RE: ABA Therapy

[Guest guest]

<<'s ABA therapy via a monthly telephone conference ( between an ABA

therapist from our school district and 's one-on-one aide)!! Initially,

's aide received a 5 day " crash course " training in ABA therapy by one of

the district's ABA therapists at the beginning of the school year. >>

A FIVE day course in ABA and only a monthly consult with a CBA???? What if a

problem comes up after the first or second day? Does she continue to teach him

improperly for the entire month which then requires a year or so to UN teach? Is

she consulting with a CBA or a BCABA? At the very least she should be allowed

constant contact with the ABA professional and be sent for ongoing trainings.

Just my opinion. I don't know anything about school except that I'm glad we

homeschool.

Sherry

[Guest guest]

Sorry if this is stupid, but What is ABA therapy?

Danial has only had Speech, OT, APE, and PT. I am not familiar with

any other therapy.

Jessi

Mom to Dominick 9 and Danial 3(DS)

>

> Dear Group,

>

> I just attended 's Annual Review Meeting last Friday and was

told by his social worker that they planned to continue 's ABA

therapy via a monthly telephone conference ( between an ABA therapist

from our school district and 's one-on-one aide)!! Initially,

's aide received a 5 day " crash course " training in ABA therapy

by one of the district's ABA therapists at the beginning of the

school year. The training was on site at 's school ( a private

school for children w/ Down Syndrome approx. 40 minutes from town).

is the third student that the school has ever had with the dual

diagnosis, but apparently the families of the other 2 students chose

not to pursue ABA therapy for whatever reasons. 's social

worker claims that the 5 day training was sufficient, if you can

believe it!!

>

> Fortunately, the principal and director of the school forewarned me

that this outcome would occur at the meeting, so it gave me some time

to write up a rationale why ABA therapy should continue for

beforehand . I also made copies of 3 medical reports from

neurodevelopmental peds. who confirmed his PDD-NOS diagnosis,

highlighting the treatment section which of course is ABA therapy.

When the social worker went into her " spiel " basically saying how it

was going to be, I stopped her at the pass and presented my data. It

didn't get me anywhere- she kept repeating the same thing, that

's aide was sufficiently trained and that the ABA goal book was

self-explanatory, requiring just some phone guidance. I told her that

my husband and I were not in agreement with the district's

recommendation and we would schedule a face-to-face meeting with her

boss, the Director of Special Services. I'm still flabbergasted they

would have the audacity to even present this as an option.

>

> I would greatly appreciate any suggestions, literature, etc. that

you could suggest for us to take to the next meeting in order to

prove our case. The one good thing that did happen, however, was that

the social worker commented to the principal on her way out that she

thought that she offended me and should get what he needs and

that it wasn't her decision to make- she is just the " mouthpiece " for

her boss.

>

> Good- I'm glad that she thought so, because we have no intentions

of backing down.

>

> Thanks in advance for your insights!

>

> Best,

>

>

> Mom to , 3 years

> DS/PDD-NOS

>

> PS- By the way, we were the requesting the same amount of ABA

therapy per week that he was receiving in early intervention since

April , with the possibility of increasing or decreasing the hours

depending upon 's progress over time.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Jessi,

ABA stands for " Applied Behavioral Analysis " , a therapy that utilizes various

teaching strategies based on a positive reinforcement system. It encourages

focus, attention to task, and the learning of appropriate social behaviors.

Best,

To: @...: dominick3997@...: Mon, 6 Nov

2006 19:26:06 +0000Subject: Re: ABA Therapy

Sorry if this is stupid, but What is ABA therapy?Danial has only had Speech, OT,

APE, and PT. I am not familiar with any other therapy.JessiMom to Dominick 9 and

Danial 3(DS)>> Dear Group,> > I just attended 's Annual

Review Meeting last Friday and was told by his social worker that they planned

to continue 's ABA therapy via a monthly telephone conference ( between an

ABA therapist from our school district and 's one-on-one aide)!! Initially,

's aide received a 5 day " crash course " training in ABA therapy by one of

the district's ABA therapists at the beginning of the school year. The training

was on site at 's school ( a private school for children w/ Down Syndrome

approx. 40 minutes from town). is the third student that the school has

ever had with the dual diagnosis, but apparently the families of the other 2

students chose not to pursue ABA therapy for whatever reasons. 's social

worker claims that the 5 day training was sufficient, if you can believe it!!> >

Fortunately, the principal and director of the school forewarned me that this

outcome would occur at the meeting, so it gave me some time to write up a

rationale why ABA therapy should continue for beforehand . I also made

copies of 3 medical reports from neurodevelopmental peds. who confirmed his

PDD-NOS diagnosis, highlighting the treatment section which of course is ABA

therapy. When the social worker went into her " spiel " basically saying how it

was going to be, I stopped her at the pass and presented my data. It didn't get

me anywhere- she kept repeating the same thing, that 's aide was

sufficiently trained and that the ABA goal book was self-explanatory, requiring

just some phone guidance. I told her that my husband and I were not in agreement

with the district's recommendation and we would schedule a face-to-face meeting

with her boss, the Director of Special Services. I'm still flabbergasted they

would have the audacity to even present this as an option. > > I would greatly

appreciate any suggestions, literature, etc. that you could suggest for us to

take to the next meeting in order to prove our case. The one good thing that did

happen, however, was that the social worker commented to the principal on her

way out that she thought that she offended me and should get what he needs

and that it wasn't her decision to make- she is just the " mouthpiece " for her

boss.> > Good- I'm glad that she thought so, because we have no intentions of

backing down.> > Thanks in advance for your insights!> > Best,> > > Mom to

, 3 years> DS/PDD-NOS> > PS- By the way, we were the requesting the same

amount of ABA therapy per week that he was receiving in early intervention since

April , with the possibility of increasing or decreasing the hours depending

upon 's progress over time.> > [Non-text portions of this message have been

removed]>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I am sorry that your meeting didn't go well. A paraprofessional is not a

certified trained clinician even with a 5 days course. A paraprofessional is

never the implementer or is ever qualified to replace a teacher or any type of

clinician.Who supervises the para, keeps data etc.? I think your school district

is trying to save a buck and is hoping you are naive enough to agree to their

bargain basement therapy.

Charlyne

Mom to Zeb 13 DS/OCD/ASD?

McDonnell wrote:

Dear Group,

I just attended 's Annual Review Meeting last Friday and was told by his

social worker that they planned to continue 's ABA therapy via a monthly

telephone conference ( between an ABA therapist from our school district and

's one-on-one aide)!! Initially, 's aide received a 5 day " crash

course " training in ABA therapy by one of the district's ABA therapists at the

beginning of the school year. The training was on site at 's school ( a

private school for children w/ Down Syndrome approx. 40 minutes from town).

is the third student that the school has ever had with the dual diagnosis,

but apparently the families of the other 2 students chose not to pursue ABA

therapy for whatever reasons. 's social worker claims that the 5 day

training was sufficient, if you can believe it!!

Fortunately, the principal and director of the school forewarned me that this

outcome would occur at the meeting, so it gave me some time to write up a

rationale why ABA therapy should continue for beforehand . I also made

copies of 3 medical reports from neurodevelopmental peds. who confirmed his

PDD-NOS diagnosis, highlighting the treatment section which of course is ABA

therapy. When the social worker went into her " spiel " basically saying how it

was going to be, I stopped her at the pass and presented my data. It didn't get

me anywhere- she kept repeating the same thing, that 's aide was

sufficiently trained and that the ABA goal book was self-explanatory, requiring

just some phone guidance. I told her that my husband and I were not in agreement

with the district's recommendation and we would schedule a face-to-face meeting

with her boss, the Director of Special Services. I'm still flabbergasted they

would have the audacity to even present this as an option.

I would greatly appreciate any suggestions, literature, etc. that you could

suggest for us to take to the next meeting in order to prove our case. The one

good thing that did happen, however, was that the social worker commented to the

principal on her way out that she thought that she offended me and should

get what he needs and that it wasn't her decision to make- she is just the

" mouthpiece " for her boss.

Good- I'm glad that she thought so, because we have no intentions of backing

down.

Thanks in advance for your insights!

Best,

Mom to , 3 years

DS/PDD-NOS

PS- By the way, we were the requesting the same amount of ABA therapy per week

that he was receiving in early intervention since April , with the possibility

of increasing or decreasing the hours depending upon 's progress over time.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Glad you are keeping your guard up and following on what your gut

instincts tells you.

This involves in a school setting, in-home ABA programs or clinic

setting this is too short for any type of training. Even an ABA

therapist who worked over 5 years who are Certified Behavior Analyst

(BCBA)will agree its an ongoing learning process definitely requires

ongoing training. Never sufficient for a 5-day " crash-course "

training.

Every individual are unique and many should familiarize with basic

foundations for creating positive behavioral change in the home,

school or community.

This should not attempt on apply any suggestions without supervision

by a quailified BCBA or other related professional who has experience

and training in the relevant setting(s).

It takes weeks or months to master these skills. Although they may

sound easy, they take many trials of practice to master.

A big focus on is generalization issues, these skills may occur in

the clinical environment, this does not guarantee that they will

occur at home or any other related community based environments.

I am a huge fan of ABA and this has been one of the best intervention

for my son.

You are very fortunate that this program is being implemented in the

school setting with a 1:1 aide. Its just the precaution steps I agree

is so true on the areas to watch out for, if not done properly it

could do more harm towards the child.

Ask if this will be video tape? Normally the first sessions are, then

video-taped when progress is shown. Most of my friends have shared

that school district administrators are anxious to provide

appropriate program for the individual but they are inexperienced in

ABA and are looking to the consultants to develp a systematic

strategy that addressess assessment, training, program development,

and evaluation. Everyone involved understands that a great deal of

effort and resources will be required over a sustained period of time

but their main concern is to provide a successful, high-quality

program. It will take time. The educational team is committed to

making the program work and is looking forward to the challenge.

Us Texans have to battle for it this is one of the reasons why I

continue on staying educated in this area. Just attended to several

workshops on ABA these 2 weeks even if I had attended to numerous of

them, its always nice to have a refreshers course just to make sure

that my son continues with the progress to where my son is at.

In my son's case, he attends private ABA sessions and at home this is

24 hours as I implement it in his daily activities or out in the

community.

Find out which book/manual the aide will be following? Sounds like

the ABLLS they are referring to. The Assessment of Basic Language and

Learning Skills (The ABLLS) is an assessment, curriculum guide, and

skills tracking system for children with language delays. The ABLLS

contains a task analysis of the many skills necessary to communicate

successfully and to learn from everyday experiences. Basically what

type of data collection will be used? What type of ABA training and

with whom? Example will she be under the supervision of a special

education teacher. Who will be mentoring? Is the school district

contracted with a regional center=based ABA program to provide the

ongoing training and consultation.

I know you are aware of ABA, but just in case, here are some sites to

review to see if there is anything you could use. Hope something

helps. I know you probably mentioned this, but have been behind with

my messages. Question: What state are you in?

http://www.christinaburkaba.com/GSBOOKS.htm

http://www.christinaburkaba.com/AVB.htm

http://www.autismtreatment.info/

http://www.bbbautism.com/aba_ibi_questions_for_providers.htm

http://rsaffran.tripod.com/faq.html#q3

http://elija.org/jennicasnotes.html

The Surgeon General's Report

" Thirty years of research demonstrated the efficacy of applied

behavioral methods in reducing inappropriate behavior and in

increasing communication, learning, and appropriate social behavior. "

Following are the seven effective teaching procedures used in the

clinic:

1. Pairing: Pair yourself and the working environment with child's

reinforcers. Create a " bettering " of conditions instead of

a " worsening " of conditions when you say " come here " or " sit down " .

Never use " okay, now you can go play as the reinforcer. It will keep

the value of escape and working to " get away " high. Your child should

come to you or your therapist not run away.

2. Errorless teaching: Use prompts before they make an error as

much as possible. Remember that we want the child to push the lever

of responding not the lever of escape or self-stim. You will not

hear " no " , " not that one " or other words that harbor feelings of

failure and offer no reinforcement to your child.

3. Variable ratio: Always use a variable ratio when working

intensively. The child should never know when the reinforcer is

coming. Remember that intermittent reinforcement creates strong

behavior. You want your child's behavior of responding to our demands

to be very strong.

4. Mix and vary instructional demands: When teaching never present

the same demand over and over again (mass trial). Demands will be

mixed from all skill areas. These can be motor imitation, receptive

id, receptive commands, labels, echoics, receptive by feature,

function and class and intraverbals (fill-ins).

5. Intersperse Easy and Hard Demands: In the beginning, we will

use the ratio of 20% hard and 80% easy when presenting demands at the

table. Remember we are making the table a positive place to be as

well as the natural environment.

6. Short inter-trial interval (fast paced instruction): We want

the child's latency response to be short. If he/she does not answer

we will use whatever prompt level is necessary to get the response

and then immediately fade the prompt. Remember we want your child to

respond quickly as if he were in the natural environment. Not many

people, be it teachers or friends will wait 5-10 seconds for a

response.

7. Most-to-least Prompts: Instead of using least to most prompts,

which may allow for more mistakes, use a time delay prompt and fade

procedure. This is also less frustrating to the child because they

don't have to guess the answer and get it wrong before you give them

a prompt.

The procedures create a higher rate of fluency and a positive therapy

environment.

Irma,18,DS/ASD

[Guest guest]

Hi Charlyne,

I totally agree with you and we will persevere. I have left a message for the

Director of Special Services and he supposedly will get back to me sometime

today. Unfortunately, this process will probably take a while. Thanks for

getting back to me.

Best,

Mom to , 3yrs. old

DS/PDD-NOS

To: @...: charlyne1121@...: Mon, 6 Nov

2006 20:19:34 -0800Subject: Re: ABA Therapy

Hi ,I am sorry that your meeting didn't go well. A paraprofessional is not

a certified trained clinician even with a 5 days course. A paraprofessional is

never the implementer or is ever qualified to replace a teacher or any type of

clinician.Who supervises the para, keeps data etc.? I think your school district

is trying to save a buck and is hoping you are naive enough to agree to their

bargain basement therapy.CharlyneMom to Zeb 13 DS/OCD/ASD? McDonnell

wrote:Dear Group,I just attended 's Annual Review

Meeting last Friday and was told by his social worker that they planned to

continue 's ABA therapy via a monthly telephone conference ( between an ABA

therapist from our school district and 's one-on-one aide)!! Initially,

's aide received a 5 day " crash course " training in ABA therapy by one of

the district's ABA therapists at the beginning of the school year. The training

was on site at 's school ( a private school for children w/ Down Syndrome

approx. 40 minutes from town). is the third student that the school has

ever had with the dual diagnosis, but apparently the families of the other 2

students chose not to pursue ABA therapy for whatever reasons. 's social

worker claims that the 5 day training was sufficient, if you can believe

it!!Fortunately, the principal and director of the school forewarned me that

this outcome would occur at the meeting, so it gave me some time to write up a

rationale why ABA therapy should continue for beforehand . I also made

copies of 3 medical reports from neurodevelopmental peds. who confirmed his

PDD-NOS diagnosis, highlighting the treatment section which of course is ABA

therapy. When the social worker went into her " spiel " basically saying how it

was going to be, I stopped her at the pass and presented my data. It didn't get

me anywhere- she kept repeating the same thing, that 's aide was

sufficiently trained and that the ABA goal book was self-explanatory, requiring

just some phone guidance. I told her that my husband and I were not in agreement

with the district's recommendation and we would schedule a face-to-face meeting

with her boss, the Director of Special Services. I'm still flabbergasted they

would have the audacity to even present this as an option. I would greatly

appreciate any suggestions, literature, etc. that you could suggest for us to

take to the next meeting in order to prove our case. The one good thing that did

happen, however, was that the social worker commented to the principal on her

way out that she thought that she offended me and should get what he needs

and that it wasn't her decision to make- she is just the " mouthpiece " for her

boss.Good- I'm glad that she thought so, because we have no intentions of

backing down.Thanks in advance for your insights!Best,Mom to , 3

yearsDS/PDD-NOSPS- By the way, we were the requesting the same amount of ABA

therapy per week that he was receiving in early intervention since April , with

the possibility of increasing or decreasing the hours depending upon 's

progress over time.[Non-text portions of this message have been

removed]

[Guest guest]

Hi Irma,

Thank you so very much for your wonderful e-mail! It is full of great info. that

can be utilized in discussion at our next meeting. I'm just curious, how was it

determined for how many hours of ABA therapy he needed at the beginning,

and what does he receive now? I admit I am still learning about it myself, but

would appreciate the frame of reference. The ABA therapist in early intervention

had started with 3 hours per week and it was increased to 5 hours after a few

months, and then aged out of early intervention. I will also check out the

websites that you attached. Bless you for your help, I really appreciate it, as

this is definitely new territory for my husband and I. We live in New Jersey, by

the way.

Best,

Mom to , 3 years old

DS/PDD-NOS

To: @...: ICANFIELD@...: Tue, 7 Nov 2006

04:41:23 +0000Subject: Re: ABA Therapy

Hi , Glad you are keeping your guard up and following on what your gut

instincts tells you.This involves in a school setting, in-home ABA programs or

clinic setting this is too short for any type of training. Even an ABA therapist

who worked over 5 years who are Certified Behavior Analyst(BCBA)will agree its

an ongoing learning process definitely requires ongoing training. Never

sufficient for a 5-day " crash-course " training. Every individual are unique and

many should familiarize with basic foundations for creating positive behavioral

change in the home, school or community. This should not attempt on apply any

suggestions without supervision by a quailified BCBA or other related

professional who has experience and training in the relevant setting(s). It

takes weeks or months to master these skills. Although they may sound easy, they

take many trials of practice to master. A big focus on is generalization issues,

these skills may occur in the clinical environment, this does not guarantee that

they will occur at home or any other related community based environments. I am

a huge fan of ABA and this has been one of the best intervention for my son. You

are very fortunate that this program is being implemented in the school setting

with a 1:1 aide. Its just the precaution steps I agree is so true on the areas

to watch out for, if not done properly it could do more harm towards the child.

Ask if this will be video tape? Normally the first sessions are, then

video-taped when progress is shown. Most of my friends have shared that school

district administrators are anxious to provide appropriate program for the

individual but they are inexperienced in ABA and are looking to the consultants

to develp a systematic strategy that addressess assessment, training, program

development, and evaluation. Everyone involved understands that a great deal of

effort and resources will be required over a sustained period of time but their

main concern is to provide a successful, high-quality program. It will take

time. The educational team is committed to making the program work and is

looking forward to the challenge. Us Texans have to battle for it this is one of

the reasons why I continue on staying educated in this area. Just attended to

several workshops on ABA these 2 weeks even if I had attended to numerous of

them, its always nice to have a refreshers course just to make sure that my son

continues with the progress to where my son is at. In my son's case, he attends

private ABA sessions and at home this is 24 hours as I implement it in his daily

activities or out in the community. Find out which book/manual the aide will be

following? Sounds like the ABLLS they are referring to. The Assessment of Basic

Language and Learning Skills (The ABLLS) is an assessment, curriculum guide, and

skills tracking system for children with language delays. The ABLLS contains a

task analysis of the many skills necessary to communicate successfully and to

learn from everyday experiences. Basically what type of data collection will be

used? What type of ABA training and with whom? Example will she be under the

supervision of a special education teacher. Who will be mentoring? Is the school

district contracted with a regional center=based ABA program to provide the

ongoing training and consultation. I know you are aware of ABA, but just in

case, here are some sites to review to see if there is anything you could use.

Hope something helps. I know you probably mentioned this, but have been behind

with my messages. Question: What state are you in?

http://www.christinaburkaba.com/GSBOOKS.htmhttp://www.christinaburkaba.com/AVB.h\

tmhttp://www.autismtreatment.info/http://www.bbbautism.com/aba_ibi_questions_for\

_providers.htmhttp://rsaffran.tripod.com/faq.html#q3http://elija.org/jennicasnot\

es.htmlThe Surgeon General's Report " Thirty years of research demonstrated the

efficacy of applied behavioral methods in reducing inappropriate behavior and in

increasing communication, learning, and appropriate social behavior. " Following

are the seven effective teaching procedures used in the clinic:1. Pairing: Pair

yourself and the working environment with child's reinforcers. Create a

" bettering " of conditions instead of a " worsening " of conditions when you say

" come here " or " sit down " . Never use " okay, now you can go play as the

reinforcer. It will keep the value of escape and working to " get away " high.

Your child should come to you or your therapist not run away.2. Errorless

teaching: Use prompts before they make an error as much as possible. Remember

that we want the child to push the lever of responding not the lever of escape

or self-stim. You will not hear " no " , " not that one " or other words that harbor

feelings of failure and offer no reinforcement to your child.3. Variable ratio:

Always use a variable ratio when working intensively. The child should never

know when the reinforcer is coming. Remember that intermittent reinforcement

creates strong behavior. You want your child's behavior of responding to our

demands to be very strong.4. Mix and vary instructional demands: When teaching

never present the same demand over and over again (mass trial). Demands will be

mixed from all skill areas. These can be motor imitation, receptive id,

receptive commands, labels, echoics, receptive by feature, function and class

and intraverbals (fill-ins).5. Intersperse Easy and Hard Demands: In the

beginning, we will use the ratio of 20% hard and 80% easy when presenting

demands at the table. Remember we are making the table a positive place to be as

well as the natural environment.6. Short inter-trial interval (fast paced

instruction): We want the child's latency response to be short. If he/she does

not answer we will use whatever prompt level is necessary to get the response

and then immediately fade the prompt. Remember we want your child to respond

quickly as if he were in the natural environment. Not many people, be it

teachers or friends will wait 5-10 seconds for a response.7. Most-to-least

Prompts: Instead of using least to most prompts, which may allow for more

mistakes, use a time delay prompt and fade procedure. This is also less

frustrating to the child because they don't have to guess the answer and get it

wrong before you give them a prompt.The procedures create a higher rate of

fluency and a positive therapy environment.Irma,18,DS/ASD

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much. It helps to know what else is out there.

Jessi

Mom to Dominick 9 and Danial 3(DS)

>>

Dear Group,> > I just attended 's Annual Review Meeting last

Friday and was told by his social worker that they planned to

continue 's ABA therapy via a monthly telephone conference (

between an ABA therapist from our school district and 's one-on-

one aide)!! Initially, 's aide received a 5 day " crash course "

training in ABA therapy by one of the district's ABA therapists at

the beginning of the school year. The training was on site at 's

school ( a private school for children w/ Down Syndrome approx. 40

minutes from town). is the third student that the school has

ever had with the dual diagnosis, but apparently the families of the

other 2 students chose not to pursue ABA therapy for whatever

reasons. 's social worker claims that the 5 day training was

sufficient, if you can believe it!!> > Fortunately, the principal and

director of the school forewarned me that this outcome would occur at

the meeting, so it gave me some time to write up a rationale why ABA

therapy should continue for beforehand . I also made copies of

3 medical reports from neurodevelopmental peds. who confirmed his PDD-

NOS diagnosis, highlighting the treatment section which of course is

ABA therapy. When the social worker went into her " spiel " basically

saying how it was going to be, I stopped her at the pass and

presented my data. It didn't get me anywhere- she kept repeating the

same thing, that 's aide was sufficiently trained and that the

ABA goal book was self-explanatory, requiring just some phone

guidance. I told her that my husband and I were not in agreement with

the district's recommendation and we would schedule a face-to-face

meeting with her boss, the Director of Special Services. I'm still

flabbergasted they would have the audacity to even present this as an

option. > > I would greatly appreciate any suggestions, literature,

etc. that you could suggest for us to take to the next meeting in

order to prove our case. The one good thing that did happen, however,

was that the social worker commented to the principal on her way out

that she thought that she offended me and should get what he

needs and that it wasn't her decision to make- she is just

the " mouthpiece " for her boss.> > Good- I'm glad that she thought so,

because we have no intentions of backing down.> > Thanks in advance

for your insights!> > Best,> > > Mom to , 3 years> DS/PDD-

NOS> > PS- By the way, we were the requesting the same amount of ABA

therapy per week that he was receiving in early intervention since

April , with the possibility of increasing or decreasing the hours

depending upon 's progress over time.> > [Non-text portions of

this message have been removed]>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

dear group,

could u please give the web site for the our kids-adults..

thanks

in Hot Springs Arkansas

Jessi wrote:

Thank you so much. It helps to know what else is out there.

Jessi

Mom to Dominick 9 and Danial 3(DS)

>>

Dear Group,> > I just attended 's Annual Review Meeting last

Friday and was told by his social worker that they planned to

continue 's ABA therapy via a monthly telephone conference (

between an ABA therapist from our school district and 's one-on-

one aide)!! Initially, 's aide received a 5 day " crash course "

training in ABA therapy by one of the district's ABA therapists at

the beginning of the school year. The training was on site at 's

school ( a private school for children w/ Down Syndrome approx. 40

minutes from town). is the third student that the school has

ever had with the dual diagnosis, but apparently the families of the

other 2 students chose not to pursue ABA therapy for whatever

reasons. 's social worker claims that the 5 day training was

sufficient, if you can believe it!!> > Fortunately, the principal and

director of the school forewarned me that this outcome would occur at

the meeting, so it gave me some time to write up a rationale why ABA

therapy should continue for beforehand . I also made copies of

3 medical reports from neurodevelopmental peds. who confirmed his PDD-

NOS diagnosis, highlighting the treatment section which of course is

ABA therapy. When the social worker went into her " spiel " basically

saying how it was going to be, I stopped her at the pass and

presented my data. It didn't get me anywhere- she kept repeating the

same thing, that 's aide was sufficiently trained and that the

ABA goal book was self-explanatory, requiring just some phone

guidance. I told her that my husband and I were not in agreement with

the district's recommendation and we would schedule a face-to-face

meeting with her boss, the Director of Special Services. I'm still

flabbergasted they would have the audacity to even present this as an

option. > > I would greatly appreciate any suggestions, literature,

etc. that you could suggest for us to take to the next meeting in

order to prove our case. The one good thing that did happen, however,

was that the social worker commented to the principal on her way out

that she thought that she offended me and should get what he

needs and that it wasn't her decision to make- she is just

the " mouthpiece " for her boss.> > Good- I'm glad that she thought so,

because we have no intentions of backing down.> > Thanks in advance

for your insights!> > Best,> > > Mom to , 3 years> DS/PDD-

NOS> > PS- By the way, we were the requesting the same amount of ABA

therapy per week that he was receiving in early intervention since

April , with the possibility of increasing or decreasing the hours

depending upon 's progress over time.> > [Non-text portions of

this message have been removed]>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Busy week going on but have a little time to respond and read some of

the messages. In regards on determining the hours from a few of my

notes on this is usually based on the individualized to the

particular needs of your child. As such, each child's recommended

hours of treatment will vary. Nevertheless, the program must be

intensive in nature and include 1:1 instruction in order to be

effective. Research has shown that a minimum of 25 hours/week is

necessary for children starting intervention below the age of 5 to

gain the full benefits of ABA. For older children the hours

recommended will vary according to their specific needs.

Has an assessment been done?

I am sad to say that does not receive the hours he should be

receiving due to his schedule & fund wise and only receives 1 hr. a

week at a private ABA clinic which is usually right after school. He

use to receive 3 hrs. a week, which actually was pretty good to begin

with when he had first started. I gradually carry it over at home and

out in the community. This is why I need to stay educated in this

arena especially as he is older and there are not alot of places or

private schools which I'm unable to afford that accept older kids.

Depending which city here in Texas we do not have alot of finance

support to help pay for ABA and then not alot are educated or aware

of ABA.

Most health insurance will not even accept to help pay for ABA

therapy, unless its Tricare/military. I do receive some Federal funds

for ABA which is 2,500. which is better than nothing and this is

applied towards the private ABA therapy. Most public schools here are

still in their one size fits all program (TEACCH Program), several

educators are opening up to the ABA, it is a slow process just going

on here to implement ABA into the classroom settings as most of us

parents have to fight or educate whomever we cross about ABA. This is

a battle when we believe on a program where our child has made

tremendous gains.

It would be great to see receive the proper hours needed once

an assessment is done. I do know a good 25 hours a week of teaching

in school and expect parents to supplement that with 15 hours a week

at home. This is why its important for a Certified BCBA therapist to

also give parents a written home programs and support the need to

carry out that home instruction.

is also undergoing with other private sessions like a Movement

Program at this time 2x times a week for 1 hr. sessions which is held

at one of our local University per semester, its a free program and

doing excellent! This is kinda of like him attending already a

college program, which is awesome. just loves it! He is also

receiving private ST & OT co-treatment 1x a week for 1 hr,

specializing in sensory integration which he is doing incredible here

too. Along with the Alternative Bio-med route.

Today (Wed.)he had Special Olympics Track & Field and I was so proud

of him and I was actually not having to chase him down, or hold him

down, he was such a trooper, actually being pretty athletic

participating in all the events.

The placement setting (Vocation Transition Center)he is in now I am

going to have them implement the PECS training as this follows the

principles of Verbal Behavior(ABA)which is already on 's IEP,

its a new teacher this school year so her and the staff will be

learning about this having the assign autism specialist consult and

teach the program to them, all in progress. The school district are

kissing my you know what right now as I have not actually been a

happy camper. My son has fallen through the school cracks, he is a

victim.

New Jersey, is this where there is a s Developmental

Disabilities Center? A s School, something like this.

is 3 y/o, maybe to start off with the 5 hrs. would not be bad

then gradually make sure it increases. This a very young age make

sure the ABA is motivational, not aversive.

My grandson soon to be 3 y/o in Dec. I apply ABA, really involve alot

of interactive play activities. I could see he is making some

progress with his speech, he has been diagnosed with emotional,

social & speech delay.

Noah will soon be receiving some ST & OT co-treatment like his uncle

at the clinic beginning next week.

Hope you have been able to find some answers in regards to helping

you out at school. Sorry if I did not help you too much with your

question only chatted away. Please keep us posted when this happens,

looking forward on hearing what program was implemented. Have you

heard of Floortime? I could also see this implemented for too.

They are so cute at this age.

Irma,18,DS/ASD

>

> Hi Irma,

I'm just curious, how was it determined for how many hours of

ABA therapy he needed at the beginning, and what does he receive now?

I admit I am still learning about it myself, but would appreciate the

frame of reference. The ABA therapist in early intervention had

started with 3 hours per week and it was increased to 5 hours after

a few months, and then aged out of early intervention. I will

also check out the websites that you attached. Bless you for your

help, I really appreciate it, as this is definitely new territory for

my husband and I. We live in New Jersey, by the way.

>

> Best,

>

> Mom to , 3 years old

> DS/PDD-NOS

[Guest guest]

Hi Irma,

had a behavioral assessment done by a special ed. teacher/ director of a

local school for autism) while he was in early intervention. The results from

the assessment justified him receiving ABA therapy at that point. Our district

already has a copy of that report, but do you think that it would be wise to ask

for them to perform their own assessment with an outside consultant if we still

don't get anywhere? Our meeting with the Director of Special Services is

Thursday, so my husband and I are trying to cover all bases and anticipate all

scenarios.

It sounds like 's program is great for him and that he is enjoying it too!

I admire your wisdom and tenacity in pursuing what can help . I admit that

I feel a bit overwhelmed at the moment by what the district is trying to do, but

I'm sure with time, wisdom, and experience it will get easier. Our lives with

our children are never dull, that's for sure!!

By the way, 's school does utilize the Floortime program. We have two of

the DVDs and Dr. Greenspan's book and find them to be very helpful.

Thanks so much again for your insights.

Best,

To: @...: ICANFIELD@...: Thu, 9 Nov 2006

05:01:22 +0000Subject: Re: ABA Therapy

Hi , Busy week going on but have a little time to respond and read some of

the messages. In regards on determining the hours from a few of my notes on this

is usually based on the individualized to the particular needs of your child. As

such, each child's recommended hours of treatment will vary. Nevertheless, the

program must be intensive in nature and include 1:1 instruction in order to be

effective. Research has shown that a minimum of 25 hours/week is necessary for

children starting intervention below the age of 5 to gain the full benefits of

ABA. For older children the hours recommended will vary according to their

specific needs.Has an assessment been done? I am sad to say that does not

receive the hours he should be receiving due to his schedule & fund wise and

only receives 1 hr. a week at a private ABA clinic which is usually right after

school. He use to receive 3 hrs. a week, which actually was pretty good to begin

with when he had first started. I gradually carry it over at home and out in the

community. This is why I need to stay educated in this arena especially as he is

older and there are not alot of places or private schools which I'm unable to

afford that accept older kids. Depending which city here in Texas we do not have

alot of finance support to help pay for ABA and then not alot are educated or

aware of ABA. Most health insurance will not even accept to help pay for ABA

therapy, unless its Tricare/military. I do receive some Federal funds for ABA

which is 2,500. which is better than nothing and this is applied towards the

private ABA therapy. Most public schools here are still in their one size fits

all program (TEACCH Program), several educators are opening up to the ABA, it is

a slow process just going on here to implement ABA into the classroom settings

as most of us parents have to fight or educate whomever we cross about ABA. This

is a battle when we believe on a program where our child has made tremendous

gains. It would be great to see receive the proper hours needed once an

assessment is done. I do know a good 25 hours a week of teaching in school and

expect parents to supplement that with 15 hours a week at home. This is why its

important for a Certified BCBA therapist to also give parents a written home

programs and support the need to carry out that home instruction. is also

undergoing with other private sessions like a Movement Program at this time 2x

times a week for 1 hr. sessions which is held at one of our local University per

semester, its a free program and doing excellent! This is kinda of like him

attending already a college program, which is awesome. just loves it! He

is also receiving private ST & OT co-treatment 1x a week for 1 hr, specializing

in sensory integration which he is doing incredible here too. Along with the

Alternative Bio-med route. Today (Wed.)he had Special Olympics Track & Field and

I was so proud of him and I was actually not having to chase him down, or hold

him down, he was such a trooper, actually being pretty athletic participating in

all the events. The placement setting (Vocation Transition Center)he is in now I

am going to have them implement the PECS training as this follows the principles

of Verbal Behavior(ABA)which is already on 's IEP, its a new teacher this

school year so her and the staff will be learning about this having the assign

autism specialist consult and teach the program to them, all in progress. The

school district are kissing my you know what right now as I have not actually

been a happy camper. My son has fallen through the school cracks, he is a

victim. New Jersey, is this where there is a s Developmental Disabilities

Center? A s School, something like this. is 3 y/o, maybe to start

off with the 5 hrs. would not be bad then gradually make sure it increases. This

a very young age make sure the ABA is motivational, not aversive. My grandson

soon to be 3 y/o in Dec. I apply ABA, really involve alot of interactive play

activities. I could see he is making some progress with his speech, he has been

diagnosed with emotional, social & speech delay. Noah will soon be receiving

some ST & OT co-treatment like his uncle at the clinic beginning next

week. Hope you have been able to find some answers in regards to helping you out

at school. Sorry if I did not help you too much with your question only chatted

away. Please keep us posted when this happens, looking forward on hearing what

program was implemented. Have you heard of Floortime? I could also see this

implemented for too.They are so cute at this age. Irma,18,DS/ASD---

In , McDonnell wrote:>> Hi

Irma,I'm just curious, how was it determined for how many hours of ABA

therapy he needed at the beginning, and what does he receive now? I admit I am

still learning about it myself, but would appreciate the frame of reference. The

ABA therapist in early intervention had started with 3 hours per week and it was

increased to 5 hours after a few months, and then aged out of early

intervention. I will also check out the websites that you attached. Bless you

for your help, I really appreciate it, as this is definitely new territory for

my husband and I. We live in New Jersey, by the way.> > Best,> > Mom to

, 3 years old> DS/PDD-NOS

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I'm sorry if I do not answer properly in regards to the post you had

written on the assessment, as it was done by a special Ed teacher,

director of a local autism school, it will all depend on the

credentials. I'm really glad to read how your son is attending an

autism school.

Since its up north I will have to say go with your gut instinct on

this only for the fact that ABA is pretty well known up there verses

to what us folks out here in SA have to go through. We usually rely

on an assessment done by a certified BCBA.

Since it was an early intervention for your son and what you have

written in regards to the results of receiving ABA I would probably

stick with what you already have.

You will know what to do when that time comes in regards to if its

not getting anywhere. At least you are looking into reading up

information on ABA and I'm pretty sure you will be making sure to

review any data or following the ABA program applied. If you do not

see any results, then you will have some more info to go by and

determine if an outside assessment is needed. Do not overwhelm

yourself and see what the outcome turns out for now. Its great to

know at least the school is providing some services where your son

could benefit from.

I would say I probably would not mind proceeding with caution on the

day you will meet and will know what to do once most of your

questions are answered.

is also receiving the Floortime Program, this is wonderful. I

have never seen the DVD's as this program is not really known here, I

am aware of certain private centers applying the program but just

dealing with educating our community & school districts in regards on

the right program for our individuals under the autism spectrum is

still an area that many are still in the Flinstone ages.

Most parents are requesting ABA program when they hear about it at

conferences, workshops, & support groups or through other parents,

its still in the works here in SA, still not part of the school

district unless a parent wins the case, it is consider an

experimental or not enough research shown so you can imagine still

building on this intervention to be known.

Just to know this intervention was implemented or taught to educators

once upon a time, it is terrible now its all a business marketing

service as numerous results have shown the tremendous progress it has

made an impact for many and for my son who has also benefit from it.

I will keep you in my prayers for Thursday's meeting with the

Director that it will be a successful one.

I know you will be fine.

Thank you,

Irma,18,DS/ASD

>

> Hi Irma,

>

> had a behavioral assessment done by a special ed. teacher/

director of a local school for autism) while he was in early

intervention. The results from the assessment justified him

receiving ABA therapy at that point. Our district already has a copy

of that report, but do you think that it would be wise to ask for

them to perform their own assessment with an outside consultant if

we still don't get anywhere? Our meeting with the Director of

Special Services is Thursday, so my husband and I are trying to cover

all bases and anticipate all scenarios.

>

> It sounds like 's program is great for him and that he is

enjoying it too! I admire your wisdom and tenacity in pursuing what

can help . I admit that I feel a bit overwhelmed at the moment

by what the district is trying to do, but I'm sure with time, wisdom,

and experience it will get easier. Our lives with our children are

never dull, that's for sure!!

>

> By the way, 's school does utilize the Floortime program. We

have two of the DVDs and Dr. Greenspan's book and find them to be

very helpful.

>

> Thanks so much again for your insights.

>

> Best,

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Irma,

Thank you for your words of wisdom and encouragement. You're right, taking one

step at a time, not getting overwhelmed, is the best remedy. Besides which, life

is long and still has a long educational career in front of him. Just to

clarify- 's school is a private one for children with Down Syndrome, but

they happened to be well versed in Floortime, sensory diets, but not ABA.

has been a student there since he was 18 months old- we paid the monthly tuition

while he was in early intervention so that he would socially and therapeutically

benefit from a center-based program. A social worker at the school runs a

support group two mornings a week for 2 hours each time for the families, which

has been a huge blessing for me. is indeed fortunate for what he already

receives, so I will keep that perspective in mind for the meeting and appreciate

your prayers.

Best,

To: @...: ICANFIELD@...: Sun, 12 Nov 2006

05:37:12 +0000Subject: Re: ABA Therapy

Hi , I'm sorry if I do not answer properly in regards to the post you had

written on the assessment, as it was done by a special Ed teacher, director of a

local autism school, it will all depend on the credentials. I'm really glad to

read how your son is attending an autism school. Since its up north I will have

to say go with your gut instinct on this only for the fact that ABA is pretty

well known up there verses to what us folks out here in SA have to go through.

We usually rely on an assessment done by a certified BCBA. Since it was an early

intervention for your son and what you have written in regards to the results of

receiving ABA I would probably stick with what you already have. You will know

what to do when that time comes in regards to if its not getting anywhere. At

least you are looking into reading up information on ABA and I'm pretty sure you

will be making sure to review any data or following the ABA program applied. If

you do not see any results, then you will have some more info to go by and

determine if an outside assessment is needed. Do not overwhelm yourself and see

what the outcome turns out for now. Its great to know at least the school is

providing some services where your son could benefit from. I would say I

probably would not mind proceeding with caution on the day you will meet and

will know what to do once most of your questions are answered. is also

receiving the Floortime Program, this is wonderful. I have never seen the DVD's

as this program is not really known here, I am aware of certain private centers

applying the program but just dealing with educating our community & school

districts in regards on the right program for our individuals under the autism

spectrum is still an area that many are still in the Flinstone ages. Most

parents are requesting ABA program when they hear about it at conferences,

workshops, & support groups or through other parents, its still in the works

here in SA, still not part of the school district unless a parent wins the case,

it is consider an experimental or not enough research shown so you can imagine

still building on this intervention to be known. Just to know this intervention

was implemented or taught to educators once upon a time, it is terrible now its

all a business marketing service as numerous results have shown the tremendous

progress it has made an impact for many and for my son who has also benefit from

it. I will keep you in my prayers for Thursday's meeting with the Director that

it will be a successful one. I know you will be fine. Thank

you,Irma,18,DS/ASD>> Hi Irma,> > had a behavioral assessment

done by a special ed. teacher/ director of a local school for autism) while he

was in early intervention. The results from the assessment justified him

receiving ABA therapy at that point. Our district already has a copy of that

report, but do you think that it would be wise to ask for them to perform their

own assessment with an outside consultant if we still don't get anywhere? Our

meeting with the Director of Special Services is Thursday, so my husband and I

are trying to cover all bases and anticipate all scenarios.> > It sounds like

's program is great for him and that he is enjoying it too! I admire your

wisdom and tenacity in pursuing what can help . I admit that I feel a bit

overwhelmed at the moment by what the district is trying to do, but I'm sure

with time, wisdom, and experience it will get easier. Our lives with our

children are never dull, that's for sure!!> > By the way, 's school does

utilize the Floortime program. We have two of the DVDs and Dr. Greenspan's book

and find them to be very helpful.> > Thanks so much again for your insights.> >

Best,> >

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Sorry for not getting back, continue prayers today and looking

forward reading an update. Hope its all good.

A nice start for 's education is good attending a school working

at least on the Down syndrome issues in whatever areas are needed

which really involves all levels with or without any diagnosis and it

is nice at least they have consider ABA, its just staying educated to

make sure its done correct and also follow through at home and who

will be involved? At least they are aware of what they could see or

being open minded of the trials for .

Irma

P.S.

A nice site to share:

http://www.njpbs.org/resources/individual.htm

>

> Hi Irma,

>

> Thank you for your words of wisdom and encouragement. You're right,

taking one step at a time, not getting overwhelmed, is the best

remedy. Besides which, life is long and still has a long

educational career in front of him. Just to clarify- 's school

is a private one for children with Down Syndrome, but they happened

to be well versed in Floortime, sensory diets, but not ABA. has

been a student there since he was 18 months old- we paid the monthly

tuition while he was in early intervention so that he would socially

and therapeutically benefit from a center-based program. A social

worker at the school runs a support group two mornings a week for 2

hours each time for the families, which has been a huge blessing for

me. is indeed fortunate for what he already receives, so I will

keep that perspective in mind for the meeting and appreciate your

prayers.

>

> Best,

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Irma, for your e-mail. Our meeting with the Director of Special Services

has been changed to this Tues., 11/21, so I'll let you know how it goes. Best,

To: @...: ICANFIELD@...: Thu, 16 Nov 2006

15:12:31 +0000Subject: Re: ABA Therapy

Hi , Sorry for not getting back, continue prayers today and looking

forward reading an update. Hope its all good.A nice start for 's education

is good attending a school working at least on the Down syndrome issues in

whatever areas are needed which really involves all levels with or without any

diagnosis and it is nice at least they have consider ABA, its just staying

educated to make sure its done correct and also follow through at home and who

will be involved? At least they are aware of what they could see or being open

minded of the trials for . IrmaP.S.A nice site to

share:http://www.njpbs.org/resources/individual.htm--- In

, McDonnell wrote:>> Hi

Irma,> > Thank you for your words of wisdom and encouragement. You're right,

taking one step at a time, not getting overwhelmed, is the best remedy. Besides

which, life is long and still has a long educational career in front of

him. Just to clarify- 's school is a private one for children with Down

Syndrome, but they happened to be well versed in Floortime, sensory diets, but

not ABA. has been a student there since he was 18 months old- we paid the

monthly tuition while he was in early intervention so that he would socially and

therapeutically benefit from a center-based program. A social worker at the

school runs a support group two mornings a week for 2 hours each time for the

families, which has been a huge blessing for me. is indeed fortunate for

what he already receives, so I will keep that perspective in mind for the

meeting and appreciate your prayers.> > Best,>