Function Junction:Behavior Matters

Ramon Santillan of www.persuasiveinterview.com talked with Susan and Cissy about coaching individuals with autism to get ready for better interviews.  Ramon started his career as a tax consultant, but now shares strategies for finding work with individuals who struggle in the job search and interview processes.  He helps people in all kinds of careers.  He likes that he does not have repeat customers.  His clients are finding work and not needing him again.  He shares ideas that could be great for everyone.  This is part 1 of 2.  Stay for the question and be sure to come back for the next episode.

Susan and Cissy share several stories about changing behaviors.  The ideas can be applied with just about anyone.  They talk about the importance of choosing the most important behavior at the time, thinking through the function, and finding the best change process.  Have a listen and give the question a try.  They hope you get an idea that can help you.

Louis continues the conversation with Susan and Cissy by talking about two groups that center around advocacy.  The Council of Parent attorneys and Advocates is a national group.  Members of Texas Organization of Parent Attorneys and Advocates strive to empower students and families to assert and protect their education rights.  Louis is the President of TOPPA. He shares great ideas for helping individuals get into college or be ready for a job.  Remember to check out The Benjamin J. Geigerman Lecture Series at http://www.geigermanlecture.com.  Stay for the question and come back next week.  Thank you for listening.

Louis Geigerman is a well known special education advocate.  He has worked with families in the Houston area and other parts of the country for close to 30 years.  He has a passion to see students with disabilities have access to what they need to get an appropriate education.  He also keeps families and schools focused on outcomes connected to having fulfilling work for individuals with disabilities.  Please check out http://www.geigermanlecture.com which is dedicated to the memory of his son Benjamin who was in the spectrum.  Come back next week for the second part of this conversation.

Dr. Amanda Gray continues to share very important information related to autism, ADHD, executive functioning, and theory of mind.  She talks about a study out of Australia that suggests that girls with autism may actually outnumber boys with autism, but they have just gone undiagnosed.  Her discussion about ADHD has Cissy thinking about her attention skills.  She shares a bit about Executive Functioning prompting Susan and Cissy to suggest the three find time in the future to get into that more. Enjoy the wisdom. Stay for the question.  Come back next week.  Thank you for listening.

Join Susan and Cissy in a conversation with Dr. Amanda Gray.  Dr. Gray is a Licensed Psychologist near the Dallas area.  She has experience as a school psychologist, but has moved to private practice.  In this first half of the conversation, she talks about the difficulties of navigating getting the diagnosis of autism and getting to the supports that are needed, particularly for girls. She notes that boys with with autism and less academic needs may also not always get the supports they need.  She reminds listeners that there is a difference between a medical diagnosis and an educational eligibility.  She wants to support families as they navigate these kinds of issues.  Be sure to come back next week and hear more about girls with autism.  Oh, and stay for the question.  

Susan shares stories about changing behaviors systematically and carefully.  She also emphasizes the "art" of applying the science of behavior change.  It is important in teaching individuals with disabilities, but can be applied to our everyday life as we want to change our own behavior or teach others in our circle. Hope you enjoy this week.  Stay for the question, and come back next week

Please enjoy the rest of Susan's and Cissy's conversation with Brennan Fuller. Brennan has a great analogy about autism for helping others understand it.  He also shares some very interesting vocabulary words. He researches all kinds of things and talks about some of those things.  He sure made Susan and Cissy think about supporting individuals with autism and making sure that lessons are interesting.  He also seems wise beyond his years in so many ways.  Hope you stay for the question.

Brennan Fuller is an amazing 16-year-old who is very interested in biology and is an artist.  He is also on the autism spectrum.  Brennan drops lots of wisdom on Cissy and Susan as he talks about where he wants to go in life.  Their conversation covers everything from Dungeons and Dragons to COVID quarantine.   Stay for the question today, but come back for the rest of the conversation next week. Thank you for listening.