Function Junction:Behavior Matters

In this second part of our conversation with Dr. Mitchell, she talks about some of the differences in a Functional Behavior Assessment as individuals get older.  She talks about the importance of planning for success in all areas where an individual will live, work, and play.  It was exciting to hear about how technology is opening doors for work for individuals with disabilities. Please have a listen and stay for the question.

Dr. Vickie Mitchell is a powerhouse of knowledge in the area of transition and education in general.  She has trained people across Texas and the U.S. about setting high expectations for students and making plans to reach those goals.  Have a listen and be encouraged about the future for children with disabilities (or any child for that matter).  She is sure to make you think about the importance of behavior in this first part of our conversation with her.  Stay for the question at the end and come back next week to hear more from this great lady.

Season 3 is here! Susan and Cissy talk about getting back to school and thinking about ABA concepts that are highly detailed for intervention, but happen almost automatically for many typically developing children.  Have a listen and think about the children you know and how they may have acquired concepts without direct instruction.  You may also pick up a few new words to drop at a cocktail party (ha ha).  Welcome back.  Thank you for listening.  stay for the question.

Susan and Cissy are wrapping up Season 2 with a quick talk about what summer break can mean to students, parents, teachers, etc.  We hope that you have enjoyed the guests this season as much as we did.  We hope you learned some new things like we did.   We will be back in August.  Have a look at the episodes to see if there are some you have missed.

Susan and Cissy continue their conversation with Laura Dowdy Northcutt about sensory activities.  She has experience in clinics, hospitals, and schools.  Her knowledge of how specific activities can help us regulate our attention and movement is very helpful.  She shares many practical ideas and emphasizes watching what a person is doing and even engaging in the behavior to gain insight.  Be sure to check out the things she has allowed us to share on our website - function junction.org.  Also, stay for the question.

Susan and Cissy had the privilege of talking with Laura Dowdy Northcutt.  Laura is an occupational therapist with a wealth of experience helping individuals with motor needs and developing skills needed to take care of their daily living needs.  The sensory system is certainly involved in our ability to move through our day and take care of ourselves.  She and Cindy Castillo, a BCBA, developed a training to help school staff look at the sensory needs of their students.  She also has a great deal of experience with dyslexia and serves as the Assistant Director of Responsive Services for a school district in the Houston area.  She is happy to share a checklist and a "sensory toolbox" with our listeners.  You can find it under the visual supports tab of the Function Junction website - www.functionjunction.org. Stay for the question and come back next week for more great information about our sensory systems and learning.

Susan and Cissy have a quick conversation about how watching cartoons and other videos has changed over time.  When we think about things that we satiate on such as food, they lose their reinforcement value when we have had enough.  It seems that many of us do not satiate on screen time.  Do you satiate on screen time?  Do you know others who do not?  How do you manage your screen time?  Stay for the question at the end.

Susan and Cissy continue their conversation with Judy Blake of Family to Family.  She talks about supporting families and helping them prepare for the future as well as her own son who is on the spectrum.  She shares how she used his strengths and interests to help him.  As a reminder, Family to Family is hosting "Autism 101 Academy" on April 29th, 2023.  You can find more information at their website www.f2fn.org.  Have a look at all they do.  stay for the question at the end of this episode.

Susan and Cissy talk with Judy Blake from Family to Family.  Her role with the organization is working with parents, grandparents, etc. to help them learn to advocate for their family member.  Judy has a child on the spectrum who is an adult and talks about trying to navigate the diagnosis all those years ago.  With her vast experience and knowledge, she talks about how much she has learned from other families and professionals.  Family to Family is hosting "Autism 101 Academy" on April 29th.  You can find more information at their website www.f2fn.org. Have a look at all they have to offer.  Stay for the question at the end of this episode.

Susan and Cissy talk about the prevalence data about autism from the CDC.  The numbers continue to increase.  They talk about why that may be and what we are learning from the data that the CDC and some other studies have shared.  The timing of the episode seems appropriate as it is being published during  Autism Awareness and Acceptance month. Please share your ideas about why the numbers continue to grow.  Stay for the question.