Fall 2018 Meeting Recap: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
SNAILS members gathered at the beautiful, newly remodeled Algonquin Area Public Library on November 29, 2018 for our fall meeting. In August, members shared their desire to bring more discussion to our meetings, so we began by talking about a couple of picture books.
Discussion
Benny Doesn't Like to be Hugged by Zetta Elliott
This new paperback title addresses the sensory sensitivity of a little boy as told by his friend. It includes what Benny likes to eat, play, and wear, as well as the sounds he avoids and how his social interactions sometimes differ from others. The book is filled with diverse characters and short, rhyming sentences with a repetitive refrain. It's a solid introduction to unique differences and the importance of accepting friends just as they are.
Isaac and His Amazing Asperger Superpowers! by Melanie Walsh
We discussed use of the word 'Asperger' in this title when the DSM-5 no longer includes a specific diagnosis of Asperger's but instead considers it part of Autism Spectrum Disorder. One member shared the opinion of a reader who didn't appreciate a disability being considered a superhero power, but another knows a child who often identifies as a superhero during therapy and whose mother says he is her superhero. Overall, we felt the book is worth keeping on the shelf for patrons to decide whether they like it or not!
Guest Speakers
Scott Laporta and Preston Brown from Behavioral Perspective Inc. (BPI), introduced us to the concept of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) which is the science and study of human behavior, or how people move, think, feel, and do. An overview of ABA therapy can be seen in BPI's promotional video. Their presentation highlighted Apple Academy, BPI's intensive early intervention behavior program for children on the autism spectrum. Apple Academy is an alternative to traditional special education programs and provides individualized programming and a 1:1 student-to-staff ratio. If you missed the meeting, you can view the presentation slides below and/or read the presenters' notes.
After learning about and discussing ABA, including some concerns raised by one of our members, Scott suggested the following applications to our work:
Host Library
Our host, Koren Power, told us about the Perspective Play program she offers to 3-7 year olds (with caregivers in attendance) in partnership with BPI. The monthly program description is "Move, groove, communicate and interact. Lead by Preston Brown from Behavioral Perspective, this program is designed for children with autism and others who may benefit from these interactions. All abilities are welcome."
Koren also works with other partners and has designed Creative Connections for the younger set (0-5), which is "a storytime for children to make connections with their caregivers, other children and literacy. Run by a speech therapist from Elgin Pediatric Therapy, this group is designed for children currently receiving therapy services or those who may benefit from therapeutic play, yet children with all abilities are welcome."
We finished with a tour of the new Youth Services Department, being sure to look out for examples of Universal Design and accessibility. If your library is going to be remodeling, be sure to give Koren a call!
Discussion
This new paperback title addresses the sensory sensitivity of a little boy as told by his friend. It includes what Benny likes to eat, play, and wear, as well as the sounds he avoids and how his social interactions sometimes differ from others. The book is filled with diverse characters and short, rhyming sentences with a repetitive refrain. It's a solid introduction to unique differences and the importance of accepting friends just as they are.
Isaac and His Amazing Asperger Superpowers! by Melanie Walsh
Guest Speakers
Scott Laporta and Preston Brown from Behavioral Perspective Inc. (BPI), introduced us to the concept of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) which is the science and study of human behavior, or how people move, think, feel, and do. An overview of ABA therapy can be seen in BPI's promotional video. Their presentation highlighted Apple Academy, BPI's intensive early intervention behavior program for children on the autism spectrum. Apple Academy is an alternative to traditional special education programs and provides individualized programming and a 1:1 student-to-staff ratio. If you missed the meeting, you can view the presentation slides below and/or read the presenters' notes.
After learning about and discussing ABA, including some concerns raised by one of our members, Scott suggested the following applications to our work:
- Enrich the environment
Allow children to bring their toys to programs, and ask parents to associate something positive (such as a favorite food) with going to the library. - Adjust your language
Use specific, descriptive praises, "Great job sitting criss-cross applesauce!" and mix up your praise words. - Give directives, not questions
"Please sit down for me here" instead of "Will you please sit down?" - Provide activity choice
Offer options: "Do you want to read for five minutes or 10 minutes?" even if the goal (5 min) is the same. - Premack Principle ("Grandma's Law)
Use "first, then" statements making sure that the "then" is appealing. For example, "First we'll read a book, then we'll jump up and down." - Prime
Prepare learners for the unknown. Give cues as time counts down toward the end of an activity. - Reinforce
Remember, rewards are enjoyed, but reinforcements are motivators.
Host Library
Our host, Koren Power, told us about the Perspective Play program she offers to 3-7 year olds (with caregivers in attendance) in partnership with BPI. The monthly program description is "Move, groove, communicate and interact. Lead by Preston Brown from Behavioral Perspective, this program is designed for children with autism and others who may benefit from these interactions. All abilities are welcome."
Koren also works with other partners and has designed Creative Connections for the younger set (0-5), which is "a storytime for children to make connections with their caregivers, other children and literacy. Run by a speech therapist from Elgin Pediatric Therapy, this group is designed for children currently receiving therapy services or those who may benefit from therapeutic play, yet children with all abilities are welcome."
We finished with a tour of the new Youth Services Department, being sure to look out for examples of Universal Design and accessibility. If your library is going to be remodeling, be sure to give Koren a call!
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