Temple University Psychology Department and the Delaware Valley Association for Behavior Analysis (DVABA)

The graduate students and staff at Temple University Psychology Department and the Delaware Valley Association for Behavior Analysis (DVABA0 invited Barry Katz, founder of Operant Systems to present TeachMe, a new clinical mobile/web tool that collects behavioral data. We were quite impressed by the presentation of TeachMe and the direction it provides for those programming behavioral service in home, community and educational settings.

Saul Axelrod, Ph.D., B.C.B.A.-D.
Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis Programs


ABAI Convention - A Comparison of Two Data Collection and Graphing Systems: Paper and Pencil and TeachMe

A Comparison of Two Data Collection and Graphing Systems: Paper and Pencil and TeachMe ERIN B. RICHARD (Alpine Learning Group), Bridget A. Taylor (Alpine Learning Group), Jaime A. DeQuinzio (Alpine Learning Group), Barry Katz (Operant Systems, Inc.)

Abstract: Data collection and graphing are an essential, yet time consuming, component of programs using Applied Behavior Analysis. It would be beneficial to investigate options to decrease time spent completing paperwork in order to increase time available to staff for other tasks such as training and problem solving. This study used an alternating treatment design to compare the duration of time spent graphing data, analyzing those data, and planning for the next teaching session using traditional paper and pencil methods and the TeachMe. The TeachMe uses handheld devices, such as cellular phones or personal digital assistants, to collect data, which are then uploaded directly into a web-based graphing program. In addition, a multiple baseline design was used to assess the training procedures outlined by TeachMe. Finally, social validity measures were taken to compare staff members’ satisfaction with each method. Results indicated that staff members spend substantially less time graphing data with TeachMe and found it easy to use.

http://portal.abainternational.org/public/ProgramOnTheWeb/frmAuthorSearchResults.aspx?Search=ByArea&intConvID=8&Author=katz


Autism Topic- Symptoms

Most parents of autistic children suspect that something is wrong by the time the child is 18 months old and seek help by the time the child is age 2. Children with autism typically have difficulties in:

  • Pretend play
  • Social interactions
  • Verbal and nonverbal communication

Some children with autism appear normal before age 1 or 2 and then suddenly "regress" and lose language or social skills they had previously gained. This is called the regressive type of autism.

People with autism may:

  • Be overly sensitive in sight, hearing, touch, smell, or taste (for example, they may refuse to wear "itchy" clothes and become distressed if they are forced to wear the clothes)
  • Have unusual distress when routines are changed
  • Perform repeated body movements
  • Show unusual attachments to objects

The symptoms may vary from moderate to severe.

Communication problems may include:

  • Cannot start or maintain a social conversation
  • Communicates with gestures instead of words
  • Develops language slowly or not at all
  • Does not adjust gaze to look at objects that others are looking at
  • Does not refer to self correctly (for example, says "you want water" when the child means "I want water")
  • Does not point to direct others' attention to objects (occurs in the first 14 months of life)
  • Repeats words or memorized passages, such as commercials
  • Uses nonsense rhyming

Social interaction:

  • Does not make friends
  • Does not play interactive games
  • Is withdrawn
  • May not respond to eye contact or smiles, or may avoid eye contact
  • May treat others as if they are objects
  • Prefers to spend time alone, rather than with others
  • Shows a lack of empathy

Response to sensory information:

  • Does not startle at loud noises
  • Has heightened or low senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell, or taste
  • May find normal noises painful and hold hands over ears
  • May withdraw from physical contact because it is overstimulating or overwhelming
  • Rubs surfaces, mouths or licks objects
  • Seems to have a heightened or low response to pain

Play:

  • Doesn't imitate the actions of others
  • Prefers solitary or ritualistic play
  • Shows little pretend or imaginative play

Behaviors:

  • "Acts up" with intense tantrums
  • Gets stuck on a single topic or task (perseveration)
  • Has a short attention span
  • Has very narrow interests
  • Is overactive or very passive
  • Shows aggression to others or self
  • Shows a strong need for sameness
  • Uses repetitive body movements

http://health.yahoo.net/channel/autism.html


Nominated by SIAA/Ed Tech 2012 - Top 10 Innovative Software

On behalf of the SIIA Education Division and the Innovation Incubator Program panel of judges, I am pleased to inform you that you have been selected as one of the 10 participants that will present their innovation at this year’s Ed Tech Industry Summit.