Training
For parents • For teachers • For professionals in training • On-site and in the home
Social Skills Groups
Purpose:
The primary purpose of social skills groups offered by the Autism Center at Florida Tech. is to use the empirical foundations of Applied Behavior Analysis to teach children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related disabilities how to interact with others in appropriate and adaptive ways. The instructional methodology for social skills groups is based on application of the science of behavior analysis to teach verbal behavior through a collection of highly effective teaching procedures derived from the science of applied behavior analysis. Groups of 3 or 4 students will be formed based on similar instructional needs, general levels of intellectual functioning, and age. Instructional goals will be developed for children based on their individual needs as well as group-based goals and will be derived from direct observations of our staff, parent input, and other stakeholders’ input (e.g., Individualized Family Support Plans, Individualized Education Plans, etc.)
Staff:
Behavior Specialists who work with our children include master’s level graduates of the Florida Tech. Applied Behavior Analysis program, current master’s program students, and undergraduate interns. Supervision of students is provided weekly by Ph.D. level faculty who are Board Certified Behavior Analysts.