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Tip of the Week for March 11th, 2013

Behavioral Self-Management - Part 2    


We all struggle to keep our tempers from time to time. And many of us know how hard it can be for children and adults with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to keep calm when they feel upset. "Behavioral self-management" refers to a set of skills that we all use when we are upset about something. These skills help us to maintain appropriate behavior even when we have very strong feelings. It is especially important to teach behavioral self-management to individuals with ASD, starting at a young age.  

 
Behavioral Self-management for Elementary-aged Children with ASD
One of the most common reasons for children with ASD to be excluded from the general education classroom is challenging behavior. In the elementary years, many children with ASD can begin to be able to control their behavior, if they are taught some important skills. The most important skill to teach during the elementary years is using a "calm down" routine. This routine is taught and practiced when the child is NOT upset. Although each child with ASD will have a "calm-down" routine that is specific for him/her, most calm down routines include the following: going to a safe space (this could be as simple as a beanbag chair), staying in that space on your own, calming your body, being rewarded for calming down, talking through the issue (as the child is able), and then going back to complete the task or activity that caused the upset. Individual routines will depend on the child's communication skills and sensory challenges, and the frequency and intensity of the challenging behavior.

Book of the Week: 
 
A Work in Progress: Behavior Management Strategies and a Curriculum for Intensive Behavioral Treatment of Autism.  Ron Leaf, John McEachin [editors]. DRL Books, 1999. 
 
"Parents of newly diagnosed children and professionals looking for a concrete curriculum will find this book to be an invaluable resource. The two-part manual presents ABA-based behavioral intervention strategies along with a detailed curriculum that contains 54 clear, step-by-step exercises. The first half of the book ... gives parents practical, how-to information on setting up an ABA program and dealing with difficult behaviors. Topics covered include: teaching formats; stages of therapy; evaluation; reinforcement; working with older children; disruptive behaviors; behavior problems; self-stimulatory behaviors; sleep problems; toilet training; eating problems; as well as play and social skills. The second part of the book is a detailed curriculum titled Autism Partnership Curriculum for Discrete Trial Teaching with Autistic Children."--Publisher's Website. 
 
This book is in the SESA Library. You may search the library catalog via the SESA website (http://www.sesa.org), or contact Anne directly by email at [email protected] or by phone at 907-334-1301.

Special Event Coming Soon: Saturday, March 30th, from 11 am to 6 pm, is the AARC book fair at the Anchorage Barnes & Noble. We will have entertainment, crafts and an information table at the store during those times. Mark your calendar, and please come by and say hello, and participate in the activities that day. 
Children's author Julia Cook (http://www.juliacookonline.com/) will be in the store to sign books, give a talk for parents, and do a storytime with children. She'll be doing other presentations around the state. 

This book is in the SESA Library. You may search the library catalog via the SESA website (http://www.sesa.org), or contact Anne directly by email at
[email protected] or by phone at 907-334-1301.


Special Event

Saturday, March 30th, from 11 am to 6 pm, is the AARC Book Fair at the Anchorage Barnes & Noble. We will have entertainment, crafts and an information table at the store during those times. 
 
We will be hosting local and national authors, two children's story times, our very own Mrs. Northwest 2013 will be speaking on Gluten Free cooking, local singers, dancers and musical entertainment groups! 
 
Mark your calendar, and please come by and say hello, and participate in the activities that day!  

 

  

 

  

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