Understanding Autism: A Guide for Families and Caregivers
Equip yourself with practical tools and insights to support individuals with autism. Enhance your knowledge and confidence in navigating everyday challenges.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Video 1: What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Key Takeaways & Examples
Reflection Questions
Module 1 Reflection Questions
Looking Ahead
Video 2: Understanding Communication in Autism
Communication Is More Than Words
Expressive and Receptive Communication
Common Communication Differences in ASD
Reflect on Your Child’s Communication
Video 3: Social Differences in Autism
Social Interaction and ASD
Supporting Social Growth Respectfully
Reflect on Your Child’s Social Style
Module 1, Video 4: Repetitive Behaviors & Restricted Interests
What Are Repetitive Behaviors?
If the Behavior Is Getting in the Way…
Reflect on Your Child’s Patterns
Reflection Questions
Module 1, Video 5: Sensory Processing and Autism
Why Sensory Processing Matters
Sensory Needs and Behavior
Reflect on Your Child’s Sensory Profile
Video 1: Foundations of Behavior Theory and the ABCs
What Is Behavior Theory?
The ABCs of Behavior
Reflect on What You've Heard
Reflection Questions
Video 2: Understanding the Four Functions of Behavior
SEAT: The Four Functions of Behavior
WTF? What’s the Function?
Reflection Questions
Video 3: Sensory (Automatic) Reinforcement
What Is Sensory-Maintained Behavior?
Sensory Behaviors Can Be:
Ask the Right Questions
Reflect on Your Child
Reflection Questions
Video 4: Escape and Avoidance
Why Would Someone Want to Escape?
Examples of Escape or Avoidance Behaviors
Questions For Understanding Escape.
Reflection Questions
Reflection Questions
Video 5: Attention as a Function of Behavior
Why Attention?
It’s Not About “Being Bad”
Reflect on Attention Patterns
Video 6: Access to Tangibles
What Is Tangible-Maintained Behavior?
Supporting Positive Access Behaviors
Reflection Questions.
Reflect and Prepare
SEAT Wrap-Up
Video 1: Understanding Operant Conditioning & the ABCs of Behavior
What Is Operant Conditioning?
A Deeper Look at the ABC's
Behavior Is Communication
Quick Reflection
Video 2: Reinforcement—What It Is and Why It Works
What Is Reinforcement?
Two Types of Reinforcement
Reinforcement in Real Life
Reflection Questions
Video 3: Reinforcement Systems—From Natural to Structured
What Are Reinforcement Systems?
Token Economies
First–Then Statements
Visual Choice Boards
Tips for Making Reinforcement Systems Work
Reflect on Your Reinforcement Plan
Video 4: Reinforcement Schedules—How Often to Reinforce Behavior
Why Reinforcement Schedules Matter
Two Common Intermittent Schedules
Building Real-Life Success
Reflection
Video 5: Understanding Punishment in Behavior Science
What Is Punishment?
Natural vs. Imposed Punishment
What To Do Instead of Punishment
Reflect On Your Approach
Video 6: Increasing Desired Behavior—Bringing It All Together
What’s the Goal?
Step 1: Define the Behavior
Step 2: Identify What Motivates Your Child
Step 3: Use Reinforcement Strategically
Step 4: Use Reinforcement Systems That Fit
Step 5: Teach Replacements, Don’t Just Stop Behavior
Step 6: Use Punishment Sparingly and Wisely
Step 7: Build Maintenance and Generalization
Reflection Questions
Recap: How to Increase Positive Behavior
Welcome to Module 4: Putting It All Together
Video 1: Choosing Where to Start—Identifying the Pain Point
Why This Matters
Reframe the Moment
What Is Missing?
Reflection Questions
Video 2: Identifying the Function
Identifying The Function Of Behavior
ABC's
Think of the ABC's in Your Life
Collecting ABC Data
Reflection Questions
Video 3: Functional Equivalents
Functional Equivalents
Function Based Behaviors
Reflection
Video 4: Do I Need to Teach a New Skill or Increase a Current Skill?
Which Approach Do I Need?
Teaching From Scratch
Boosting an Inconsistent Behavior
Reflection
Video 5: How to Teach Using Principles of Behavior
Chaining (Using a Task Analysis)
Priming
Shaping
Prompting and Prompt Fading
Modeling
Quick Strategy Guide
Reflection
Video 6: Putting It All Together—From Challenge to Change
Step-by-Step Plan
Final Reflection