Function Junction:Behavior Matters

Susan and Cissy discuss the skill of executive functioning, which is important to all of us.  Some people with autism can have challenges in this area and find themselves in some tricky situations.  Of course, a question ends the episode.

Jon Lu created some of the beautiful artwork we use on the podcast, but that is not the only way he will inspire you.  He works with students with autism and developmental disabilities and has a joyous gentle way of helping them learn.  Have a listen to the second half of our conversation with him and stay around for a question to practice ABA concepts.

Susan and Cissy interview an amazing school district-wide paraprofessional who has so much insight into forming relationships with students, other paraprofessionals, and teachers.  Have a listen to the wonderful Jon Lu and hang around for a question about ABA concepts.  Special thanks to John Kenna who edited this episode!

This week, Cissy talks about working with a school to help a student who was hurting himself because he didn't want to work.  In behavior analysis, we talk all the time about replacement behaviors.  The staff worked to replace his behavior of hurting himself for a much better way of asking for a break.  As always, stay around for a question to test your knowledge of ABA concepts.

Here is the second part of our talk with Tricia Lund.  She is bound to make you think about adults with disabilities and how they should be able to make decisions about their own lives.  Tricia talked about Dave Hingsburger and how much she appreciates what she has learned from his teaching.  We recorded this episode before July 18, 2021, the day he died.  We express our deepest condolences to all who cared for him.  His work will continue through people like Tricia and others who understand that a disability does change the need and desire to have choices and a life well lived.

Tricia Lund is a Houston area BCBA who is working with neurodiverse adults.  She works with her clients on some of the most fun and difficult things in life - relationships.  She is sure to get you thinking.  This is bound to be helpful, especially with the question at the end of the episode. Some may consider portions of the episode to be adult content.  There is nothing explicit, but we talk about adult issues.

Susan shares an important story about a student and his formal name versus the name his was accustomed to being called.  The story goes on to talk about other issues of respect and care.  The episode ends with an ABA question to keep listeners thinking.

The the second part our conversation with Chris and Lucinda continues.  They share ideas and deep thoughts that apply to just about everyone.  The episode ends with a question about ABA content.

Susan and Cissy have a great conversation with Lucinda and Chris.  Chris is an adult with autism.  Lucinda is his dedicated mom.  They have faced difficulties and victories and share the difference one person can make.  The episode ends with a question about ABA concepts.

This episode is a quick talk about how to handle someone being - perhaps - overly interested in an activity.  Have a listen and get some ideas whether you are thinking of someone with autism, a friend with a developmental disability, or just a person you care about with an interest that is interfering with learning.  As always, a question ends the episode.