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- Written by: Emily Goyen
A boy I worked with, aged nine at the time, could identify almost any car key by its make. He knew the fobs, the logos, and the differences between them. At home, he would repeatedly ask adults in the room if he could look at their keys, so he could see the make. In the supermarket, he would walk up to an adult he had never met, and do the same. This was met with uncomfortable stares, and apologies from the parents.
He had been told not to talk to strangers many times, at home and at school. He could repeat the rule back accurately. He still approached strangers in public, and asked for their keys.
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- Written by: Emily Goyen
An autistic boy I worked with had one response to everything anyone said to him. "Yes, it is."
He would ask an adult how they were. They would say they were good. He would say, "Yes, you are." The adult would smile, wait a moment, and move on. He did this ten times a day and every time the conversation stopped at his turn.
This post sets out how to teach a child to keep a conversation going, in the order I teach it.
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- Written by: Emily Goyen
Precision Teaching is an excellent approach for supporting learners who need additional help mastering a variety of skills, from academic skills like reading and spelling to more varied targets such as fine motor movements. It's a method that carefully tracks progress and focuses on teaching at just the right level for each child. This can be particularly beneficial for children with special educational needs (SEN), who may struggle with traditional teaching methods and need a more tailored approach.
In this blog, we'll explore what Precision Teaching is, how it's deeply connected to Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), and why it's crucial that it be guided by a consultant Behaviour Analyst to ensure its effectiveness.
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- Written by: Emily Goyen
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) has evolved significantly, and at Open Avenues we are committed to a progressive, child-centred approach. This means putting the child's needs, preferences, and comfort at the forefront of everything we do.
Our goal is not just to change behaviours but to create a meaningful, supportive, and engaging therapy experience. In this post we'll explore what sets progressive ABA apart, and how it can make a positive difference in the lives of children and their families.