Tue 22 Nov 2005
Tony worked really well with OT (Debbi) today. OT got Tony to sound the words “thumb” and “finger” while playing a “thumb up, thumb down,…” game. Tony also said numbers with OT going “12345_” and Tony responded “six”. Tony sounded the words “bounce” and “ball” while OT bounced him on his big exercise ball. Tony lied across OT’s lap as she said “Tony up!” while lifting him up (like a sit-up). Then Tony did it on his own after she said it. He also ran outside and imitated patting his hands and picking up and dropping acorns. Tony inside imitated jumping. OT used a lot of deep pressure/joint compression and Tony really seemed to enjoy this. He was also quite verbal, making many sounds/approximations. Tony’s attention and responsiveness was incredible, making great eye contact and focusing. Today was a very good session!
November 23rd, 2005 at 6:20 am
I keep thinking of things I forgot to tell you guys. With respect to tacts (Remember, these are labels or names for items, events, actions, etc. see ABLLS)select first words to target that are common items in his environment that he sees everyday (ex. cat, bus, tv character). Begin teaching these after Tony is pretty good on 5-10 mands, and had some success on echoics, motor imitations, compliance, and receptively identifying common objects. It can sometimes work to teach receptive id and tacts together. For example, the ear thing I mentioned the other day. “Tony touch your ear” (ant.), Tony touches ear (beh.), receives social praise and/or mands for reinforcer (conseq.)…….this would be a receptive trial…..then immediately present a tact trial like this……”Tony, what’s this?” while point at your/his ear (ant.), Tony says or approximates or signs or combination “ear”….reinforce with social praise and opportunity to mand for reinforcement. This is why we need to get a few really good mands established.
In the Teaching Language book by Sundberg & Partington there is a nice list of 240 “first words” that serves as a nice guideline to teaching first receptives and tacts to children with autism. WHen Marlaina obtains this book, check it out Table 7-7. Also, I’ve found the appendices in the ABLLS book very helpful………
Have a great Thanksgiving.
Jay