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Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1.       Apply basic principles to understand and support individuals’ behaviour

• Recognize behaviour as a possible form of communication
• Consider context, functions and purposes of behaviour for individuals including medical, social, emotional, physical, environmental, etc. factors

2.       Investigate often complex nature of behaviour using current approaches e.g. functional assessment, functional analysis

• Uses information gathering tools such as a variety of observation and recording methods, antecedent/behaviour/consequence forms, interview protocols, Motivation Assessment Scale, etc. when developing a plan
• Develops a variety of possible explanations or hypotheses for an individual’s behaviour as part of the planning process

3.       Practice clear communication skills and strategies in positive behaviour support.

• Listen to individual communication including actions, interactions, reactions and inaction
• Use a variety of positive support strategies e.g. social stories, visual schedules, task analyses and organizers, etc.
• Expresses self in clear and considered manner, verbally and in writing,
• Collaborates with others e.g. team members, families, etc. to reach thoughtful and considered support decisions

4.       Facilitate alternative and augmentative communication opportunities, methods and strategies

• Considers underlying principles of AAC when matching methods and strategies to individuals’ communication needs
• Identify, respond to and respect the dynamic nature of individuals’ present and emerging communication methods
• Identify and implement strategies to maximize the communicative potential of each situation, including strategies that enable one to approach new situations with spontaneity and flexibility (e.g. PECS, choice boards, etc.)