You’re missing out if you’re not using a token economy [For ASD parents]

There are many advantages to using a token economy with your child with autism. Token economies help you to shape your child’s behavior by providing quick and motivating reinforcers. If done at home and on a limited scale, they can be easily and economically implemented. Additionally, your child’s participation in your token economy can help…

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ABA basics for parents with kids with autism: The Discrete Trial (DTT)

Perhaps you recently got an autism diagnosis and are seeking funding for services. Alternatively, you may have just started services and are learning more about how Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) works. Either way, one of the most basic, evidence-based teaching practices that ABA leverages is Discrete Trial Training (DTT). You may see your ABA therapist…

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People with autism deserve to be treated with dignity. Here’s how.

We took a moment to speak with Animate Behavior Clinical Director, BCBA Hailey Purvis, about the importance of respecting the dignity of people with autism. If you are a caregiver, educator, parent or clinician, exhibiting true empathy and respect for people with ASD will nurture lasting relationships and create a positive, safe place for learning.…

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1st steps and resources for caregivers of children with autism

Becoming aware of symptoms of autism in your child is the first step toward getting effective treatment and helping them live up to their fullest potential. There is much information on the internet about what parents should and should not be doing and navigating this content feel overwhelming. In efforts to provide caregivers with relevant…

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HOW TO: Reinforce desired behavior in children with autism (Part 2)

In our last article on how to reinforce desired behavior we defined reinforcement and identified the four types of rewards one could use. In this article, we’ll share tips, from our experienced clinical staff, on how to effectively use reinforcement. If done thoroughly, the following tips will help you replace problem behaviors with wanted behavior.…

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HOW TO: Reinforce desired behavior in children with autism (part 1)

Studies have shown that positive reinforcement is as effective, if not more effective, than punishment. When using punishment, you run the risk of accidentally encouraging problem behavior and damaging the parent/caregiver and child relationship. Reinforcement is a beneficial alternative. Reinforcement, as we’ll refer to it here, is defined as an action one takes to increase…

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