AFIRM Modules

Our funding has ended. Find out how to continue to support AFIRM and keep it accessible to all.

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.

Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder

Introduction to ASD

Hide description

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.

Select Module

AFIRM for Paraprofessionals: Simulated E-Learning

Introduction and practice: reinforcement

Reinforcement: Introduction & Practice

Hide description

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.

Select Module

Prompting: Introduction & Practice

Hide description

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.

Select Module

Time Delay: Introduction & Practice

Hide description

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.

Select Module

Visual Cues: Introduction & Practice

Hide description

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.

Select Module

Available EBP Modules

Antecedent-based Intervention

Hide description

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.

Select Module

Cognitive Behavioral Intervention

Hide description

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.

Select Module

Differential Reinforcement

Hide description

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

Select Module

Discrete Trial Training

Hide description

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.

Select Module

Exercise

Hide description

Exercise can improve physical fitness and increase targeted behaviors.

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

Select Module

Extinction

Hide description

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

Select Module

Functional Behavior Assessment

Hide description

Functional behavior assessment can address interfering behaviors.

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

Select Module

Functional Communication Training

Hide description

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.

Select Module

Modeling

Hide description

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.

Select Module

Naturalistic Intervention

Hide description

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.

Select Module

Parent Implemented Interventions

Hide description

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.

Select Module

Peer-mediated Instruction and Intervention

Hide description

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.

Select Module

Picture Exchange Communication System

Hide description

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.

Select Module

Pivotal Response Training

Hide description

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

Select Module

Prompting

Hide description

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.

Select Module

Reinforcement

Hide description

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.

Select Module

Response Interruption and Redirection

Hide description

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

Time to complete: 1.5 to 2 hours to complete

Select Module

Scripting

Hide description

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.

Select Module

Self-management

Hide description

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

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

Select Module

Social Narratives

Hide description

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.

Select Module

Social Skills Training

Hide description

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.

Select Module

Structured Play Groups

Hide description

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.

Select Module

Task Analysis

Hide description

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.

Select Module

Technology-aided Instruction and Intervention

Hide description

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.

Select Module

Time Delay

Hide description

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.

Select Module

Video Modeling

Hide description

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.

Select Module

Visual Supports

Hide description

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.

Select Module

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.