Title

Innovations in Behavioral Intervention Preparation for Paraprofessionals Working with Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

UMMS Affiliation

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center; Shriver Center

Publication Date

2015-01-01

Document Type

Article

Disciplines

Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms | Experimental Analysis of Behavior | Mental Disorders | Psychiatry and Psychology | Psychology | Special Education and Teaching

Abstract

Given the empirically validated success of behavioral intervention based on applied behavior analysis for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, the demand for knowledgeable and skilled paraprofessional teaching staff is very high. Unfortunately, there currently exists a widely recognized shortage of such practitioners. This article describes the development of an online training program aimed at preparing paraprofessionals for face-to-face training and supervision as part of a solution to the growing demand. The focus of the program has been on moving beyond traditional online pedagogy, which has limited interactivity. Instead, the approach to teaching fundamental knowledge and implementation skills in behavioral intervention methods incorporates first-person simulations, typical of live mentor/mentee training. Preliminary program evaluation data are also described.

Source

Serna, R. W., Lobo, H. E., Fleming, C. K., Fleming, R. K., Curtin, C., Foran, M. M., & Hamad, C. D. (2015). Innovations in Behavioral Intervention Preparation for Paraprofessionals Working with Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Special Education Technology, 30(1). PMCID:NIHMS604362

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Journal of Special Education Technology

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