Achieving Goals in Conjoint Behavioral Consultation: The Nuts and Bolts Shannon E. Dowd Ariadne V. Schemm Brandy L. Clarke

Achieving Goals Identifying an observable target behavior. Developing user friendly data collection. Defining and developing a reasonable goal. Developing and evaluating a treatment plan.

Identifying an observable target behavior Provide a precise description/ definition of the target concern. Focus on specific aspects of the behavior that can be understood by an independent observer. Criteria for good behavioral definitions Objective: observable characteristics of behavior must be countable and measurable. Clear: unambiguous, specific, and reliable.

Identifying an observable target behavior Focus on one specific academic, behavioral, or social concern. Select the most problematic or important behavioral concerns. Parents and teachers can select separate target behaviors for each setting. Be flexible! It may be necessary to redefine the target behavior to achieve goals.

Developing user friendly data collection. Ensure data collection procedures are appropriate for the target behavior and can be continued throughout the problem solving process. Keep data collection simple and meaningful: –Permanent product –Direct observation –Performance-based assessment

Developing user friendly data collection. Provide a data collection form for observers. Establish who, where, when, and how data collection will occur. Provide visual representation of data marking progress throughout the process.

Defining and developing a reasonable goal Examine the data to verify the nature and extent of the problem. Decide what is an acceptable level of the behavior at home and at school. –What “we want” versus what will earn success –Realistic expectations for the individual child Verify general agreement about the goal among all team members.

Developing and evaluating a treatment plan. Use functional analysis to guide the development of the plan Describe the primary steps of the plan Identify when each step will occur and who will implement it. Write these into a simple, written intervention plan. Continue data collection throughout treatment phase.

Developing and evaluating a treatment plan. Determine if the goals of problem solving have been met. Assess the need for and strategies concerning plan modifications if goals are not met. Plan for generalization and maintenance if goals were met.

Case Example: Brandon Case Information Provided by Brandy Clarke, UNL Graduate Student

Brandon Demographics Referral Concerns Contextual Features

Strategies for identifying an observable target behavior Different contexts were targeted across settings due to specific needs of the classroom and home environment –Home: Tantrums related to limit setting –School: Tantrums related to over-stimulating situations

Strategies for developing user friendly data collection Provided data collection sheets and clearly outlined procedures Checked-in with consultees to ensure data collection worked for their routine –Teacher decided to use her own monthly calendar for familiarity and accessibility.

Strategies for defining and developing a reasonable goal Goal Development Considerations: Ensured that Brandon was set up for behavioral success Met Mom’s behavioral expectations for acceptable duration of tantrum behavior Teachers presented information on typical developmental paths for children with special needs Team members agreed on goal set for Brandon.

Strategies for developing and evaluating a treatment plan Teacher provided information about the effective classroom strategies that had been tried with Brandon. The methods were tailored for the home environment to meet mother’s needs and resources. Treatment integrity was checked regularly to address difficulties and modify plan as needed. Outcomes: decreased tantrum duration and met mom’s needs