I was observing a client of mine who is in a group setting. I couldn’t help but notice another student in the group (not one of mine). This other child is not able to speak and really wanted to play
The beginning of a new school year can be an exciting time. For others, it evokes more fear and worry than glee. For our children and students with ASD, A new school year can mean difficult transitions, loud noises, intimidating
One of my favourite things about my job is when we get clients when they are young (2-3 years old). This means that I love creating a program for beginners who might just be learning to talk and socialize. First,
Too often, my sons come home complaining that they lost their recess time because classmates were behaving badly. This is one of my pet peeves as a parent, former teacher and BCBA. Recess is non-contingent reinforcement and I believe it
There are a lot of tools in the Kid Mechanix’s box that I use regularly to help shape positive behaviour. A behaviour contract is one of my go-tos for learners who are able to wait for delayed reinforcement. When implementing, it’s
When I was a classroom teacher, I didn’t always have the tools or knowledge to effectively deal with learning or behavioural challenges. It was frustrating! Soon after I graduated with a Masters in Education, I was given a group of
My 5-year-old daughter just finished telling me about her adventure at the Science Centre, leaving no detail out. She’s a chatterbox! My hubby and I love listening to her, especially because she was tight-lipped until she was close to three.
Every morning, Shelly Yusufov arrives at work pumped up. Not because she’s had too much coffee; simply because she’s passionate about her job as program director at Kid Mechanix Academy. Her enthusiasm and energy also help fuel the students and staff, so
Talking face-to-face, your child with autism doesn’t look at you. Her eyes have never intentionally met yours. It’s hurtful sometimes – it would feel so connective if she’d gaze at you when you said I love you – and at
Trying to teach Julie some of the targets we dished about in How To Foster Independence Skills and How To Teach Your Young Child Self Care Skills with not much success? No sweat! The solution to the struggle: Task analysis and chaining.
