A Work In Progress Video Series

Building on the seminal guide and curriculum A Work in Progress, Autism Partnership has followed up with this highly anticipated companion series that synthesizes solid information on various teaching strategies with demonstrations of actual sessions with students on DVD. The goal at Autism Partnership has always been to blend a natural - child-friendly approach to teaching while remaining determinedly systematic. This series offers viewers the unique opportunity to see these approaches implemented in actual teaching environments.

Volume 1：“ Cool” versus “ Not Cool”

This is one of our most-used strategies for teaching students foundational as well as advanced social skills. Essentially, the strategy teaches students to understand the difference between behaviors that are socially appropriate (cool) and those that are inappropriate (not cool). In later stages they go on to actually practice the appropriate form of the behavior and receive feedback on their efforts. Research confirms our clinical experience that Cool versus Not Cool is effective in teaching social skills and enabling students to monitor their own behavior

Volume 2：Learning How to Learn

This is an underemphasized area in treatment and education. We often take for granted that students know how to learn (or will acquire it on their own). But if students cannot pay attention, will not wait, or do not understand feedback, then learning is extremely difficult. In this volume we describe and demonstrate programs that we have found helpful in teaching students how to learn.

Volume 3：Teaching Interactions

Teaching Interactions is the subject of Volume 3. The Teaching Interaction is an approach that we have found especially effective with students who have more advanced language ability. It offers a conversation style of teaching which adds the all important element of leading students to understand rationales for why they might want to change their behavior and learn new skills. With Teaching Interactions, students develop understanding and insight that help develop their internal motivation.

Volume 4：Token Economy

Although token systems are commonly used in school as well at home, too often critical steps are neglected in their development. You will learn step-by-step how to ensure there is a strong connection between the target behavior and the reward that follows. Tokens have a number of advantages and can be very flexible in adapting to the age of the student, the types of rewards used and the skills and behavioral targets you are seeking to improve

Volume 5：Developing Reinforcers

The foundation of good teaching is utilizing powerful reinforcement so as to motivate students to learn as well as behave appropriately. We will show you how to be creative in the developing new sources of reinforcement, which is especially useful for students who have limited interests

Volume 6：Bullying and ASD: The Perfect Storm

Volume 6 in the Work in Progress Companion Series focuses on the tools needed to help children with autism combat bullying.Sadly, bullying has reached epidemic proportions in our schools, causing students both physical and psychological harm.Students with ASD are particularly at risk because of their behavior issues and their vulnerability.It is not surprising that more than 60% of children with ASD have been bullied at some point of their life.Traditional ways of combating bullying are not only ineffective, but often make the problem worse.This volume provides practical suggestions that help prevent the devastation of bullying.

Volume 7：Learning How to Learn II

Volume 8：Communication Temptations: Building Spontaneous Language

Volume 9：Developing Articulation