Abstract

This curriculum uses the proven principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) as a way to monitor the progress of children on the autism spectrum and make sure they reach their full potential. It gives adults a clear outline on what to teach and how to teach it, in order to ensure children are reaching developmental goals at this crucial stage.

The book's three sections, Assessment, Curriculum and Mastered, each include built-in data collection, which is reproduced on the accompanying online downloadable content so it can be printed off. All three sections cover ten pivotal areas of progress for this age group, including reading, writing, math, conversation and social skills. The Assessment section records the child's initial level of learning and then tracks their progress over time. The Curriculum section provides the lesson plans for the skills which need to be developed, and the Mastered section is a tool for checking that learnt skills are being retained over time. It is also possible to record whether the child has adapted to using the skills in a variety of settings.

This curriculum provides everything that an adult working with a child with an autism spectrum disorder would need to ensure a thorough and appropriate ABA program for the young learner.

Lindsay Hilsen is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who has dedicated her career to working with children on the Autism Spectrum. She is a qualified elementary level and special education teacher with master's degrees in both special education and education. She has worked as an ABA teacher and is currently the Autism Clinical Educator for Sunny Days Early Childhood Developmental Services, New Jersey. Lindsay is a frequent presenter and lecturer on Autism and ABA topics. She lives in Robbinsville, New Jersey with her husband and daughters.
“Lindsay Hilsen's A Step-by-Step ABA Curriculum for Young Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders (Age 3-10) is a welcome extension of her well-received earlier work, A Step-by-Step Curriculum for Early Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Writing with clear, easy-to-follow explanations and instructions, Hilsen provides a useful format that can be applied to additional behaviors and more advanced skills as the child's behavioral repertoire continues to expand. This book is well written and organized, making it easy to locate programs for the assessment and teaching of specific behaviors developmentally appropriate for young learners. It will not only be useful to experienced ABA practitioners, but also should be helpful to practitioners less familiar with ABA and those using a non-ABA approach.”
Albert Kearney, clinical psychologist and author of Understanding Applied Behaviour Analysis
“Lindsay Hilsen has done a superb job in her development of this must-have curriculum. This is essential for educators and behavior analysts working with children who have special education needs, especially children on the autism spectrum. There is an excellent overview of applied behavior analysis components in the beginning of the curriculum. I found the curriculum to be extremely well organized, user-friendly, and it guides the reader in a logical way from assessment through to the curriculum. Critical generalization data is included with straightforward data sheets that can be completed easily. The targeted skills are developmentally appropriate and allow one to easily monitor a child's progress. The last section on mastered programs ensures that the child has retained skills, promoting continued generalization and maintenance. I will highly recommend this curriculum to families and professionals in the field.”
Michael C. Selbst, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Licensed Psychologist, Certified School Psychologist, Director, Behavior Therapy Associates, New Jersey
“Lindsay Hilsen's first book, A Step-by-Step Curriculum for Early Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders, truly works. It made a huge difference in my son's life as the transformation of his overall development has gone beyond all expectations. His negative behaviors significantly decreased and his receptive and expressive language skills tremendously improved since the implementation of the curriculum. I wholeheartedly believe in Lindsay Hilsen's curriculums and would recommend them for any child that can benefit from ABA therapy. It is evident from my own son's success that Lindsay Hilsen has a true understanding of children with ASD and her curriculums are definitely one piece of solving my son's ASD puzzle.”
Michele Irizarry, parent to a son on the autism spectrum