Lisa Barrett Mann, M.S.Ed.
Asperger's Interventions
Lisa Barrett Mann, M.S.Ed.
Asperger's Interventions
14911 Horton Street
Overland Park, KS 66223
ph: 913-544-2883
alt: 913-626-2183 (cell)
lisabman
Individual and Group Intervention
There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all intervention. However, cognitive and cognitive-behavioral interventions--which address how a child’s underlying beliefs and perceptions influence his/her response to a situation--have the most scientific evidence of effectiveness for children with Asperger Syndrome. Some of the evidence-based techniques Lisa incorporates are described below.
Social Skills Training
Social Skills Training is a broad term used to describe interventions that are designed to teach individuals the skills necessary to navigate their social world, fit in with their peers, and interact in a positive way with both familiar and unfamiliar people. Our approach emphasizes not just teaching appropriate behavior, but social thinking and friendship skills. Click here for more information.Cognitive Behavioral Modification
CBM emphasizes the important role a child’s thought processes have on his feelings and behaviors. CBM involves several steps: (a) assessment, (b) discrimination training (helping the child recognize and understand the effect of his emotions and behaviors), (c) cognitive restructuring, (correcting distorted or dysfunctional beliefs), (d) self-management training, and (e) a schedule of activities to practice new cognitive skills in real-life situations.Video Modeling
In video modeling, a student views a video representation of a desired behavior and then attempts to imitate that behavior. We use video modeling in conjunction with other cognitive and behavioral techniques, rather than as a stand-alone intervention.Social Narratives
Short, individualized stories can be used to help a child understand an activity and its associated behavioral expectations. These constructive stories give the child positive examples of what to do in a given situation, rather than what not to do.Structured Teaching Techniques
Structured Teaching Techniques use visual structure, task organization, and physical organization of the environment (e.g., classroom or home) to make tasks more understandable and less stressful for children with ASDs.Parent Management Training (PMT)
PMT programs help parents understand some of the underlying reasons for their children’s behavior problems and train them how to better manage these behaviors at home and at school. In a typical PMT treatment session, Lisa will (a) explain characteristics of Asperger syndrome and related social learning difficulties, (b) model a technique for dealing with a behavioral issue, and then (c) coach parents on implementing the technique.
Other Services
Functional Behavior Analysis (FBA)
Every problem behavior a child performs has a function or purpose. Unfortunately, adults often assume the worse: "He just wants attention" or "She just doesn't want to do the work!" But, in fact, with high-functioning children on the spectrum, the reasons are often more subtle, such as the child feeling overwhelmed by too many problems on a worksheet, being unable to follow the teacher's multi-step oral directions, or being distracted by the buzzing of overhead fluorescent lights. In an FBA, we do systematic observations to identifying the triggers and consequences of a given behavior, test our hypothesis by manipulating the trigger (a vital step that some interventionists ignore!), and then design supports and interventions to promote better behavior going forward.
Formal and Informal Assessment
We perform formal and informal evaluations of ASD characteristics, behavior problems, social skills for individuals/families and school districts. However, we do not diagnose autism spectrum disorders (formal diagnoses must be done by a qualified psychologist, psychiatrist, or developmental pediatrician.)
Workshops and Inservice Training
Before you can help a child, you have to understand him. We offer workshops and inservice training on autism and Asperger characteristics, evidence-based intervention methods, social thinking, effective discipline for children on the spectrum, and more. Contact us to design a session for your group or faculty.
IEP Support
Lisa is available to consult on IEPs for children with high-functioning ASDs. She is not an educational advocate, but will work as a collaborative member of a child's team to design and implement appropriate supports and interventions.
Lisa Barrett Mann, M.S.Ed.
Asperger's Interventions
14911 Horton Street
Overland Park, KS 66223
ph: 913-544-2883
alt: 913-626-2183 (cell)
lisabman
