Little Star recognized During ABAI Conference Presentation “Addressing Problem Behavior”

Little Star Center (LSC) participated in the 38th annual convention of the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) in Seattle, Washington from May 25-29.

ABAI is the primary membership organization for those interested in the philosophy, science, application, and teaching of behavior analysis.  Its events, research, education, journals, and resources help develop, enhance, and support the growth and vitality of the science of behavior analysis and contribute to success in the field.  “This is the largest conference  in the U.S. for those interested in behavior analysis,” said Tim Courtney, MS, BCBA, Research & Training Director for Little Star.  “Thousands of people take part.  Every year, we are exposed to innovative intervention methods, a number of which we bring back and implement at Little Star.  It is a terrific learning opportunity.”

The 12 Little Star attendees enjoyed a variety of symposia, workshops, and clinical research poster sessions.  Little Star was also recognized for its help in providing data and feedback on assessment techniques for a presentation by Dr. Thomas Zane, BCBA-D, which focused on addressing problem behavior.  Dr. Zane is a professor of education and director of the Applied Behavior Analysis Online Program at the Institute for Behavioral Studies, Endicott College in Beverly, MA. Tim said, “Dr. Zane visited Little Star as part of a free community training on fad treatments in autism that Little Star hosted.  It was a very good experience for all of us. We were honored to assist Dr. Zane and his important research evaluating assessment techniques to decrease problem behavior.”

Little Star Center also submitted six research posters. The poster sessions provided the opportunity for one-to-one discussions with other conference participants who have experienced similar situations on how they may use our successful procedures for their own implementation. Posters topics comprised:

  • Comparing verbal behavior programming via sign language to an iDevice (iPad and iPod) shown in Figure 1;
  • Evaluating an intervention to help individuals with autism who experience heightened anxiety when encountering essential procedures such as medical, dental, or even haircuts;
  • Determining the feasibility of direct care therapists implementing two different commonly used assessment procedures to address problem behavior; trial-based functional analysis and traditional analogue functional analysis with limited training;
  • Evaluating a procedure to reduce a child with autism’s phobic avoidance of hair and hand dryers;
  • Assessing perseverative speech in a teenager with autism (repeatedly making the same request) using two types of contingent attention;
  • Teaching a learner with autism to respond to group-based instructions.

“The posters are scientific in nature and summarize the process and results,” said Tim. “One of the posters is shown above. Anybody interested in learning more about these posters may contact me at the center, 317.249.2242.”

Conference clinical workshops were intensive, day-long trainings on specific topics. Some personnel toured Morningside Academy, a nonprofit school for elementary and middle school students that integrates several behavior analysis activities and methods including research-based instructional technologies, direct instruction, precision teaching, and talk-aloud problem solving. “I am very impressed with what they are doing with precision teaching,” said Tim.

Other workshops attended by Little Star staff covered subject matter including:

  • Teaching Social Skills That Change Lives: Developing Meaningful Relationships for People Diagnosed with Autism;
  • Competency-Based Staff Training Within an Applied Verbal Behavior Program;
  • Applied Behavior Analysis and Speech Language Pathology: An Integrated Approach to Promoting Language in Learners With Autism;
  • Beyond Successive Approximations: Useful Shaping Strategies and Tactics to Improve Your Teaching;
  • Addressing Problem and Replacement Behaviors in Home and School Settings;
  • Advanced Verbal Behavior Programming for Intermediate Learners;
  • Teaching Advanced Language and Verbal Behavior Skills to Students With Autism: Inference Training, Reading Comprehension, and Communication Skills;
  • Evidence-Based Practices in Error Correction;
  • Intensive Early Intervention: Staff Training and Management Through a Dynamic Programming System;
  • Use of Web, Apple, and Android Applications to Increase Information Management and Skill Acquisition in Intensive Community-Based Instruction for Individuals With Autism and Other Disabilities;
  • Teaching Executive Functioning Skills to Adolescents With Challenging Behavior; Identifying Priorities for Teaching Children With Autism: Where Do We Begin?;
  • Assessing and Teaching Functional Skills to Children With Autism in Home, School, and Community Settings;
  • Technology and Learning: Developing Innovative Teaching Methods for Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders;
  • Fitness and Autism: Evidence-Based Practices to Promote Healthy Lifestyles and Inclusion Opportunities for Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders;
  • Teaching “Learning to Learn” Skills to Children Diagnosed With an Autism Spectrum Disorder;
  • Using the iPad to Aid Students with Autism to Communicate and Be Included in General Education Settings and the Community.

“The conference was exceptional this year,” said Tim. “We are very excited about the possibilities for our learners moving forward. Technology is providing lots of opportunities for assisting individuals with autism in the areas of communication, social skills, leisure and academics. I received a wonderful resource at one of the workshops that lists several iPod, iPad, and iPhone applications. (Click the links below for your area of interest.) Attending the conference is a great way to stay ahead of the rapidly advancing field of behavior analysis.”

Applications by area of interest:

“Gold Standard” Assessment

Several Little Star Center (LSC) clinical team members participated in a two-day Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) workshop in mid-May.  This diagnostic tool is considered “the gold standard” for observational assessment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).  The workshop was hosted by Purdue University.

“Several LSC learners helped during the workshop as their presence was essential,” said Tim. “It was a great way to learn about the assessment and how children are affected by autism,” said Tim Courtney, MS, BCBA, LSC Research & Training Director.

“The participants – from as far away as Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky — had the opportunity to practice scoring while observing the instructor administer the ADOS-2 to a child with ASD. Results of the assessment were later shared with workshop attendees.”

LSC Discusses Swim Safety for Children on the Spectrum on Indy Style – WISHTV 8

 

Swim season is about to start and drowning is the leading cause of death for children and young adults with autism, due to pool incidents or wandering-related episodes, according to statistics.

Mary Rosswurm, executive director of Little Star Center in Carmel, discusses safety tips, such as life vests, arm bands and ankle monitors.

Mary can also talks the importance of swim lessons and how parents can be vigilant about protecting their child with autism this summer.

Little Star Center proudly presents Thomas Zane, Ph.D, BCBA-D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos and Video from ASI’s Excellence Awards – Little Star Center Received the Excellence in Direct Care Award

Saturday, August 20th, 2011

Zionsville, Indiana

A great crowd came out to support the Autism Society of Indiana and their 2011 Excellence Awards. Little Star Center was there to receive the Excellence in Direct Care Award, an award for providers who demostrate excellence in direct care services to infants, toddlers, children, youth and adults with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) through their work in medical, therapeutic, recreational and other settings using innovative and scientifically supported best practices in partnership with families and other professionals.

This was the first time a center received the award, not an individual. The nominations came from our great families, friends and civic leaders.

Thank you so much for your support. We are honored to receive this award and will continue providing these services we were awarded for.

See Award Presentation Here

Little Star Center Receives $1,500 Grant from Answers for Autism for iPad’s

Answers for Autism, an all volunteer organization founded by parents of children with autism located in Fishers, recently presented a check to Little Star Center for $1,500. This grant will help provide iPads for the center.

About AAI:

Our mission is to increase and broaden public knowledge and awareness of the behaviors, social issues and emotional needs of individuals on the autism spectrum so that all individuals can participate in and contribute to our community without fear of bias or loss of individuality.

Thank you AAI for helping Little Star provide the best services possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Little Star Center to Receive Excellence in Direct Care Award – Official Press Release

Press Release – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Amanda Ryan

Community Outreach & Marketing Director

317.249.2242 | [email protected]

Little Star Center to Receive Excellence in Direct Care Award

Autism Society of Indiana to Hold 2011 Excellence Awards

CARMEL, IN, July 26, 2011 – Little Star Center, a non-profit center for children with autism, will receive Autism Society of Indiana’s (ASI) Excellence in Direct Care Award. The award is for providers who demonstrate excellence in direct care services to infant, toddlers, children, youth, and adults with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) through their work in medical, educational, therapeutic, recreational or other settings using innovative and scientifically supported best practices in partnership with families and other professionals.

Little Star received nominations from parents, civic leaders and community members.

“We are so honored to receive this award and be recognized by the ASI. It is even more meaningful to be the first center to ever win this award,” says Mary Rosswurm, Executive Director of Little Star Center.

Based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Little Star provides an atmosphere where children, therapists and families can interact, support each other and receive on-going training so that each child can reach their full potential at home and in a variety of settings outside of therapy. After decades of research, the United States Surgeon General has endorsed intensive behavioral intervention for individuals with autism as the treatment of choice. Over 50 years of research documents the efficacy of ABA in reducing inappropriate behavior and increasing communication and learning.

The 2011 Excellence Awards will be held on Saturday, August 20th, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Tim and Kim Earnest in Zionsville. For more information and to buy tickets for the event, please visit www.inautism.org for more information.

About Little Star Center

Little Star Center was founded in 2002 and was the first center in the state of Indiana to serve children with autism. Little Star has two locations, in Carmel and Lafayette. Little Star is a truly unique and special place for children and families living with autism. Little Star allows families to have the best of both worlds – the intense one-on-one personalized therapy that used to only be available in a home program and the community feel of a center based program that allows children with autism access to peers, materials and a beautiful facility. Families are an integral part of their child’s programming along with Little Star’s staff of professionals. Little Star prides itself on having a “family first” philosophy. For more information please call 317.249.2242 or visit us on the web at www.littlestarcenter.org.

###

For Immediate Release, Little Star Center Lafayette to open March 15th – Official Press Release here.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:         Amanda Ryan

Community Outreach & Marketing Director

317.249.2242

[email protected]

Little Star Center Announces Opening of New Lafayette Location

Non-profit autism center will be the first of its kind in the Lafayette Area

CARMEL, IN, February 15, 2011 – Little Star Center, a non-profit center for children with autism, is pleased to announce the opening of a new center in Lafayette, IN. The center will open its doors on March 15, 2011. Their location in Carmel was the first in the state, opening in 2002. This stand alone center – located at 3922 Mezzanine Drive, can be quickly accessed from IN-26, making it an easy to reach location for all Lafayette area commuters.

Little Star Center chose the Lafayette area for its new location due to the need for autism services. “After holding multiple community interest meetings, attending local autism events and support group meetings, the choice was easy. The need for services is great in the area and we are excited to get up there and help with that need,” says Mary Rosswurm, Executive Director of Little Star Center.

Based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Little Star provides an atmosphere where children, therapists and families can interact, support each other and receive on-going training so that each child can reach their full potential at home and in a variety of settings outside of therapy. After decades of research, the United States Surgeon General has endorsed intensive behavioral intervention for individuals with autism as the treatment of choice. Over 40 years of research documents the efficacy of ABA in reducing inappropriate behavior and increasing communication and learning.

About Little Star Center

We believe we are a truly unique and special place for children and families. Little Star allows families to have the best of both worlds – the intense one-on-one personalized therapy that you used to only be able to find in a home program and the community feel of a center based program that gives your child access to peers, materials and a beautiful facility. Families are an integral part of their child’s programming along with our staff of professionals. Little Star prides itself on having a “family first” philosophy. For more information please call 317.249.2242 or visit us on the web at www.littlestarcenter.org.

###

autism indiana

Some Great Reading Material When the Weather has you Stuck Inside – The Latest Autism Topics and Research: ASAT Newsletter Winter 2011

Hi Everyone,

Hope you are warm and your schedule is back to normal after all the crazy weather last week.  Little Star Center was closed three days due to ice and snow, but we are back and ready to roll.

This morning, when I sat down at my desk, I was excited to see I had the latest edition of the ASAT Newsletter in Inbox.  My favorite part is Media Watch – a section where Association for Science in Treatment of Autism (ASAT) responds to both accurate and inaccurate portrayals of autism intervention in the media.

This quarter, there are also three research article summaries – examining hyberbaric oxygen therapy, the use of weighted vests and a manualized DIR parent training approach to treatment.

Also, check out page six for our latest ad!

Happy reading and enjoy the sunshine today!