Fri 31 Mar 2006
MANDS = 10
Today was another bad day for Tony. Marlaina also made the discovery that Tony had some tummy problems (we had 6 diaper changes before nap time). So again, not such a great day.
I started with food this morning only using cereal, chicken, chips and waffle. I used the same technique as last time and his approximations to “waffle” were noticeably stronger today. He also started tacting all the different food items on his tray (just chip and waffle). Jay, I wanted to ask you if I was supposed to be doing this for his entire breakfast, or just after he has manded for a few items? I felt bad making him work for all of his food and he also wasn’t feeling well.
Also today, I worked in some colors and I worked on some easy maintenance activities like the shapes. I didn’t push him too hard because he was getting frustrated and he just didn’t feel well. Tony also manded for “car” and I prompted “ride” and on the way to the car he said “car ride.” We sang songs in the car while we waited for Marlaina and then it was off for his favorite treat (Chick-fil-A fries). After we got back, and had another diaper change, Tony was content watching the Tubbies while grazing on his fries. We read a few books involving animals and he tacted them all very well, even making the noises when I asked. Three books later Tony was getting tired and was ready for a nap. He went down without a fuss.
So, today wasn’t the best for Tony because he was sick. This may also have explained some of his behaviors for the past week. I hope he feels better for tomorrow!
March 31st, 2006 at 4:32 pm
I’ve got a few comments regarding this week’s posts. First, Parker you are natural teacher (forget that art stuff). I like the way you used the echoic to mand transfer for play-doh. This is one clear means to get manding out of an echoic child. I would continue the format of asking a question, providing a short 1-2 sec. delay (to see if he will say it without the echoic), if not provide the echoic, then immediately ask the question again to see if he will mand without echoic……….if so, provide multitude of reinforcement!! Second, I really liked the creativity in teaching near and far. Kids learn by having fun and this sounded like a great fun, learning activity for Tony. Whitney, I want to reinforce you as well for working so hard on “Phase 2” and setting up a more user friendly maintenance section of the book. I’m sure this will only benefit you in your budding behavior analysis career. With respect to your question about food mands…………if you can get a few (~5-8) good mands out of this, end on a really good one, and differentially reinforce by providing him with the rest of the food item he last manded for.
I have to say it really made me feel good today when I stopped by to drop something off and Tony manded (after echoic prompt) “Up”, I picked him up, and he laid his head on my shoulder for a few moments. Reminded me of AJ…………Keep up the great work everybody.
Jay