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Autism Awareness Month!
APRIL IS AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH! We salute those families and professionals who love and support individuals with autism. With last week's report that autism rates are again on the rise, we know serving this population requires acceptance, advocacy and dedicated, ongoing effort. We join our voices and support to acknowledge the many essential pieces of the journey to success for the families, professionals and caregivers we serve.
Developing Joint Attention
This month, we summarize a recent seminar we presented on Joint Attention, conducted by Jessica Dezzutti, M.Ed. Following are a few highlights from her training (see video segment to the left):
- Joint attention is one of the earliest forms of communication in children, typically developing around 14 months. Delays observed by the age of 1 year may be the first signs of autism.
- Joint attention is the coordinated attention between interacting with a social partner and also being aware of an object or event in the environment at the same time.
- Joint Attention is comprised of two main components: RESPONDING to a person's bid for attention and INITIATING joint attention (for example, continuing to play with a parent, while also noticing a noise, change or new presence entering the room without that change being pointed out).
- Because it is a prerequisite for many social and communication skills, it is very important to teach joint attention if delays are observed.
- A thorough, multi-modal assessment is key to identifying the pieces that need to be taught (that is, where to start). We use some standardized pieces (M-CHAT, VB-MAPP) and have also created our own behavioral assessment. A written behavioral teaching guide can then be created for the individual.
- Behavioral teaching strategies are effective for establishing joint attention. Specific prompts, reinforcement, and shaping strategies are used.
- Although joint attention can be addressed at any age, Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) is recommended.
Accessibility Summit
April 20-21 Please join us as we sponsor the 2012 Accessibility Summit at McLean Bible Church, Tysons Corner, VA
Dr. Barbin will participate in a pre-conference workshop on Putting Together the Pieces of the Autism Puzzle on Friday, April 20, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. She will address behavioral supports for individuals with ASD. This conference typically sells out, please register early. To register, please contact www.AccessibilitySummit.org
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