WEAP

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In a message dated 4/21/02 11:03:04 PM Central Daylight Time,

llange@... writes:

> WEAP then compared outcomes from 3 years of their treatment vs. special ed.

> WEAP's group IQ scores ranged from a 46 to 95. Spec. ed. IQ scores were

> from 28 to 55.

Are these the beginning scores or the post-treatment scores? If

post-treatment, did they give the pre-treatment scores? Also, what does WEAP

stand for?

> Other misc. comments include the following. He asserts that the prime

> window of opportunity of learning is between 18 mo. to 7 years, while

> neuron synapses remain high.

Just FYI, something I found interesting: there was a recent study that found

another period of rapid synapse growth in the teenage years which the study's

authors felt accounted for the scattered appearance of many teenagers yet

also the burst in maturity and learning after that period. The authors also

felt this was a good indicator of a possible second window of opportunity for

those missed earlier. I wonder if strong 1:1 programs during this period

could also help some catch up? I personally only know of three cases where

parents started intensive programs in the teen years. Two out of the three

really progressed alot, one actually learned to talk in sentences after being

non-verbal for 18 years.

> While they do not have a published, specific curriculum like ABLLS, they

> prioritize teaching in this sequence: matching, motor imitation, play,

> receptive language, verbal imitation, expressive language,

> categorization, early sentences, social speech, early academics, and

> self-help.

Can any of you ABAers explain to me why matching is put first in many

programs? I keep seeing that in alot of programs as a top priority early on.

I agree it is an important skill, but I don't understand why it's the first

step.

>

Thanks for sharing,

Gaylen