2023 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 5-7, 2023 • Cincinnati, OH
3/10/2020 | 9:40 AM - 10:40 AM | Behavior IS communicating: Increasing positive interactions and reducing tantrums through the development of meaningful communication for young “Deaf plus” children | Atlanta
Behavior IS communicating: Increasing positive interactions and reducing tantrums through the development of meaningful communication for young “Deaf plus” children
Have you ever witnessed a tantrum because a child’s functional communication was insufficient to express basic wants and needs? Unfortunately, this scenario is not uncommon among children who are Deaf or hard of hearing with a diagnosed language delay. Compound language-based challenges with comorbid disabilities- physical, medical, sensory, or neurological - and the tantrums can become frequent or intense. Importantly, children with reduced hearing and additional disabilities may account for nearly half of all Deaf and hard of hearing children in the United States (CDC, 2018). Developing meaningful, functional communication for this population, sometimes referred to as “Deaf plus,” is complex and requires specific, evidence-based strategies. However, minimal information for parents and professionals supporting such children currently exists (Paul, 2015). This presentation, by a Deaf Educator and a Behavior Specialist, will focus on providing specific strategies to reduce tantrums, increase compliance and develop meaningful, functional communication. Strategies may include assistive technology, augmentative communication devices, pictures and visuals. We anticipate this information will benefit parents as well as professionals who are seeking strategies to reduce the frustrations and decrease challenging behaviors exhibited by children who are “Deaf plus”.
- Participants will identify types of challenging behaviors to reduce.
- Participants will understand what is meant by "functional communication" and identify various approaches
- Participants will gain knowledge of specific techniques to reduce challenging behavior.
Presentation:
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Transcripts:
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Presenters/Authors
Jessica Fox
(), Children's Center for Communication/Beverly School for the Deaf, jessicafox@cccbsd.org;
Jessica has worked in the field of Deaf education for 20 years, as an early educator, Teacher of the Deaf, and an administrator. She holds degrees from the University of Rochester, San Jose State University, and the University of New England. Jessica's current position is as the Program Director at the Beverly School for the Deaf in Beverly, Massachusetts. When not working, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family, including a supportive husband and two children.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
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Nonfinancial -
Erika Majeskey
(), Children's Center for Communication/Beverly School for the Deaf, erikamajeskey@cccbsd.org;
Erika grew up with Deaf parents, learning ASL and English equally. She went to school for special education and applied behavior analysis. Currently a BCBA at the Children's Center for Communication/Beverly School for the Deaf, where she has worked for the past 8 years in various positions. Erika is dedicated to giving deaf and hard of hearing students alternatives to engaging in challenging behaviors, particularly through language access. Continuing her education, Erika is pursuing a doctorate in curriculum and instruction at Capella University.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -