By Vince LaMarca, M.A., BCBA, Editor
Lovaas Institute - Indianapolis

When Tyler entered first grade, his parents and teachers had high hopes that he would be able to participate in the classroom with little intervention. However, his parents insisted that a 1:1 aide initially accompany him and then gradually be faded. The school staff opposed the idea on the grounds that a 1:1 aide made the environment more restrictive and they wanted to use the least restrictive environment possible. His parents countered that while it may be reasonable to expect him to be independent over time, they couldn't just throw him into a new school situation without any support. That would be setting him up for failure. A compromise was finally reached in which he would be provided with a 1:1 aide, but the school would use one of it's existing aides rather than hire an instructor who had worked with Tyler in his behavioral treatment program utilizing the Lovaas Model of Applied Behavior Analysis.

By Vince LaMarca, M.A., BCBA, Editor
Lovaas Institute - Indianapolis

Family involvement has always been a critical component of the Lovaas Model of Applied Behavior Analysis. So what is a common request from many parents who want to be more involved? "Give me more ideas for how I can incorporate what my child is learning into everyday life." Following are a number of strategies you may find helpful when it comes to making the most of mealtime. In future newsletters, we will give ideas during other common family activities and routines such as: bedtime, bath time, and during chores.