All of our behaviors are communicating something. Some behaviors may be trying to communicate wanting access to something. Access to attention, items, activities, sensory stimulation, a break. Other behaviors may be trying to communicate wanting to escape or avoid something. Maybe it’s to escape or avoid work, social situations, a sensory experience, or transitions. Learn why thinking about behavior from this perspective empowers us as parents and can help us identify skills they are missing.
Dr. Marissa Congdon received her Ph.D in Special Education from the University of Washington with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. Dr. Congdon is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst – Doctoral, specializing in the treatment of children with autism and related disorders. She has also trained teachers on how to successfully apply ABA in the classroom in order to increase access to academics and decrease problem behaviors. Currently, Dr. Congdon is an Assistant Professor of Special Education at the California State University, San Bernardino, where she teaches courses on educating learners with autism to future special education teachers. She also currently serves districts as a contract BCBA. Dr. Congdon has over 15 years of experience working with people with Autism.
