This talk was filmed at the 2019 CCBS Autism Conference in Buellton, CA
About the presentation:
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by deficits in social behavior, including, but not limited to social communication, interaction, and reciprocity. To address these deficits, there are a myriad of social skills interventions available to the behavior analyst. One of these interventions are behaviorally based social skills groups. Behaviorally based social skills are opportunities for three or more children to come together and learn a variety of social behaviors through behavioral intervention. In this talk the presenter will describe various aspects of behaviorally based social skills groups including curriculum, teaching procedures, staff, and staff training. Additionally, the presenter will go over the research on behaviorally based social skills groups for individuals diagnosed with ASD.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of the workshop, the participants will be able to:
1. Identify and describe five characteristics of quality staff.
2. Identify and describe at least two commonly used social skills interventions for individuals diagnosed with ASD that can be implemented in a social skills group.
3. Describe three different social curricula and how to teach that curricula using behavioral intervention.
About the presenter:
Justin Leaf, Ph.D., is the Director of Research and Training for Autism Partnership Foundation. Justin received his doctorate degree in Behavioral Psychology from the Department of Applied Behavioral Science at the University of Kansas. Currently, Justin leads the research team at Autism Partnership Foundation, which conducts research nationally and internationally. His research interests include examining methods to improve social behaviors for children and adolescents with autism and developing friendships, comparing different teaching methodologies, evaluating parameters of reinforcement, and evaluating long term outcomes for individuals diagnosed with autism. Justin has over 75 publications in either peer reviewed journals, books, or book chapters and has presented at both national and international professional conferences and invited events. Justin also recently edited a book entitled Handbook of Social Skills and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Assessment, Curricula, and Intervention. Justin is an Associate Editor for Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. Justin also serves or has served on the editorial board for the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities, and the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.