Playdates, Hangouts, and Get-Togethers: How to Maximize the Benefits, and Minimize the Challenges
Presenter: Donna Thiele, Psy.D., LBA, BCBA-D
This webinar will provide an overview of the importance of playdates to help support the social development of children with autism and related disabilities as well as practical strategies to create and maintain successful playdates. It will address common barriers to successful playdates and solutions for these challenges, and steps to manage child, peer, and parental expectations during playdates. This webinar is open to all (targeted to caregivers, educators & related service providers). Visit our website for session objectives and further information.
Objectives:
Participants will be able to:
Understand the rationale behind having playdates and the changing nature of socialization.
Use proactive strategies and environmental design as antecedent strategies to increase playdate success.
Identify critical skills necessary for successful playdates and learn how to use Behavioral Skills Training (BST) to increase child skills that helps to ensure playdate success.
Identify potential barriers to successful playdates and strategies to mediate the difficulties.
Understand sources of parent stress during playdates and identify strategies to manage expectations for children, their peers, and parents.
Speaker Bio:
Dr. Thiele is a psychologist, board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA-D), and licensed behavior analyst. Her training includes specializations in applied behavior analysis (ABA), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). She specializes in treating those with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, anxiety, and challenging behavior. She also provides therapy for parents and caregivers affected by disabilities and behavioral challenges and adults with developmental disabilities struggling with issues of adulthood. Dr. Thiele graduated with a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Long Island University with a specialization in developmental disabilities. She interned and later trained at the May Institute in Massachusetts where she provided in-home applied behavior analytic services and school and home consultation to children with autism, children with behavioral challenges, and families of children with special needs. Dr. Thiele has presented on topics of psychology, applied behavior analysis and autism at local, state, and national conferences. She has consulted with children, families, and school systems throughout Long Island for over 20 years. She takes a “user-friendly” approach to therapy, seeking to bridge research with practices that are viable for children, families, and adults. Dr. Thiele is an adjunct professor of ethics in applied behavior analysis at St. Joseph's College and is active in professional organizations within the areas of behavior analysis, developmental disabilities, and psychology. Dr. Thiele is a member-at-large for Suffolk County Psychological Association and chairs the committees of Independent Practice and Professional and Public Outreach. She is a mother of two children and is active in her community and animal rescue organizations.
Certificate of Attendance:
A general certificate of attendance will be issued to all attendees.
Continuing Education Information:
RCASD at SUNY Old Westbury is an approved provider for the following continuing education credits:
Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) CEUs - This webinar is eligible for 1.5 BACB CEUs with a $15 processing fee. Continuing Teacher and Leader Education Credits (CTLEs) - This webinar is eligible for 1.25 CTLE hours with a $10 processing fee. No other CEUs are offered for this conference.