Function Junction:Behavior Matters

John Ross Palmer is a wonderful Houston artist whose artwork is in places like Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, the Jung Center,  and amazing restaurants.  His work is a part of the collections of the Dalai Lama, George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush.  He clearly sees how the science of behavior is a part of art.  Have a listen to how he has used his passion to help others artist be able...

Teresa Peterson continues her conversation with Susan and Cissy.  She tells us about her son's self-advocacy and her own learning of how to help him communicate to get to what he wanted.  All their work made big differences in his life - from being a part of the high school football team to finding work that he enjoys.  Whether the children you love have learning differences or not, you can l...

Susan and Cissy have a great conversation with Teresa Peterson about the impact her son had on her life as she worked to make things happen for him.  Originally, the diagnosis was a bit scary, but she started gathering information and advocating for him.  This led to overcoming some of her own learning challenges.  Her story of overcoming those challenges is amazing.  As she worked to find ways to...

Susan and Cissy have read articles and heard talk that some people think ABA is harmful and should be eliminated.  They discuss their thoughts and potential reasons people may have a negative opinion.  Of course, they see the field as trying to make a positive impact in the kindest way.  Have a listen and let the podcast know your thoughts.  Stay for the question at the end. 

Dr. Angie Mullennix gives us some of the background of her early studies and career that shows her determination started at a young age.  She shares with us her plans for getting back to triathlons.  She also used her recovery time to help others in their efforts to run and swim.  Have a listen to this amazing lady.  Stay for the question that Susan and I really had to talk through.

Our second season starts with the first part of a conversation with Dr. Angie Mullennix who has an amazing story of recovery and fortitude.  Dr. Mullennix is the Director of Innovative Practices and Programs and State Military Liaison for the North Carolina department of Public Instruction.  She is also a triathlete.  While on a training ride at the end of March this year, she was hit by a truck....

Have a listen to the second part of the conversation which was Episode 21.  Chris and Lucinda share ideas and deep thoughts that apply to just about everyone.  We are closing this first (long) season with a revisit of their message.  We hope that teachers are resting this summer and being reminded of the critical role they play in their students' lives.  There is a question at the end.  Give...

We are going to wrap this first (extended) season with a revisit of a great conversation with Lucinda and Chris from Episode 20.  Chris is an adult with autism.  Lucinda is his dedicated mom.  They have faced difficulties and victories and share the difference one person can make.  Chris talks about what a difference a teacher made.  We celebrate teachers and hope they are having a great summer.  ...

The conversation continues with Cheri Ibarra who is a great teacher working with students on the spectrum as well as others who need behavior support.  We have a great discussion about meltdowns vs. tantrums.  Cheri also shares wonderful ideas including working with students to help them learn to calm themselves.  She works hard to make the future better for her students.  Enjoy and stay for the q...

Susan and Cissy talk with Cheri Ibarra who is a great teacher working with students with less academic needs and more needs in the social skills area. In this first part, she talks about fun students and using QR codes to help collect data to guide the interventions to be used.  You will hear that she has high expectations for her students and they rise to meet those expectations.  Thanks for list...

In this episode, Susan and Cissy talk about how behavior change can be seen in all parts of our lives.  Susan talks about a great pilates instructor and a change in her behavior.  They also talk about how even their own dogs have shaped their behavior.  Behavior change is everywhere.  Understanding how our choices influence others and how other's behaviors influences us can be powerful.  Stay...

Join the second half of the conversation Susan and Cissy have with Loz Scott Young.  Loz was diagnosed as autistic as an adult.  She has navigated the way for herself and her two children who also have autism.  She shares great information about sensory issues as well as preparing for social and communicative interactions.  She talks about some of the educational challenges her child had and tryin...

Have a listen to the conversation Susan and Cissy had with Lorraine "Loz" Scott Young.  Loz was diagnosed with autism as an adult and has two children who are on the spectrum.   In a search to help her own child, she found herself going to work with Chewy Gem.  Chewy Gem makes chewable jewelry and fidgets to help those who need that type of extra sensory input.  One of her children has u...

Jackie Marushka picks back up talking about being able to "high five" yourself and the importance of cheering for yourself.  She makes things happen in the field of public relations.  Her efforts also make things happen for others outside of her work day.  She shares beautiful examples of behavior change in real life.  Enjoy the conversation, incorporate some of her ideas, stay for the q...

Jackie Marushka is the founder of Marushka Media, a boutique PR and Branding agency, who speaks so kindly that you can't help but want to spend more time with her.  It doesn't take long to realize she is a woman on a mission to make things happen and help others.  She is a trail blazer in her field, but also knows a lot about behavior change.  Cissy and Susan hope you enjoy this conversa...

Dr. Chrystina Dolyniuk is a professor at Rider University.  She works with individuals with autism and teaches others how to work with individuals with autism.  She has provided training to Ukraine in a way that most Americans cannot.  Dr. Dolyniuk speaks Ukrainian.  She learned the language from her grandparents.  When she presented to the families, therapists, and teachers there, they did not ha...

Have a listen to Part 2 of a great conversation with Jen Stegall.  Jen is a singer, songwriter, and music producer who speaks eloquently about autism and the impact it has had on her family.  Talking about her son, she will give you food for thought about how we speak of and how we intervene with individuals on the spectrum.  We end the episode with a question as usual.

Parents are such a good resource for learning about autism or other disabilities.  Jen Stegall is definitely one of those and a pleasure to talk with.  She presents information in such a calm and complete way that listeners are bound to learn new things.  She knew very early that something was different and that she needed to pursue intervention.  This is part one with this great mother talking ab...

Join Susan and Cissy for the second part of their  conversation with Sunny Braun.  Sunny explains Rett Syndrome so clearly and with great passion.  The hosts learned new things and we hope you do too.  Visit www.reverserett.org to learn more and to see the work that Rett Syndrome Research Trust is doing to find a cure. As usual, there will be a question at the end of this podcast.  Thank you for l...

Sunny Braun talks with Susan and Cissy about Rett Syndrome.  Sunny is a wealth of knowledge on the topic.  Her daughter, Kelsey, has Rett Syndrome and is the catalyst for her knowledge.  You will learn amazing things about this disorder and be inspired to always investigate solutions.  At this time there is no cure, but scientists are working.  You can find ways to help at www.reversrett.org.  Hav...

Susan and Cissy talk about a student with whom they have both worked.  The student had a significant change in behavior so the school was looking for a way to move things in a positive direction.  Cissy worked with the classroom and Susan worked with the family to come up with plans to help this student get back on track.  The classroom staff were very supportive and made changes to assist him.  H...

Join Susan and Cissy for the rest of the conversation with Jon Lu, Ellie Castillo, and Kelly Pillow.  These three work together to support staff and students daily.  They share inspiring information.  Stay for the question.

Susan and Cissy have a great conversation with Jon Lu, Ellie Castillo, and Kelly Pillow about how they work together to make a difference for the students and teachers they serve.  They are each inspiring on their own merits, but together they make magic.  Have a listen and be inspired.  Stay for the question.

Cissy discusses a rare occasion when her team had to go beyond positive behavior interventions and supports because none of them were working for "Joe."

Have a listen to Susan and Cissy have a talk with a man Susan worked with years ago.  Brian and his parents give great insight into navigating school and life after that.  They are sure to make you smile and think.  Stay for the question.