AP21943

Guest Speaker Report

Cheryl Bell-Abbott, an ASD teacher, came in to talk to our class about her work teaching Autistic children. She explained to us that the common characteristics of an Autistic child are being socialization impaired, communication impaired, and they have special interest (Bell-Abbott). She also said that children need to be diagnosed by age 3, unless they have Asperger syndrome, which is diagnosed by age 10 (Bell-Abbott). She then went on to tell us about how they create a specialized behavior plan (FBAPBIP) for each child to plan on what behavior they want to encourage and which they want to stop (Bell-Abbott). When they pin point a behavior they start shaping, “gradually molding a desired behavior by reinforcing any movement in the direction of the desired response” (Boyd, 144), the child using a fixed ratio schedule and primary reinforcers, “a reinforcer that fulfills a basic physical need for survival” (Boyd, 146). They use these behavior modifications to teach the children acceptable behaviors. Her work with the children benefits them in so many ways. She is truly making a positive impact on their futures and, hopefully, helping them to progress in the future.

References: Bell-Abbott, Cheryl. General Psychology. Saint John's River State College, Orange Park. 17 July 2014. Guest Speaker.

Wood, Samuel E., Ellen R. Green. Wood, and Denise Roberts. Boyd. //Mastering the World of Psychology//. Fourth ed. Boston: Pearson/ Allyn and Bacon, 2011. Print.

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