This course focuses on understanding the signs and characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and how they may present across early childhood and educational settings. Participants will explore common developmental differences, communication patterns, social interactions, sensory needs, and behavioral characteristics associated with autism. The course will also introduce evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles and practical strategies to support children with autism by promoting inclusion, skill development, and positive learning experiences.

The ABC Model is a foundational framework in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) used to identify and understand the factors that influence behavior. This model helps individuals understand why specific behaviors occur by examining the events that precede and follow the behavior. This training focuses on defining, understanding, and applying the three components of the ABC Model: Antecedents, Behaviors, and Consequences. Participants will learn how these components interact to influence behavior and how to use the model to better understand behavioral patterns in both children and adults. Throughout the training, we will explore each concept in depth, providing practical examples and strategies to help participants identify the reasons behaviors occur and develop effective, evidence-based responses.

Decades of behavioral research have demonstrated that both appropriat and challenging behaviors, such as hand washing and tatrum, are learned and maintiained through interactions with social and physical enviroment. In this course, participants will learn about the four functions, why individuals engage in specific behaviors, and how understanding these functions can guide effective behavior support strategies.

As humans, we naturally observe our environment and the people around us. One of the primary purposes of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is to observe, analyze, and understand human behavior by identifying when, why, and how it occurs. Founded on the work of psychologist B. F. Skinner, the field of ABA has evolved into an evidence-based practice that supports children and adults across a variety of settings and areas of need. ABA principles and strategies can be applied to individuals of all ages, with or without disabilities, and even to the study of animal behavior. Throughout this course, participants will gain an understanding of the benefits of ABA services and how these evidence-based practices can improve learning, communication, independence, and overall quality of life.

When children engage in challenging behaviors at home, school, or in the community, it can be frustrating for caregivers. Often, educators and other professionals are among the first to observe or recognize these behaviors outside of the home. As an educator who works with children on a daily basis, it is important to know how to approach sensitive conversations with families about a child's behavior. In this course, you will learn effective strategies for communicating with parents and caregivers about challenging behaviors in a compassionate, professional, and supportive manner. You will also gain practical tools and recommendations to help families better understand, manage, and support their child's behavior, while fostering positive collaboration between home and school.

Classroom sizes can vary depending on the educational setting. However, a successful classroom is not determined by its size but by the systems, structures, and supports that are in place. In this course, we will explore Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) concepts and evidence-based strategies for managing challenging behaviors in classrooms of all sizes, from supporting individual students to implementing interventions for larger groups. Topics will include individualized reinforcement strategies, group contingencies, and practical behavior management techniques that promote positive learning environments.

Supporting a child's communication skills and meeting their sensory needs are essential to their daily functioning and overall success. In this course, we will explore the different forms of appropriate communication that children can use to express their wants, needs, and feelings, and discuss behaviors that may occur when communication challenges are present. We will also examine how sensory needs can influence behavior and review evidence-based ABA strategies to support both communication development and sensory regulation in children.

In this course, you will learn about a variety of visual supports that can be used in different settings to promote appropriate behaviors and reduce challenging behaviors. Some visual supports are designed for individual use, while others can be implemented across an entire classroom. We will discuss the benefits of incorporating visual supports into a child's daily routine and explore how they can improve communication, independence, and overall success in both home and educational environments.

Creating an inclusive environment is essential for supporting the diverse needs of all children. In this course, participants will learn how to develop welcoming, accessible, and supportive learning environments that promote participation, independence, and positive social interactions. We will explore evidence-based ABA strategies, environmental modifications, visual supports, and classroom practices that foster inclusion for children with varying abilities, communication styles, and learning needs. By the end of this course, participants will have practical tools to create environments where every child feels valued, supported, and successful.

In this course, we will define the general concept of problem behavior in accordance with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles. Participants will explore the functions of behavior and foundational ABA concepts, including antecedents and consequences, to better understand and develop strategies for reducing problem behaviors.

In this course, educators will learn positive classroom management strategies and structured approaches designed to promote student growth and development. Participants will review Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles and explore evidence-based strategies to support positive classroom behaviors and create an effective learning environment.