[FEAT BC Admin]

In this topic area, discussion is on all issues relating to setting up and running a home-based intervention program. Please feel free to bring up any problems or suggestions. Parents can help each other greatly by sharing information and giving suggestions.

In addition to parents helping parents, A.B.A. professionals on in the Discussion Group can also help provide insight and guidance.

Topic

[Deleted User]

My son's consultants take data using the Standard Celeration Chart. This method is the most effective way to chart accurate data required for scientific data based decision making. For more information check out this website:
http://www.celeration.org
As a possible note of interest my son has been involved in an ABA program since 1997. We have had consultants who used every conceivable "data" method imaginable but nothing compares to the accuracy and effectiveness of the standard celeration chart.
DeeDee Doyle
deedeedoyle@hotmail.com

[Theresa Jouan]

Hi-

Excellent topic of discussion! It is no secret that data collection provides us with the only means to scientifically (ie objectively) know just what's happening in your child's program- aside from the margin of human error. Accurate data provides us with objectively measurable and behaviourally scientific numbers that- when crunched- allow consultants to make the most accurate decisions possible BECAUSE this is how they will be able to determine if: an intervention is working/not working, functions, frequency and duration of inappropriate behaviours, all items being taught in programs, if a teaching approach is currently successful/unsuccessful, if a mastered concept is GENERALIZING or not, etc.
This is why it is important to take data on not only inappropriate behaviours (as identified by the consultant), but also each and every program that is currently being taught.
Of the two different kinds of data collection- Anecdotal (meaning data that is collected after the sitting has finished) and Trial by trial (definitions can vary from consultant to consultant- some feel it is only defined by data that is taken after each and every trial in a program, or after each incident of behaviour. Some consultants feel that this is defined by data that is taken after several trials), trial by trial provides us with the most accurate data as it is taken on a more consistent basis while the program is being conducted.
Because data collection can be a huge undertaking and may seem overwhelming, it is important to have it set up in a way that is organized. It is also important to make sure your team has the proper training and know HOW and WHEN to take the data. If they are not sure or if it is inconsistent among team members, you may have therapy time that is wasted and data that is not useful.
A well-setup system should not be time consuming- rather it should naturally flow through your session.
A fabulous way to organize data collection is using the 'Clipboard System' (you may have heard of this- Michelle Karren describes what this looks like at Feat of BC workshops). Basically, this system works by having separate data sheets and graphs for each program on a SEPARATE clipboard. This allows for maximum use of therapy time- irregardless of the team member. Behaviours that are also being tracked can be found on a different clipboard as well- this allows the team member to be able to take it around the house with them if needed.
While I certainly do not know everything there is to know about data, I hope some of this info is useful!
Good luck,

Theresa Tournemille

[Barbara Rodrigues]

Hi Stella/anyone interested:

Re: Data collection

My girls have a clipboard that they carry with them – that way they can still interact and pay attention – redirect stims, etc. while keeping data -noting how many times a stim occurs, etc etc. I have had girls that would ignore my son while doing notes and it's counterproductive – your busy keeping data while the child is engaging in inappropriate behavior – notes/data are important but never as important as the child. If times are tough and you need hands free – put masking tape on your jeans to keep track of behaviors/drills – put clipboards or paper in various areas around the room. Jot notes quickly and stay focused on the child.

We do a 'general behavior – about 6 lines in 'general notes' at the END of session – I provide time at the end of a session for note taking.

We keep ABC of all negative behavior and all stims -stims so we can see if the redirection/intervention we are using is working.At each team meeting all stims and all negative behaviors are added up and broken down into therapist/session/times/behavior/stim.

Each drill has it's own set of data and section in the book. I don't do graphing but can do it if I need to show the data more clearly.

I tell the girls they get 15 minutes at the end of the session to do notes – including behaviors/verbals/drills/general. It can be done – I did it myself to make sure.

To clarify my humble opinion – data is absolutely needed – exact ABC's need to be done on negative behaviors but all this can be done without taking a huge amount of time and without interfering with the session. Good behaviors or great happenings are written in general or if a particular drill needs to be looked at it might go something like this:noting that spelling data would be in 'spelling section of the book'

'Great day today – did great on spelling – had some trouble with counting -see notes. Toe walking down. Loved the blocks and playdoh.'

Then behaviors would be done in an ABC format and specific and how many times, etc.

Then each drill would have it's own data – spelling, counting, self help, verbal, etc.

This was Lisa Wincz's format from years ago (not sure if she's still using it) but it was and is the most acurate/doable/workable/achievable/accountable way that I found to set up a book and keep track of data.

Hope that makes sense.

Barbara

[Stella Li]

I have a few questions regarding DATA COLLECTION in Lovaas ABA therapy. The reason I ask these quesions is: I found that our therapists have to spend lot of time writing data, and it takes away therapy time, which may affect my child's progress… Just wanted to know if I can do anything to improve… Please send email to me: stellali888@shaw.ca or share in this board. Thank you in advance for your help!

(1) What method of data collection are you using? e.g trial by trial? graphing? andenotal?

(2) How do you take data on behaviour (general, negative…)?

(3) How long does it take for data collection in a typical 3-hour therapy session?

(4) Any suggestions to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of data collection?

[Nancy Walton]

Swimming Instructions

My son is moderately autistic and has done a lot of swimming lessons. For the first few years, (6 or 7 lesson sets), I have sent in a therapist. Sometimes the therapist can give the instructor pointers on how to insist on Casey's attention. In your case, it sounds like you need your consultant to design a program for reinforcing good listening and good behavior.

This is my next step in swimming lessons. The therapist is going to sit at the side of the pool and deliver tokens as my son listens to the instructor and/or does a good model of what the instructor wants.

Swimming can be a very confusing and complicated time for an ASD child. To aide my son's attention and understanding, I video taped my daughter doing various things that I want my son to do in the water and on the deck. I took matching photos. We are going to show him the video and hold up photo's of each segment. So when he is supposed to do flutter kick in the pool, we can hold up the picture of flutter kick and hopefully my son will remember the video footage of how to do kicking. You may not have to do something as elaborate. Even without this, it is amazing what my son has been able to do. At age 7 he is at level 5.

Good luck. Keep it ABA.

Nancy Walton

[Jean Tsang]

Hello,

I'm wondering if anyone knows of swimming instructors or swimming programs in Vancouver, Burnaby or Richmond areas that are suited for kids with ASD.

Our 5-year-old has been taking weekly group lessons for a year and it appears that the instructors that were assigned have not been firm enough to deal with his behaviours (yelling, walking away, inattentiveness, repeating "I'm can't do it" or "I'm scared", splashing water at other kids, etc).

Any advice on this subject will be much appreciated.

[Lis Louwrier]

I am writing to thank Diane and Barb for organizing Jenny Obando's talk last night on Vancouver Island. I know it must be an effort to get it all organized. Jenny's frank and heartfelt discussion about her son's road to recovery was inspiring. Thank you for sharing your experience.

All the best!
Lis Louwrier
Victoria, BC

[Diane T]

This is a reminder of Thursday's Mid-Island ASBC Community Group meeting at:

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Thursday, May 19
Room 219 Building 356
Malaspina University College
Nanaimo

Jenny Obando, parent, will be presenting: "Almost Dried Up: Is Full Recovery From Autism Really Possible?"

This will be an open meeting. All are welcome.

Refreshments will be available.

Hope to see you there.
Diane

[Diane T]

The next Mid-Island ASBC Community Group meeting will be held at:

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Thursday, May 19
Room 219 Building 356
Malaspina University College
Nanaimo

Presentation: "Almost Dried Up: Is Full Recovery From Autism Really Possible?"

Jenny Obando will tell her story of her son’s hard-won recovery, using visual examples, on how their family tackled the tough reality that is Autism. She will share with us what went into her successful mix including her son’s starting points, challenges and her family’s personal sacrifices in overcoming her first child’s diagnosis and what life looks like at the other end. She also has a second child recently diagnosed who is in the beginning stages of an ABA program.

This is the presentation that was postponed due to weather in January.

This will be an open meeting. All are welcome: parents, grandparents, friends, teachers, therapists, judges, politicians and service providers.

Refreshments will be available.

Hope to see you there.
Diane

[Anna Dougans]

Outline of Senior Therapist Duties Required

I'm wondering if anyone can provide me with the duties and responsibilities of a Senior Therapist.
What should my expectations be for a therapist in this role?

Also, what do you pay a Senior Therapist? I'm interested in how other teams do this.
Please email me privately at iriemom@yahoo.com
Thanks!
Anna

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