A debate rages in Behavior Analysis circles: do our inner thoughts affect our outer behavior? Some Behavior Analysts would tell you no – that as long as you control the environment and the contingencies in that environment you can change behavior. Others will tell you that even if you put a client in an environment…
Read MoreResolving to be Resolute: The Science Behind Resolutions
There’s a certain amount of hope that comes with a New Year. This is going to be the year we are going to clean our house, do the laundry every day, eat healthily, be nicer, give more! The data is not on our side. According to science, less than 10% of us are actually going…
Read MoreWeight! Is this research-based?
Weighted blankets and vests are already a common and accepted practice among therapists and special education teachers. Teachers usually report that the vests help with stereotypical behavior, decrease melt-downs and help students remain on task during occupational therapy or physical therapy sessions. I have used weighted vests in my classroom. It was an occupational therapist…
Read MoreSelf-Determination in Video: Noelle
If you have Disney+ you may have seen a Disney exclusive named Noelle. The story of the Princess of the North Pole (Noelle) who tells her father that she wants to do something important like her brother (heir to Santa). Her father tells her that her job is important – keep making Christmas cards and…
Read MoreTAG!: Teaching with Acoustical Guidance
There is a lot of research (and a lot of controversies) about TAG Teaching. TAG teaching uses a bell, click, ding or other acoustical sounds to teach ballet dancers, yogis, football players, surgeons, teachers, and students wanted behaviors. The research is fascinating and the applications seem to be unlimited. To give you a background into…
Read MoreDisney+ Social Skills
This past month Disney+ came out. When I was done binging, I realized it has some great content that you can use for Social Skills! Read on for some free lessons (well, free after a Disney+ subscription). Boy Meets World/Girl Meets World – These two series about Cory growing up – and then Cory’s daughter…
Read MoreSocially Aware or Social Robot?
Are you teaching others how to become socially aware (thoughtfully assessing the social situation) or hoping for a social robot (someone who does what they are taught in social situations because it’s been drilled into them that it’s the “right” thing to do)? It’s an important question and one that needs to be addressed as…
Read MoreSelf-Care Saturday. Sunday? Whatever day you choose.
Last week I missed my regular Sunday post because I was busy reflecting on life in the woods, hanging out with friends and actively participating in self-care. I had no major insights, but it did give me the idea to research self-care and teaching. Recently there has been a push for teachers to pay more…
Read MoreWhy Are You Doing That?!: Functions of Behavior
Have you ever been in a situation and just wondered “Why are you the way you are?” Why someone does what they do (or continues to do it) theoretically comes down to the function of the behavior. Behavior essentially has four functions: tangible, sensory, attention, and escape/avoidance. Going to work? Tangible – you want the…
Read MoreConsequences are Natural!
The world works on a system of natural consequences. You arrive late at the airport, you miss your flight. You did not go to bed at a decent time last night, you’re tired. You skip lunch to work on a presentation, you’re hungry. Every action we take in life has a consequence (positive or negative)…
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