This session addresses parental fears, concerns and stressors of having a child with autism in the family. You will begin to recognize their fears, learn to accept your child's diagnosis and the challenges accompanied with raising a child with autism. This session offers you the opportunity to share information, get advice and lean on each other for emotional support.

PART 1: Basic principles of applied behavior analysis are introduced and used to address behavioral excesses and deficits. You will learn that all behavior serves a function or purpose and that challenging behaviors can be strategically replaced with appropriate behaviors. Videos are used to allow you time to practice identifying possible functions of behaviors. You will learn how to fill out a simple chart to document targeted behaviors, antecedents, and consequences. Homework is assigned asking you to complete the chart of your child’s behavior and begin developing ideas for replacement behaviors.

Part 2: The data you collected is reviewed and you will learn how to manipulate antecedent and consequences systematically in order to change behavior. You’ll learn proactive strategies to manipulate or alter the antecedent that signals that a behavior is about to occur and how that behavior can be prevented. You will also learn reactive strategies that can be used to manipulate or alter the consequence of a behavior.

You are taught how to use visual supports to increase positive behaviors. Each family is given a toolbox filled with a variety of visual supports to teach and support your child’s behaviors. Items such as token economies, communication prompts, and visual schedules are provided and their use demonstrated. You are invited to request individualized visual supports to support teaching your child alternate behaviors and communication skills. The toolbox also includes sensory activity ideas.

Parent involvement is the cornerstone of every child’s success. But without the right knowledge and tools, parents might not realize all the opportunities they can help provide to their child to set them up for a successful future. Brighton Center provides two educational sessions at Any Baby Can that teach parents about the importance of their child’s environment, how to engage in appropriate discipline, effective communication strategies, and how to work with the educational system to ensure your child’s educational needs are being met.