Incentives for Change: Motivating People with Autism Spectrum Disorders to Learn and Gain Independence [Paperback]

Lara Delmolino (Author), Sandra L., PH.D. Harris (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2004 | Series: Topics in Autism

As many parents and teachers know, people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can be difficult to motivate, especially when asked to learn something new. Finding the right incentives to support learning is one of the crucial first steps in teaching them new skills. Written by two autism specialists with nearly 50 years combined experience, 'Incentives for Change' explores systems for determining what incentives children and adults with ASD will find rewarding, and ways to use motivation as a tool to affect their learning and behaviour. This easy-to-follow guide explains a variety of motivational methods and systems, including how to: Identify potential incentives; Transition from concrete to intangible incentives; Use reinforcements or rewards to increase motivation; Teach a child to express what he wants; Understand 'establishing operation' and other concepts that affect motivation; Motivate children with ASD to make choices; Implement token systems to enable children to delay reinforcement; Encourage independence and self-management skills. What skills and behaviours can be taught using the motivational techniques presented in this book? Parents and teachers will find methods for teaching a wide variety of social skills, such as interacting playfully with others and making eye contact, and life skills such as getting dressed and doing chores. These techniques can also help students with ASD learn academic subjects in school and control interfering behaviours like hand flapping or rocking back and forth. This book contains many real-life case studies of families who are using motivational systems in a variety of situations to help their child learn and gain a greater measure of independence. When put to use, these systems can enhance learning opportunities for every person on the autism spectrum from the youngest to the oldest, and from the least to most receptive to change.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This first-rate introduction to ABA is accessible to a wide range of audiences. Strongly recommended for all public libraries... -- Library Journal, November 1, 2004

About the Author

Lara Delmolino PhD is a Research Assistant Professor at the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and Assistant Director for Research at the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center at Rutgers. She is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst. Sandra L Harris PhD is a Board of Governors Distinguished Service Professor at the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology and the Department of Psychology at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. She is the Founder and Executive Director of the Division of Research and Training at the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center at Rutgers, which serves people with autism from pre-school to adulthood.

Product Details

• Paperback: 145 pages
• Publisher: Woodbine House (October 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1890627607
• ISBN-13: 978-1890627607
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #355,069 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An instructional for caregivers of all backgrounds, January 11, 2005

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Incentives for Change: Motivating People with Autism Spectrum Disorders to Learn and Gain Independence (Paperback)

Psychology and autism experts Delmolino and Harris present Incentives For Change: Motivating People With Autism Spectrum Disorders to Learn and Gain Independence, a straightfoward guide for parents and professionals charged with the task of teaching autistic children and adults how to take the best care of themselves that they can. Chapters include how to deliver motivational incentives, making the transition from concrete to abstract reinforcers, cultivating independence and self-management skills, token systems as a useful tool for sustaining interest, and much more. Black-and-white photographs, sample cases, and step-by-step instructions make Incentives for Change an easy-to-grasp instructional for caregivers of all backgrounds. A highly recommended supplementary resource for anyone involved in the care of an autism spectrum individual, especially parents and teachers.