Function Junction:Behavior Matters

Have a listen as Jon Lu returns with Kelly Pillow and Ellie Castillo.  They are three  members of a team of people who work to see great things happen for students.  You will feel the teamwork as they talk.  We hope you are inspired by their enthusiasm.  We also hope you stay for the question.

Have a listen to Susan and Cissy have a talk with a man Susan worked with years ago.  Brian and his parents give great insight into navigating school and life after that.  They are sure to make you smile and think.  Stay for the question.

Susan talks about a student who had a big reaction to the word "girl".  Everyone working with her recognized the importance of helping her be able to tolerate the word as they could not control the vocabulary of everyone with whom she came in contact.  The team worked together on the word and helped Wendy make great progress.  We hope you stay for the question at the end.

Here is the second half of our conversation with Dr. Mary Lasater about Dr. Mike Brady.   She and Susan share about his wonderful influence on their lives and careers. We hope you enjoy the stories and see the behavior matters.  Stay for the question at the end

Dr. Mary Lasater returns to reminisce with Susan about Dr. Mike Brady. Susan and Mary were in graduate school at the same time and were lucky enough to have Dr. Brady guide them through their Doctorates and several other aspects of their lives.  Dr. Brady died in December leaving many people to grieve, but also many, many wonderful memories.  Their stories emphasize the importance of coming alongside others as they learn, having high expectations, and a good sense of humor.

Cissy and Susan talk about the challenges of working with individuals who have multiple maladaptive behaviors that are serving multiple functions.  Helping these individuals get their needs met in a more functional way can be very rewarding.  Sometimes it can be hard to decide where to begin.  Have a listen and decide where you would start. 

Here is the second part of Tricia Lund, a Houston BCBA, who returns to talk about gender identity and expression differences in individuals with autism.  She has studied a great deal in the area as well as trauma informed care.  You are sure to be moved by the respect with which she talks about topics that are frequently not addressed for many people with disabilities.  Stay for the question at the end.  

Tricia Lund, a Houston BCBA, returns to talk about gender identity and expression differences in individuals with autism.  She has studied a great deal in the area as well as trauma informed care.  You are sure to be moved by the respect with which she talks about topics that are frequently not addressed for many people with disabilities.  Stay for the question and come back next week for Part 2.

Susan talks about a student who had many behaviors of concern.  She gives a great illustration of turning a situation around with a student by pairing yourself and important activities with something they are known to enjoy.  If a student sees you as fun, they are much more likely to work for you.  Have a listen and check out the question at the end.

Susan and Cissy have a conversation with Sharon Carter and Jennifer Walker who are finishing up their last class for their behavior analyst certification.  Although they have worked with different populations, they have worked together through the coursework and learned to apply the concepts in different ways as a result.  They have great stories and insight.  Have a listen and see if Cissy is able to answer the question they brought for the end of  the episode.