Description
There are now myriad interventions, approaches and techniques for working with children on the autism spectrum. Many parents and others supporting people with autism wonder which method is the best. Will Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) as originally developed by Ivar Lovaas or one if its many offshoots such as Verbal Behavior fit the bill? What about the Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication handicapped Children (TEACCH)? How do I find out if Developmental Individual-Difference Relation-Based intervention (DIR), often referred to as “Floortime” is better tha n Relational Developmental Intervention (RDI)? And then there is Daily Life Therapy (DLT), developed in Japan, and practiced at the Boston Higashi School for the past two decades. There’s also the Miller Method (MM), which has been developed over the past 40 years. Or what about this approach called Social Communication Emotional Regulation Transactional Supports (SCERTS)?
Noting that there has been no true comparison between educational/behavioral/developmental approaches for working with children on the autism spectrum, qualitative research was initiated to investigate Applied Behavioral Analysis, TEACCH, Daily Life Therapy, Miller Method, and DIR. Other methods such as RDI and SCERTS are also discussed. Reframing the quest for the best methodology amongst the bunch to “Which methodology is best for this person at this time” will be much more helpful. Although all well-designed approaches and techniques should be considered when supporting a person with autism.
Agenda
0900-1015 Introduction, putting educational/behavioral/developmental approaches into context.
1015-1030 Break
1030-1145 Comparing and contrasting behavioral, developmental, and other approaches for supporting students on the autism spectrum
1145-1200 Questions, answers, and what did we learn from our experience together
About Dr. Stephen Shore;
Dr. Stephen Shore (born September 27, 1961) is an autistic professor of special education at
Adelphi University. He has written the books that include: College for Students with Disabilities, Understanding Autism for Dummies, Ask and Tell, and Beyond the Wall. Currently, he serves on the board of
Autism Speaks, and is one of the first two autistic board members in its history, looking to improve the potential of those on the autism spectrum. He once headed the Asperger’s Association of New England and was on the board of the
Autism Society of America.
Diagnosed with “Atypical Development and strong autistic tendencies” and “too sick” for outpatient treatment Dr. Shore was recommended for institutionalization. Nonverbal until four, and with much support from his parents, teachers, wife, and others, Stephen is now a professor at Adelphi University where his research focuses on matching best practice to the needs of people with autism.
In addition to working with children and talking about life on the autism spectrum, Stephen is internationally renowned for presentations, consultations and writings on lifespan issues pertinent to education, relationships, employment, advocacy, and disclosure. His most recent book College for Students with Disabilities combines personal stories and research for promoting success in higher education.
A current board member of Autism Speaks, president emeritus of the Asperger’s Association of New England, and advisory board member of the Autism Society, Dr. Shore serves on the boards of the Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association, The US Autism and Asperger Association, the Scientific Counsel of OAR, and other autism related organizations.
