Recently, I was overwhelmed with information that I thought was non-existent in finding help for my son. With a child diagnosed ADHD and on the ASD spectrum, I was lost and tired of reading books on how to deter my sons social and behavioral issues. It was not until I had to do a research proposal essay for an English class, that I stumbled across "Video Modeling", and found my answer to resolve many questions. The positive feedback on research for "Video Modeling", I can't express enough, is the answer for children like my son. Endlessly working with school officials, we have tried numerous attempts of encouragement to deter once again this type of behavior, but the 3's on his report cards tell me how hard it has been for him to absorb the existing Positive Behavior System and focus on his academic tasks.
I am reaching out to all parents, to provide feedback and thoughts regarding any issues that you have had with your child. You are not alone! I want to help all children in Rainbow Elementary and with your help, I am willing to keep pushing "Video Modeling" to be implemented in the public schools.
I had sent an email to the Michigan Department of Education, regarding concerns and our needs as parents to make a change, this supportive response was returned:
What does the research say about this strategy?
Research has shown that video modeling is very effective for many individuals with ASD, probably because they tend to be visual learners. Although individuals with ASD may not always imitate other people in live interactions, they seem to imitate better when actions and verbalization's are presented in a video format. Some researchers hypothesize that this is because watching the videos is highly motivating, or because videos can be developed with careful attention to the skills that are needed while extraneous information can be limited. In addition, once they are created, the individual with ASD can watch the videos repeatedly, so s/he is able to have many opportunities to see the skill demonstrated.
How might this strategy be used with a student?
(1) Identify a target skill that the student needs to learn based on his/her IEP goals. This skill may be verbal or nonverbal (asking a question, raising hand and waiting to be called on, initiating play at recess, transitioning in the hallway, putting on outdoor clothing, writing down homework in a planner). (2) Videotape a model demonstrating this skill. (3) Show the video to the student with ASD multiple times. (4) Provide the student with the opportunity to practice the skill using the same materials. (5) Use additional prompts and additional video showings, as needed, to assure that s/he is able to effectively use the new skill.
A better understanding of what "Video Modeling" is:
Video modeling is an excellent strategy that can be used to teach skills to individuals with ASD in conjunction with other evidence based strategies. For a list of evidence based strategies supported by the National Professional Development Center on ASD (NPDC), go to http://autismpdc.fpg.unc.edu/content/briefs
Michigan is one of the cohort 2 states working with NPDC to strengthen the use of evidence based strategies in the state.
We have provided some information about video modeling below. For more information, see video modeling on the NPDC website: http://autismpdc.fpg.unc.edu/content/video-modeling
How does video modeling work?
(1) The individual with ASD observes a video where a model demonstrates a skill. For example, the model in the video might greet someone else by saying “Hi”, might play appropriately with toys, or might show the steps in making microwave popcorn.
(2) After watching the video, the individual with ASD is given the opportunity to perform the same skill using the materials shown in the video (e.g., the same toys, the same microwave).
These efforts will make such a change in the lives of our children. This information will be very helpful to parents, school officials, caregivers, therapists and more. ASD is not an epidemic and is not limited to severe cases of autism. Included are Aspergers, PDD, ODD and many more. Why the increase in our children? Getting a proper diagnosis is why an increase has boosted ASD among our children.
As a parent it was very hard for me to go outside the box and over come the thought that my son was just being a "typical boy". The impulsiveness, aggressiveness and meltdowns were out of the ordinary and upon entering school these issues became worse. Some have subsided since he was three, but for the most part, the social and behavioral issues are new incidences everyday.
Again, as parents it is our right to make changes for the better, reference to the rights of parents obtained from Michigan Legislation:
The Revised School Code, Act 451 of 1976;
380.10 Rights of parents and legal guardians; duties of public schools.
Sec. 10. “It is the natural, fundamental right of parents and legal guardians to determine and direct the care,
teaching and education of their children. The public schools of this state serve the needs of the pupils by
cooperating with the pupil's parents and legal guardians to develop the pupil's intellectual capabilities and
vocational skills in a safe and positive environment”
(The Revised School Code, Act 451 of 1976, 2010).
380.10 Rights of parents and legal guardians; duties of public schools.
Sec. 10. “It is the natural, fundamental right of parents and legal guardians to determine and direct the care,
teaching and education of their children. The public schools of this state serve the needs of the pupils by
cooperating with the pupil's parents and legal guardians to develop the pupil's intellectual capabilities and
vocational skills in a safe and positive environment”
(The Revised School Code, Act 451 of 1976, 2010).
Teachers have their plates full and can only do so much, please put yourselves in their shoes. The expectation of one teacher having to solely focus on the disruptive child is not fair to them or the fellow students. What I do expect, however is for them to be able to keep their focus on educating our children, they need help just like parents do.
I thank you once again, in advance for reading my blog and hope that you find this new approach as feasible as I do, please provide your concerns and responses they are appreciated. All posts will be read and used to help make a change for our children. Parents Helping Parents is all that it takes.
