The document outlines a training series on autism spectrum disorders provided by the Regional Autism Advisory Council of Southwest Ohio, covering topics such as the definition of autism, its characteristics, and behavior management strategies. It emphasizes the need to understand the reasons behind behaviors to effectively address them and discusses the role of reinforcement in behavior modification. Each module aims to enhance understanding and skills related to supporting adults with autism.

1. The Basics of Autism
Spectrum Disorders
Training Series
Regional Autism Advisory Council of
Southwest Ohio (RAAC-SWO)
Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Task Force

2. Adult Training Series Modules
 Module One: Autism Defined, Autism Prevalence
and Primary Characteristics
 Module Two: Physical Characteristics of Autism
 Module Three: Cognition and Learning in Autism
 Module Four: Autism and Sensory Differences
 Module Five: Communication and Autism

3. Adult Training Series Modules
 Module Six: Behavior Challenges and Autism
 Module Seven: Understanding Behavior in
Persons with Autism
 Module Eight: Functional Behavior Assessment
 Module Nine: Autism and Leisure Skills to Teach
 Module Ten: Special Issues of Adolescence and
Adulthood
 Module Eleven: Safety and Autism

4. Big Idea
We must first understand
why a behavior occurs
before we are able to
change it.

5. Steps to Understanding
Reasons for Behavior

6. Step One: Describe What Was
Happening Before the Behavior
Started
Who, What, When, Where, and then Why?
 Where does the behavior happen?
 When does the behavior happen?
 Who is there when the behavior occurs?
 What was happening right before the
behavior started?

7. Step Two: Describe the Behavior
Describe the behavior exactly.
 What did it look like (as if you had a
video camera)?
 Who was involved?
 How long did it last?
 What was being said?

8. Step Three: What Happened
Immediately Following the Behavior?
 What happened to end the behavior?
 What did the person do?
 Was someone else involved in ending the
behavior?
 Did the person get what he wanted?
 What was it?

9. Big Idea
All behavior happens for
a reason and it is
motivated by something.

10. Some Reasons Behind
Behavior
 Behaviors are a way of coping with what is happening
around us.
 Behaviors are learned through trial and error.
 Behaviors that are reinforced are likely to continue.
 If a behavior continues to occur or it is increasing,
it is being reinforced in some way.
 To change the person’s behavior, we must change
what we are doing.

11. Reinforcement
Reinforcement is something that follows a
behavior that either makes it occur more often
or less often. Examples:
 a baby says “mama” for the first time and mommy
smiles, claps, and yells her excitement. (Positive)
 loud buzz in some cars when ignition is turned on in
order for driver to put on seat belt to
eliminate irritating buzz. (Negative)
 I receive a paycheck every 2 weeks. (Positive)

12. Reinforcement is Important
 We all reinforce ourselves throughout the day.
(i.e. an ice cream cone, a break, a favorite
television show, praise)
 Persons with ASD tend to need a lot of
reinforcement throughout their day.
- It increases motivation to participate.
- Participation can help in learning new things.
- Once the behavior is learned, the reinforcement
can usually be lessened.

13. Big Idea
Everyone’s reinforcers are
different. We have to find
out what works for each
person.