Beyond the Classroom II

This presentation was delivered as part of the Telehealth ABA World Project, which operates under the University of Houston-Clear Lake's Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities. The project aims to empower parents and professionals who work with children with autism and other developmental disabilities in countries around the world, and to improve the quality of life for families in communities that don't have access to behavioral services.

Therapists at University of Houston-Clear Lake provide services via the internet by establishing two-way interactive video connections with families and professionals who reside in other countries. Interpreters are available to assist with some sessions.

Under its educational presentations, the project promotes understanding of autism and appropriate treatment approaches through a series of presentations and question-and-answer sessions for caregivers and professionals, covering behavioral strategies for promoting new skills and reducing problem behavior in individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. All services are free.

Beyond the Classroom II: Creative Ways to Support Children with Autism at Home is a free educational webinar for parents, caregivers, and professionals. The session translates evidence-based behavioral principles into practical, low-pressure strategies that families can use within everyday home routines.

Participants explore the parent and therapist partnership and why learning continues beyond formal sessions; how to recognize evidence-based practice and evaluate the credentials of autism professionals; and the three phases of durable skill development: acquisition, generalization, and maintenance. The presentation examines the timing of reinforcement, and contrasts a home structured so that cooperation earns access to preferred items and activities (“start empty, build up”) with one built on taking things away.

It then turns to structure and connection: using simple visual activity schedules and clear, fair household rules to increase predictability and ease transitions, and four connection-first strategies families can begin the same week: play with no demands, narrating and modeling simple language, teaching a child to wait, and rehearsing coping skills. The session closes with the role of nutrition, hydration, and regulation in learning and behavior, and concrete steps families can take at home.

After attending this presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the parent and therapist partnership and explain why practicing skills beyond formal therapy sessions supports lasting outcomes.
2. Recognize the features of evidence-based practice and evaluate the credentials of autism professionals in order to make informed decisions as a child's advocate.
3. Explain the three phases of skill development (acquisition, generalization, and maintenance) and give a home-based example of each.
4. Describe how the timing of reinforcement supports learning, and contrast a “start empty, build up” home structure with a “start full, take back” approach.
5. Set up simple visual activity schedules and fair, consistent household rules to increase predictability and ease transitions.
6. Apply four low-pressure connection strategies at home (play with no demands, modeling language, teaching waiting, and coping skills), and describe the role of nutrition, hydration, and regulation in learning and behavior.