Discrete Trial Training Dec. 14, 2007

The training is still underway. The most enlightening thing for me so far has been the importance of pairing the instructor with reinforcers. We have pretty consistently talked about pairing reinforcers from one level (edible to social etc.). I never considered the social importance of pairing people!

Discrete Trial Training

Today Dr. Sonja deBoer will share information with all thirteen training sites on discrete trial training. Just prior to our interview with Dr. deBoer, we were talking about the association that frequently we make between discrete trial training and one to one self-contained classroom teaching. In talking with Dr. deBoer, it became clear that there is a greater application for ABA than what we have assumed. We are all looking forward to the information that she is presenting.

Ziggurat Training

The two day workshop on the Ziggurat Model has been completed. Those of us who had the opportunity to attend left with a new tool in our toolbox a framework and assessment tools that will enable us to build effective interventions and programs for individuals on the spectrum. In addition, we left with a message, that message was this, when designing programs and interventions for students with ASD the key is to individualize those programs. Interventions should be designed while keeping in mind the impact that the autism has on the individual.

Ziggurat Model

Every time I have the opportunity to listen to Barry Grossman and Ruth Aspy, I learned a great deal. We are attending the Ziggurat Model Training in Overland Park, KS. The training is awesome. The Ziggurat Model is a framework that provides a structure for educators to build a program for students with ASD. The underpinning of the framework is the Underlying Characteristics Checklist. The checklist helps educators to see how autism is impacting the student. What a great workshop! The book is available from our lending library at www.ksndsp.org or can be purchased at www.asperger.net.