AFIRM Modules

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AFIRM Modules are designed to help you learn the step-by-step process of planning for, using, and monitoring an EBP with learners with ASD from birth to 22 years of age. Supplemental materials and handouts are available for download.

Download an overview of the Components of AFIRM to learn about modules, resources, and professional development options.

Visit the Learn with AFIRM section to find out more.

To learn more about the updated EBPs, check out the National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice website.

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Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder

Introduction to ASD

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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental disability that primarily affects social communication.

Time to complete:
This module will take approximately 2 - 3 hours to complete.

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AFIRM for Paraprofessionals: Simulated E-Learning

Introduction and practice: reinforcement

Reinforcement: Introduction & Practice

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Reinforcement is used to increase the chances a learner with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) will use a target skill or behavior.

Time to complete:
This module will take approximately 1.5 - 2 hours to complete.

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Prompting: Introduction & Practice

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Prompting is used to help the learner with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) successfully use a target skill or behavior.

Time to complete:
This module will take approximately 1.5 - 2 hours to complete.

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Supporting Peer Interactions: Introduction & Practice

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Supporting peer interactions is a critical component of the learner's ability to engage socially with peers.

Time to complete:
This module will take approximately 1.5 - 2 hours to complete.

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Time Delay: Introduction & Practice

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Time delay is used to systematically fade the use of prompting for a target skill or behavior.

Time to complete:
This module will take approximately 1.5 - 2 hours to complete.

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Visual Cues: Introduction & Practice

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Visual cues are concrete objects used to increase the learner with ASD's ability to complete a target skill or behavior.

Time to complete:
This module will take approximately 1.5 - 2 hours to complete.

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Available EBP Modules

Antecedent-based Intervention

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Antecedent-based interventions can be used to decrease an identified interfering behavior and increase engagement by modifying the environment.

Time to complete:
This module will take approximately 1.5 - 2 hours to complete.

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Augmentative & Alternative Communication

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Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) can be used to increase student communication, socialization, and engagement while reducing interfering behaviors.

Time to complete:
This module will take approximately 1.5 - 2 hours to complete.

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Ayres Sensory Integration

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Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) can be used to increase learner communication, socialization, cognitive, and adaptive skills while reducing challenging behaviors in learners with identified challenges in sensory processing.

Time to complete:
This module will take approximately 1.5 - 2 hours to complete.

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Behavioral Momentum Intervention

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Behavioral Momentum Intervention can be used to builds skills and increase compliance by changing the sequence in which skills are taught.

Time to complete:
This module will take approximately 1.5 - 2 hours to complete.

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Cognitive Behavioral Intervention

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Cognitive behavioral intervention is used to teach learners strategies to change negative emotions or thoughts from escalating.

Time to complete:
This module will take approximately 1.5 - 2 hours to complete.

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Differential Reinforcement

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Differential reinforcement is an application of reinforcement designed to reduce the occurrence of interfering behaviors (e.g., aggression, self-injury, stereotypic behavior).

Time to complete: 2.5 to 3 hours to complete

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Direct Instruction

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Direct Instruction (DI) is a teaching model and accompanying curricula for supporting learners in mastering language, reading, math, and other academic subjects.

Time to complete:
This module will take approximately 1.5 - 2 hours to complete.

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Discrete Trial Training

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Discrete trial training can be used to teach a new skill or behavior.

Time to complete:
This module will take approximately 2 - 3 hours to complete.

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Exercise

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Exercise can improve physical fitness and increase targeted behaviors.

Time to complete:
This module will take approximately 1.5 - 2 hours to complete.

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Extinction

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Extinction is a behavioral principle that can be used to decrease or eliminate an interfering behavior by withholding the consequences that are maintaining it.

Time to complete: 1.5 to 2 hours to complete

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Functional Behavior Assessment

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Functional behavior assessment can address interfering behaviors.

Time to complete:
This module will take approximately 1.5 - 2 hours to complete.

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Functional Communication Training

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Functional communication training can be used to replace interfering behaviors with more appropriate and effective communicative behavior.

Time to complete:
This module will take approximately 1.5 - 2 hours to complete.

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Modeling

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Modeling is used to visually demonstrate a skill or behavior to a learner.

Time to complete:
This module will take approximately 1.5 - 2 hours to complete.

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Music-Mediated Intervention

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Music-mediated intervention (MMI) can be used to increase learner communication, socialization, play, motor, and adaptive skills while reducing interfering behaviors.

Time to complete:
This module will take approximately 1.5 - 2 hours to complete.

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Naturalistic Intervention

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Naturalistic intervention consists of applying principles of applied behavior analysis during a learner’s everyday routines and activities.

Time to complete: The NI module will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to complete.

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Parent Implemented Interventions

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Parent implemented interventions (PII) consist of practitioners collaborating with, training, and coaching parents to implement evidence-based practices (EBPs) with their children throughout daily routines and activities.

Time to complete: The PII module will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to complete.

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Peer-mediated Instruction and Intervention

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Peer-mediated instruction and intervention (PMII) supports positive and meaningful social interactions between peers and learners with ASD.

Time to complete:
This module will take approximately 1.5 - 2 hours to complete.

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Picture Exchange Communication System

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By using PECS^(R), the learner with ASD will develop a system of communication and promote speech development and production.

Time to complete:
This module will take approximately 2.5 - 3 hours to complete.

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Pivotal Response Training

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Pivotal response training is an intervention that integrates principles of child development with those of applied behavior analysis (ABA).

Time to complete: 2 to 3 hours

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Prompting

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Prompting reduces incorrect responding as learners with ASD acquire new skills.

Time to complete:
This module will take approximately 2.5 - 3 hours to complete.

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Reinforcement

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Reinforcement increases the likelihood that a learner with ASD will perform a target skill or behavior in the future.

Time to complete:
This module will take approximately 2.5 - 3 hours to complete.

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Response Interruption and Redirection

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Response interruption and redirection can be used to eliminate or reduce interfering behaviors.

Time to complete: 1.5 to 2 hours to complete

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Scripting

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Scripting is a visual or auditory cue that supports learners to initiate or sustain communication with others.

Time to complete:
This module will take approximately 1.5 - 2 hours to complete.

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Self-management

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Self-management systematizes self-regulation strategies for learners with ASD.

Time to complete:
This module will take approximately 1.5 - 2 hours to complete.

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Social Narratives

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Social narratives help learners with ASD understand social situations and what is expected of them.

Time to complete:
This module will take approximately 1.5 - 2 hours to complete.

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Social Skills Training

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Social skills training refers to adult-directed instruction used to address social skills.

Time to complete:
This module will take approximately 1.5 - 2 hours to complete.

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Structured Play Groups

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Structured play groups are small group activities with a defined area, activity, theme, and roles with typically developing peers and an adult scaffolding as needed to support the learner with ASD's performance.

Time to complete:
This module will take approximately 1.5 - 2 hours to complete.

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Task Analysis

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Task analysis breaks down complex target skills or behaviors into smaller steps. Team members then work with the learner to systematically teach the individual steps.

Time to complete:
This module will take approximately 1.5 - 2 hours to complete.

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Technology-aided Instruction and Intervention

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Technology-aided instruction and intervention refers to instruction or intervention in which technology is the central feature supporting the acquisition of a goal for the learner.

Time to complete:
This module will take approximately 2 - 2.5 hours to complete.

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Time Delay

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Time delay is a response prompting procedure that systematically fades prompts during instructional activities.

Time to complete:
This module will take approximately 1.5 - 2 hours to complete.

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Video Modeling

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Video modeling presents information in a way that helps learners with ASD focus on key elements.

Time to complete:
This module will take approximately 1.5 - 2 hours to complete.

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Visual Supports

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Visual supports present information in a way that helps learners with ASD focus on key elements.

Time to complete:
This module will take approximately 1.5 - 2 hours to complete.

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What You Will Learn

Each AFIRM module provides:

Key components of an EBP including the various approaches that can be used with learners
with ASD
Behaviors and skills that can be addressed using the practice
A step-by-step process for applying the practice
Specific resources that you can download and customize for your own use
An option to earn a free certificate for professional development

Visit Learn with AFIRM to find out more.