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| Early Intervention is All Grown Up: Applying Evidence-Based Individualized Interventions in Group Settings to Adolescents and Adults Across the Autism Spectrum |
| Wednesday, November 15, 2017 |
| 8:00 AM–8:50 AM |
| Forum GHIJ, Niveau 1 |
| Area: AUT; Domain: Service Delivery |
| CE Instructor: Allison Jones, M.S. |
| Chair: Cecilia Knight (Institute for Behavioral Training) |
| Abstract: The efficacy of Applied Behavior Analysis in treating young children with autism in one-to-one settings has been well-established in research, but what happens when those children grow into adolescence and adulthood? For many teens and adults on the spectrum, continued life-long services are critical to creating independent and happy lives, and a change in approach is essential. At Project HOPE Foundation, these needs are being addressed in a variety of ways. Hope ALIVE provides group services to young adults on the spectrum with the goals of building independence and gaining meaningful employment; Hope ALIVE Junior provides a classroom for adolescents focusing on life skills, communication, reduction of severe maladaptive behavior, community engagement, and preparation for the vocational and service options that students will face as adults; and Bridging the Gap utilizes Applied Behavior Analysis in classrooms that focus on traditional academics as well as social skills and classroom readiness. These programs apply evidence-based individualized interventions in group settings to adolescents and adults across the autism spectrum in innovative ways to continue to meet their changing needs. |
| Instruction Level: Intermediate |
| Keyword(s): adolescence, adult services, classroom settings, non-traditional applications |
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| Hope ALIVE: Expanding Academics, Life Skills, Interests, Vocational Skills, and Experiences for Adults on the Autism Spectrum Through Applied Behavior Analysis |
| Allison Jones (Project HOPE Foundation, Inc.), MARK KNIGHT (Hope Reach) |
| Abstract: Hope ALIVE transfers the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis to a group setting to help participants build independence and gain meaningful employment. Hope ALIVE focuses on Academics, Life skills, Interests, Vocational Opportunities, and Experiences, while using evidence-based principles to prompt, shape, and reinforce new and growing skills, and to reduce the occurrence of maladaptive behaviors that serve as a barrier to successful outcomes. This innovative program applies the well-documented techniques and principles of Applied Behavior Analysis in a group setting with young adults; participants have shown measurable and significant progress. Although the vast majority of behavior analytic services available to people on the autism spectrum serve young children, the principles of behavior apply to adults, as well. Hope ALIVE seeks to expand the vast base of research in ABA to help young adults achieve greater independence, meaningful employment, and happy lives. |
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| Expanding Classroom Models for Adolescents Across the Autism Spectrum Using Applied Behavior Analysis |
| MARK KNIGHT (Hope Reach), Allison Jones (Project HOPE Foundation, Inc.), Andrea Hudspeth (Hope Reach) |
| Abstract: The efficacy of Applied Behavior Analysis in therapy for children with autism is well established, but the transfer of ABA into classrooms is critical. By shifting learning from one-on-one therapy to a more natural group setting, ABA classroom options pave the way for successful transition into adult life. Project HOPE Foundation employs ABA in a variety of classroom models, both inclusion-based and autism-specific. Bridging the Gap is an ABA educational program with classrooms ranging from preschool through high school, emphasizing group and social skills within a classroom environment along with an individualized curriculum approach to teaching academics. Classroom experiences are supplemented with life skills instruction and pre-vocational experiences. Hope Alive Junior targets children with more severe challenges with communication, social interaction, and problem behavior. This program uses ABA to build peer relationships, encourage group interaction, and develop community engagement. Students work in a variety of venues – classroom, specially designed life skills house, and the community at large – to foster communication and independence. |
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