Training

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Aide P.D. Days

Aide Professional Development days and general staff meetings are offered three times per year. Topics vary over the course of the year. If you have a suggestion for a PD topic please let us know. Aide Workshops

Introduction

This training module is designed to provide aides an introduction to the organization and the services provided. A general description of autism spectrum disorder is provided along with a parent perspective of raising a child with autism. The complexities involved in working within families’ homes and maintaining professional boundaries are also explored.

Session Length: 3 hours

Natural Teaching Strategies & Data Collection

This training module is designed to teach aides how to interact with the children they are working with and to identify opportunities within the child’s typical routines to further develop communication, self-help, cognitive, and play skills. Aides will also learn to select the most effective teaching techniques for any given situation. Data collection procedures and rational will also be reviewed. An overview of the topics to be covered is as follows:

Following the Child’s Lead: Turn Taking Through Imitation
Keeping the Action Going
Expansion: Adding Something More
Incidental Teaching

Session Length: 3 hours

Discrete Trial Teaching

This training module is designed to teach aides the basics of conducting discrete trial teaching sessions with the children they are working with. The discrete trial is one of the primary teaching methods for a number of behaviorally-based interventions used in teaching children with autism. Discrete trial teaching encompasses the use of clear stimulus-response-consequence cycles to intensively teach skills that may not be easily acquired in less structured environments. An overview of the topics to be covered is as follows:

Session Length: 3 hours

Developing Positive Behaviors in Children

This training module is designed to teach aides how to interact with the children they are working with to increase the likelihood of developing positive behaviors. An overview of the topics to be covered is as follows:

ABC Model of Behavior
Behavior as Communication
Functions of Behavior
Teaching Alternative Behaviors
Documentation/Data Collection

Session Length: 3 hours

Center-Based, Activity-Based, and Community-Based Programming

This training module is designed to teach aides alternative program formats to further enhance generalization once discrete trial is no longer the primary teaching method. An overview of the topics to be covered is as follows:

Program Format Overview:

Center-Based Programming
Activity-Based Programming
Working with Themes
Fieldtrips
Play-dates

Session Length: 3 hours

Ethics of Touch

Based on the video “Ethics of Touch” by Mary Harber and Dave Hingsburger, this training module is designed to explore with aides the complexities involved in establishing clear boundaries and respecting the personal space with those children with whom they work.

Video and large group discussions constitute the format of this session.

Session Length: 3 hours

Occupational Therapy

This training module is designed to describe for aides the role of occupational therapy in working with children with autism spectrum disorder and the various areas occupational therapists address. General information around typical development, self-care, seating and positioning, and sensory processing is provided along with practical suggestions for working with children with autism.

Session Length: 2 hours

Autism and Communication

This training module is designed to describe for aides the role of speech-language therapists in working with children with autism spectrum disorder. An overview of speech and language is provided along with alternative modes of communication. Practical suggestions for engaging children with autism are also provided.

Session Length: 1 hour

Group Programming

This training module is designed to provide aides with a description of the group programming offered by Family Linkages Foundation of Alberta along with a description of the role of group programming in assisting children in the generalization of skills.

Session Length: 2 hours

Non Violent Crisis Intervention

Based on the training created by the Crisis Prevention Institute, this training module is designed to teach aides how to work through challenging situations while providing for the care, welfare, safety, and security for all involved. Proactive strategies and verbal de-escalation techniques are highlighted and discussed. Personal safety techniques and control positions are also reviewed to ensure safe and appropriate usage. Training module provided for Family Linkages families and employees only.

Session Length: Full course 12 hours, Refresher 5 hours

Open Forum

This training module is designed to encourage questions and discussion amongst new and experienced aides. A review of previous training modules is provided. Focus of the forum varies and is determined by those in attendance.

Session Length: 1 hour