PEPSA: Summer Institute - It’s About Time!

Information

It’s About Time!

Evidence-Based Practices in Supporting Social Skills and Friendship Initiation and Support for Pre-K and Elementary-Age Children with Autism

Presented by: Alanna Apap, M.Ed., BCBA

Alanna Apap, M.Ed., BCBA leads this full day workshop culminating with participants developing a custom plan using evidence-based practices, to increase social interaction and initiations among pre-k and elementary autistic children. The time has come for a paradigm shift; from focusing and placing demands on autistic children to educating and training those that surround autistic children to provide support in an accepting environment. Participants will develop a plan where they find the time (planning), and use the time to the best advantage. By using peer-mediated instruction and intervention(PMII) social interaction opportunities increase, as well as positive social interactions for neurodiverse and neurotypical learners. It’s about time we help non-autistic peers to see autistic peers as whole and having challenges rather than deficits. The presenter also proposes, it’s about time to redefine the natural setting in schools from a neurotypical design to an autism-friendly environment reducing stress enough to promote social interactions. The presenter shares a fun token economy that motivates children who are not motivated by playing or interacting with peers. By combining these evidence based procedures we develop new attitudes and connections and it’s about time! Lastly Ms. Apap will introduce her Peer P.A.L.S.® Online Program.

Objectives:

1. Participants will understand the importance of teaching social skills instruction and developing support for friendship initiation for pre-k and elementary-age children with autism.

2. Participants will identify the components needed to create classroom friendship initiation supports for children with autism.

3. Participants will be able to identify the components of the Peer P.A.L.S.® Program.

Contact