Webcasts focused on communication methods, transition survival and ensuring treatment integrity of individuals with autism set for July 26, 2012; attendees are eligible for two BCBA, BCaBA and Social Work continuing education credits.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) July 17, 2012 Special Learning, Inc., a provider of mobile technology applications and educational resources for the autism community, today announced its webcast schedule for July 2012. The monthly series includes web-based sessions designed to educate and inform caregivers and treatment providers of those affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities of the latest trends and techniques for treating the condition. Four webcasts are scheduled for July 26, 2012, beginning at 10:30 a.m. EST. Sessions include: “Mand Training across Modalities: Effective Methods to Teach Functional Communication,” held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. EST. This 120-minute webcast reviews literature on assessing and determining appropriate communication modalities, provides a task analysis for each type of communication modality, highlights video examples of communicating across modalities and speaks to the pros and cons across various communication modalities. Upon completion, participants will be able to:

1. Identify and select from five communication modalities based on consumer needs
2. Conduct a task analysis related to communication needs of individuals
3. Design an intervention plan to increase functional communication

Presented by Erin Lombard, M.Ed., BCBA. Cost is $59. To register, visit: https://special-learning.com/webinar/july/manding. “Ensuring Treatment Integrity” will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. EST. This presentation discusses the components of effective behavioral intervention: accurate implementation of behavioral strategies, data collection and methods to increase staff buy-in and decrease staff burnout. A review of the literature will be explored to identify effective methods for implementing all components of an effective behavioral intervention. Upon completion, participants will be able to:

1. Identify and implement data collection methods and ensure accuracy of the data
2. Identify and implement evidence-based teaching strategies to ensure treatment fidelity
3. Gain resources to increase staff buy-in and decrease staff burnout

Presented by Christine Austin, BCaBA, and Erin Lombard, M.Ed., BCBA. Cost is $59. To register, visit: https://special-learning.com/webinar/july/treatment_integrity. “Transition Survival 103: Advanced Social Skills for Adolescent and Adults - Part 2” will be held from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. EST. Some of the social skills reviewed in the webcast include: understanding directions, asking for help, knowing when to take breaks and/or lunch, learning and responding to body language, expressing affection, asking someone out on a date, and giving encouragement Upon completion, participants will:

1. Identify a minimum of 25 must-have social skills for an adolescent and/or adult with high functioning autism and Asperger's Syndrome
2. Create and prioritize a social skills treatment plan for their student
3. Learn several teaching strategies for use with the student

Presented by Christine Austin, BCaBA, and Michele LaMarche, BCBA. Cost is $59. To register, visit: https://special-learning.com/webinar/july/103_part2. ‘Transition Survival 104: Vocational Topics and Job Coaching” will be from 6 to 8 p.m. EDT. Because people with autism have varying strengths, challenges and cognitive abilities, it is crucial that a thorough assessment is done that includes the job seeker with autism so he or she can provide input about what types of work they would like to engage in. It is also important to encourage the job seeker's self-awareness of his or her strengths, gifts and differences to empower the job seeker, while helping establish his or her motivation to succeed. Other topics to be discussed include: supervising employees with autism, employment possibilities including supported employment, job coaching, customized employment, and microenterprise, and interventions that seem to show efficacy in obtaining and supporting individuals in employment situations. Upon completion, participants will:

1. Identify various techniques to promote successful on-the-job performance
2. Understand the challenges and barriers to employment that job seekers with autism face
3. Learn about vocational assessments commonly used in practice
4. Learn how job seekers with autism can be supported to obtain and keep meaningful and lucrative employment

Presented by Michele LaMarche, BCBA. Cost is $59. To register, visit: https://special-learning.com/webinar/july/job_coaching. Participants are eligible for two (Type II) BCBA, BCaBA and Social Work continuing education credits. For more information about Special Learning, visit: https://special-learning.com. About Special Learning Special Learning is a provider of autism and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) solutions. Special Learning designs mobile applications and educational resources based on clinical evidence-based research to ensure that every person diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is capable of attaining an abundant and fulfilling life. Through its comprehensive web portal, Special Learning provides the global autism community with a range of ABA training and educational products, web-based and downloadable tools and professional services to empower parents, teachers and providers so that they can help individuals with autism move up the skills spectrum intuitively, successfully and affordably. Follow Special Learning on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/speciallearning, and Twitter, https://twitter.com/#!/speciallearning.