for parents wanting to learn more.
- All Videos
- Introduction to ABA
- Teaching Social Skills
- Teaching Communication Skills
- Applying ABA
- All Videos
- Introduction to ABA
- Teaching Social Skills
- Teaching Communication Skills
- Applying ABA