Foundations of Behavior Analysis Workshop Lisa Gurdin, MS, BCBA LABBB Program October 23, 2009

Introductions Name Classroom Knowledge/experience with ABA Issues, concerns, questions to address today

Workshop Goals Understand the behavioral approach (ABA) Characteristics of ABA/Applied Behavior Analysis Functions of behavior Importance of data collection, graphing, assessment, ongoing review, written guidelines Large tool box of strategies Discuss program goals Behavioral reduction and skill development Importance of replacement behaviors Learn basic behavioral strategies for the classroom Consistency, follow-through, neutrality Effective redirection (i.e., momentum, task engagement, compliance tasks) Functional communication training (PECS) Reinforcement and punishment

About the Behavioral Approach The behavioral approach seeks to understand and to change behavior for long-lasting improvements in people’s lives. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the science of human behavior, involves both managing challenging behaviors and teaching valuable functional skills. (i.e. academics, self-help, athletics).

The Behavioral Approach . . . Is based on years of empirically validated concepts, principles, and procedures. Skinner, Pavlov Emphasizes the relationship between behavior and the environment. De-emphasizes mentalistic explanations.

The Behavioral Approach . . . Focuses on behavior that is observable and measurable. Involves precise description and analysis of behavior. Ongoing data collection and review Graphing and data analysis Behavioral assessment Written guidelines Is interested in demonstrating meaningful changes in behavior – decreasing problem behaviors, teaching adaptive skills

Functions of Behavior The same behaviors can occur for different reasons, with different people, and in different settings. Different kids exhibit the same behaviors but for different reasons.

Functions of Behavior 4 Basic Functions Attention Escape/Avoidance Tangible Automatic reinforcement/Self-stimulation --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other Considerations Developmental Communication Motivational variables

Motivating Operations Momentarily alters the value of reinforcers/punishers Momentarily make some behaviors more likely than other behaviors Momentarily alters effectiveness of procedures Deprivation and Satiation Hunger Thirst Tired Overwhelmed Bored Too much time alone Frustrated

Because behavior is complex There may be multiple maintaining/controlling variables. The variables may change over time.

Behavioral Assessment To understand function or why behaviors occur, examine the following: Antecedents and Consequences Motivating Variables By identifying the function of a behavior, behavior can be changed by making changes in the context in which behavior is occurring. How do we conduct a behavioral assessment?

Behavioral Assessment Behavioral strategies are individually designed to address function Behavioral assessment (formal or informal, brief or lengthy) is done prior to strategy design Enhances strategy effectiveness Prevents implementing ineffective strategy

Behavioral Assessment 4-Term Contingency MO A = antecedent B = behavior C = consequence

Antecedents Occur immediately before the target behavior Direct influence on the target behavior Seems to function as a cue for the target behavior i.e., making a demand, noise level, peer instigation, task presentation

Consequence Event that occurs after behavior Examples: praise, reprimand, acquisition of toy

ABC Examples A B C Time for bed. NO! Never mind. You can stay up for awhile. Clean-up. Never! Okay, I’ll do it. Bell rings. Kids get up. Leave school. Time for circle. Child throws a toy. Teacher gives him a Timeout

Questions?

Program Goals Skill development Behavioral Reduction Functional Replacement Behaviors

Large tool box of strategies Tools we use at B.I.P:

Large tool box of strategies Including but not limited to: Reinforcement programs Antecedent control Verbal behavior Discrete trial teaching Functional communication training (PECS) Positive behavior support Punishment (i.e., time-out, response cost) Individualized programs ABA is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach

Basic Behavioral Strategies for the Classroom Consistency, follow-through, neutrality Effective redirection Reinforcement, punishment, FCT, antecedent control strategies

Consistency and Neutrality How can we achieve consistency & follow-through with procedures and behavior plans? What does it mean to be neutral when redirecting, ignoring, or punishing?

The Art of Redirection Strategies for redirection? Engage student in a task compliance tasks momentum Offer choice Use first-then language

Increasing or Maintaining Behavior with Reinforcement Positive Reinforcement: Rewarding a behavior. Negative Reinforcement: Removing an aversive event or thing.

Differential reinforcement Reinforce (reward) the behaviors you want and do not reinforce (reward) the behaviors you don’t want. Be enthusiastic and liberal with your praise Be neutral in response to problem behaviors Do not take behaviors personally Do not get angry Problem-solve with staff to find best strategy to deal with behaviors

Other Reinforcement Procedures at B.I.P?

Token Economy How does it work? How do you identify reinforcers? What is a reinforcer anyway? Can you take away tokens? How can you incorporate choice? How can you make it meaningful students whose language and understanding is limited?

Punishment & Restraint Definition – decreases behavior Not intended as a behavior management tool unless necessary Types Time-out Response-cost Contingent application of an aversive Questions about punishment and restraint???

Antecedent-Control Strategies Change the A in ABC A Be ProActive & Plan Ahead

Benefits of Antecedent-Control Strategies Makes your life easier. Prevents difficult behaviors. Promotes skill development. .

Communication Training Research has shown communication training to effectively reduce noncompliant behaviors and improve social skills and language particularly when lack of communicative responses is the issue PECS

Antecedent Strategies Choice-Making Visual Schedules Environmental Modifications Curricular Modifications

Foundations of Behavior Analysis Workshop Thank You! LABBB Program October 23, 2009