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

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

3. 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

4. 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).

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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.

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

9. 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

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

11. 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?

12. 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

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

14. 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

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

16. 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

17. Questions?

18. Program Goals Skill development Behavioral Reduction
Functional Replacement Behaviors

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

20. 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

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

22. 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?

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

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

25. 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

26. Other Reinforcement Procedures at B.I.P?

27. 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?

28. 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???

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

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

31. 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

32. Antecedent Strategies
Choice-Making
Visual Schedules
Environmental Modifications
Curricular Modifications

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