autism

Evidence Based Interventions- Communication
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Evidence Based Interventions- Communication

As a School Psychologist, I work with educators and parents who have children with significant behavioral, cognitive, and communication needs. Research indicates that  as many as 25-37% of people with significant cognitive disabilities do not use oral speech. 

I am sharing communication strategies that are evidence based, and have been proven to support students with their communication needs.   I HIGHLY recommend having a Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP), and possibly even an Augmentative and Adaptive Communication specialist as part of your child’s care team.

Social Skills training 
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Social Skills training 

Social skills are the tools and skills that help people to listen and communicate with each other, solve conflicts, empathy, demonstrate positive friendship behaviors, make friends, get our needs met appropriately, share and receive, and interact with others in a positive way.

Children who are behind in social skills may benefit from extra practice, teaching, or direct instruction in social skills, often referred to as social skills training. 

Social skills training is a direct way of teaching social skills. Directly teaching social skills has been proven to improve social skills in children and teens.

Executive Functioning Coaching
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Executive Functioning Coaching

Executive functioning is an umbrella term that includes: short-term and working memory, planning and finishing tasks and projects, managing emotions, paying attention, and sustaining attention to tasks.

Executive functioning skills are an essential set of skills to help with classroom and life success.

Executive Functioning Coaching can help improve Executive Functioning Skills.

My 5 Favorite Evidence Based Interventions to Help Children with Behavior Challenges
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My 5 Favorite Evidence Based Interventions to Help Children with Behavior Challenges

As a School Psychologist, I work with educators and parents to support children with behavior challenges. Behavior challenges can take many forms including defiance, aggression, off-task behavior, and eloping, among others.  I want to share with you my 5 most recommended, evidence based interventions.

Navigating Special Education Services: Exploring the 13 Special Education Eligibility Categories
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Navigating Special Education Services: Exploring the 13 Special Education Eligibility Categories

To determine if a child qualifies for special education services, a free and comprehensive special education assessment is required as part of the process.  Through the evaluation, the suspected areas of disability are evaluated, and then eligibility for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is determined.    If a student is eligible for special education services, they will be eligible under one of the 13 eligibility categories outlined in this post.

Unlocking the Power of Behavior Charts: 5 Easy Steps to Creating A Fun and Effective Behavior Chart

Unlocking the Power of Behavior Charts: 5 Easy Steps to Creating A Fun and Effective Behavior Chart

A behavior chart is a strategy that helps change or encourage a child’s behavior. There are many different types of behavior charts, ranging from simple to complex. 

By focusing on and rewarding desired behaviors, we can help children develop new habits and skills. Positive reinforcement boosts can boost children’s self-esteem and motivate them to continue practicing positive actions and behaviors.

The fun thing about behavior charts is that they provide a visual representation of progress and achievement. This makes it easier for children to track their own growth.

When children see their successes on the chart, it builds a sense of pride and encourages them to strive for further improvement (just like us adults!). 

Top 41 Special Education Acronyms 

You’re at your child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meeting.  The special education teacher reviews your child’s school placement, and says that for your child to receive FAPE, they need to stay in the LRE…. what?!  

I’m helping you crack the code of these acronyms!  Special Education has many acronyms, representing many important decisions for your child.