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| ABA and SLP: Two Great Things That Go Great Together! Collaboration in Early Intervention |
| Saturday, May 29, 2010 |
| 2:30 PM–3:50 PM |
| 203AB (CC) |
| Area: AUT/EDC; Domain: Applied Behavior Analysis |
| Chair: Amanda N. Adams (California State University, Fresno) |
| CE Instructor: Elisabeth Kinney, M.S. |
| Abstract: ABA provides the state of the art empirically validated techniques for working with children with autism. One of the biggest challenges in working with these children is the development of communication and language. The professionals in the field of Speech Language Pathology are experts in this area. More can be won from working together and learning from each other with mutual goals and respect. This symposium will review two procedures from the view of SLPs using ABA techniques, and one amazing experience from the combined efforts of BCBAs and SLPs in Sarajevo, Bosnia. |
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| A Comparison of Discrete Trial Training and the Natural Language Paradigm in Nonverbal Children With Autism |
| LISA EVANGELISTA (California State University, Fresno), Steven Skelton (California State University, Fresno), Donald Freed (California State University, Fresno), Sheri Roach (California State University, Fresno), Christine A. Maul (California State University, Fresno), Amanda N. Adams (California State University, Fresno) |
| Abstract: Discrete trial training and natural language paradigm are two opposing treatment methods that have been proven effective in improving speech production within the autistic population. These two methods will be used in an alternating-treatment design to determine which treatment is most effective in language acquisition and generalization in nonverbal autistic children. Two participants with limited expressive language abilities were selected for the study. Each participant received treatment using discrete trial training and the natural language paradigm. Progress was judged on the quantity of language acquired in response to the two treatment methods. |
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| Improvement and Generalization Differences in Group Versus Individual Therapy of Social Language Skills |
| REBECCA ROOPE (California State University, Fresno), Christine A. Maul (California State University, Fresno), Donald Freed (California State University, Fresno), Steven Skelton (California State University, Fresno), Amanda N. Adams (California State University, Fresno) |
| Abstract: Therapy to improve social skills of children with autism may be more effective if provided in a group versus individual therapy context. The 2 male participants were diagnosed with high-functioning autism (HFA) and attending fourth grade at the time of the study. A modified ABACA/ACABA research design was used to investigate possible differences regarding improvement and generalization effects between group and individual therapy contexts. Discrete trial therapy (DTT) was the treatment implemented. Conversational turn-taking was the target behavior. The behavior was measured in turns per minute. Participants were observed for spontaneous use of the target behavior during each phase of the study. A comparison between the participants’ improvement and generalization of the target behavior after implementing and withdrawing DTT demonstrated no substantial difference between an individual or group therapy context. Participant preference regarding therapy context appeared to have an effect on participant involvement and interest during therapy sessions. |
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| Starting Autism Education in Bosnia: Challenges for a Recovering Country |
| DZEVIDA SULEJMANOVIC (California State University, Fresno), Amanda N. Adams (California State University, Fresno) |
| Abstract: In the past 15 years, Bosnia has made amazing strides in recovering from civil war. First, infrastructures were rebuilt, then public services, and later education. Special education lagged behind however, and services for autism and other such specialties were all but unknown. In the past few years, this has started to change. This presentation will expand on some of the challenges and successes of this enormous undertaking. |
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| Autism Education in Bosnia: Experiences of a California-Based Team in Sarajevo |
| AMANDA N. ADAMS (California State University, Fresno), Eduardo Avalos (California State University, Fresno) |
| Abstract: In June 2009, a team of SLPs and teachers from San Francisco and Behavior Analysts from Fresno went to Bosnia for two weeks to run a large training seminar and begin the first classroom for children with autism in the country. Our presentation will show the successes of presenting large workshops and organizing implementation of classroom plans for another cultural group. Significant challenges unusual to the American professional arise in such a venture. These will be presented and solutions for a respectful and meaningful resolution will be discussed. |
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