BEHAVIORS - MyHope

4 Steps to Changing a Bad Habit

Ever wonder why bad habits seem so hard to stop? Researchers think it’s because our brains are eager to find energy-saving short-cuts. By turning simple routines into habits, the human brain can ramp down a bit. But because the behavior is then essentially hard-wired, it’s and more likely to be repeated without much thought. Bingo; […]

Steps for Overcoming Low Self-Esteem

Today I went to the nearby grocery store and passed by the section where they have day old bread and dented and damaged goods. It brought to mind how many individuals view themselves as damaged goods. The price mark-down shelves were an additional example of how we can make ourselves feel of lesser value than […]

Creating Meaning

Say you are in your 20s or 30s or 40s, and feeling depressed and hopeless. Perhaps you feel your situation is so bleak and hopeless that you are considering suicide. Now imagine yourself in your 80s. Looking back, how would your 80-year-old self tell your life story? Perhaps you have a pet that you rescued […]

Taking Responsibility

Step up to the plate. Take charge. Make it happen. Do something. Speak up. You’ve heard these admonitions and probably many others. But it’s always easier said than done. Whether you’re concerned about the state of the world, the nation, your neighborhood, or your organization, you probably know the feeling. You’ve found a problem and […]

Information Gathering: What to Include When Assessing Student

Parent report of: Current concerns about student’s learning(i.e., “What are your biggest concerns for J at this time?) Perception of student’s strengths and challenges( i.e., “Describe for me what he’s really good at – what he loves – and what can be more difficult for him.) Developmental history, including: Any delays in walking/talking/toileting) Any loss […]

Temperament in Children with Developmental Disabilities

Temperament refers to a child’s behavioral style, or tendency to act in a certain way in a specific situation. Researchers define dimensions of temperament in many different ways, but most writers discuss emotionality (i.e., how intense is the child’s emotional reaction), adaptability (i.e., how well does the child adjust his/her behavior to changes in the […]

Autism Spectrum Disorders – Lecture for Physician Assistants

Autism Spectrum Disorders A Lecture for Physician Assistants (August 2013)Presented by: Susan Hepburn, Ph.D., Assoc. Professor, Depts. Of Psychiatry & Pediatrics/JFK PartnersUniversity of Colorado School of Medicine. e-mail: Susan.hepburn@ucdenver.edu Objectives: To provide future health care professionals with a succinct overview of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), including signs & symptoms at different ages and basic facts […]

Why Identify Autism in Schools?

Eligibility for specialized education services is provided for all students based on need – not eligibility category. Schools may not limit access to specific services or programs to be provided only to individuals with a specific eligibility determination – children who need the services have equal access, regardless of the educational eligibility category that the […]

Behaviors Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ADS) in School Situations

Definition of Autism Eligibility in IDEA According to the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (http://nichcy.org/disability/categories): “The IDEA’s disability terms and definitions guide how States in their own turn define disability and who is eligible for a free appropriate public education under special education law. …Note, in order to fully meet the definition (and […]

Deciding if autism is the most appropriate eligibility category

Ask yourself: Given all that you’ve learned about this student, which of the following skill areas seem to impact the student most significantly? Social Awareness – Student is often “in his own world”; may attend to objects more than people; may not “pick up” or seem to be affected by other people’s nonverbal cues (e.g., […]

Workshop Intake Sheet

Teacher’s Name (optional): ______________ 1. How many children are in your classroom? 2. What is the age range of the children in your classroom? 3. How many children in your classroom have a diagnosis of Autism or PDDNOS? 4. How many children in your classroom could serve as peer models for socialization? 5. For the […]

Behavior Management Survey

Parent’s Name: ____________________ Date: _________ Child’s Name: ____________________ Date of Birth: ________ Age: ____ 1. Which of the following skills does your child need help with? (check all that apply) a. Social Skills: ___ increasing eye contact ___ playing near other children ___ playing with other children ___ sharing/turn-taking ___ waiting ___ remaining […]