Guest guest Posted May 26, 2004 Report Share Posted May 26, 2004 Hi! I am very concerned these days that we are focusing on certified ABA therapists and not certified teachers of the handicapped. To be a great behavior analysts does not say that you are a great teacher. I feel that we need not forget how important skilled teaching is. The creativeness and individualism of a skillful teacher I believe is being lost due to all the hype in ABA. Not to say that ABA is not a very important part of the equation, and not to say that one cannot be both, but lets not do any disservice to the teaching field. Our children with autism need to spend their time with fun-loving, creative, compelling individuals that can turn any task into an interactive game for two or more. I have seen it done. They do not need to be watched and supervised by the supportive adult--they need to be learning by interacting and sometimes even just observing for the first few times. I am getting very discouraged because the program that my 17 year old son with autism is in, is not doing well with engaging my son in fun learning activities that will allow him much less time to act inappropriately. Can someone please tell me if the autism education field is ultimately going to go all ABA? I personally feel that both professionals are valuable to a well run and successful program. You need an experienced teacher and a behavior analyst to work together. Any thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 2004 Report Share Posted May 27, 2004 CB is 7 and attends a private school where ABA is not used. The kids range from emotionally challenged to severe autism. They tend to use peer based behavior modification. CB's buddy has compulsive disorder but is extremly bright for his age. In fact Jordan says his going to find a cure for autism, and I believe he will. The classes there are mostly typical and we even have field trips. This school is really terrific...and patient. When CB started his behaviors were out of control ( we were in a special ed class at a public school ) To her credit, CB's teacher has turned most days into good ones. Yes, a good teacher can make a huge difference . CB's Granny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 31, 2004 Report Share Posted May 31, 2004 I'm so happy for CB that he has such a good school situation. That is most fortunate. Pat K Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 31, 2004 Report Share Posted May 31, 2004 This battle was hard fought, CB's other Granny is a third grade public school teacher, and most public school teachers really dont want inclusive classes. I have spoken to some of CB's public school teachers off the record, and they are heart broken that all the work is done in vain. One told me the only reason she could speak about the stuff going on , is that she's decided to back to school and become an ED Avocate for autistic children, otherwise she would be fired. CB's Granny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 1, 2004 Report Share Posted June 1, 2004 Good for her!! These autistic kids need more advocates! Pat K Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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