Part 2

The second half of this video talks about some interesting topics.  I enjoyed how Patricia Schroeder admits there is no one tool that is better then the other.  There are many tools that we use in the day to day practices of interacting and caring for people with ASD.  She did discuss some interesting topics including some executive functioning, which are less popular then the other symptoms or ‘odd’ behaviors that people with ASD exhibit.  Such abilities as self-managing or preparing for events.  I know personally the students in my class have some difficulties doing both of these things, especially preparing for events.  If there is a change in the schedule there tends to be more behaviors at that time.  If we are preparing for a field trip and have to change and not go at the last minute it would probably end in a restraint.  Last week there was another student grounding in the hallway and would not let anyone by, my students had their coats on and everything and we could not go for fifteen minutes or so, this did not settle well with them, and the slight change in plans put almost everyone of my students in a bad mood. 
Another tool Patricia mentioned was ABC forms (Antecedents, Behavior, Consequence).  These are tools to help collect data and figure out functions of behaviors.  These forms can be very useful if used correctly and accurately.  These forms can paint a clear picture of why a behavior occurs and what will happen after to maintain the behavior.  We use these forms in my classroom and they are very useful.  Although we have had some issues with them being filled out correctly and accurately as they are broken down and written anyone can fill them out, even those without behavioral background.  Patricia did show some bias to the theory of teacher attention and attention seeking behaviors of students.  I would have to disagree with her based on my own personal experiences in the classroom and working with ABC data.  Attention can be a very reinforcing thing and some students will actively work for attention especially from preferred staff.  Although I do agree with her that one of the most important things we can do is collect data to support one hypotheses or another.

Just a reminder that tomorrow 4/2/12 is Autism awareness day, one can wear blue to show support.