Linda A. LeBlanc

Discrete Trial Training

The Discrete Trial Training (DTT) approach to early intervention is highly effective for remediating the social, communication, academic, and self-help difficulties that are associated with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Originally based on the early work of Ivar Lovaas, DTT has been studied extensively and remains one of the most commonly used teaching procedures and models of programming for early intervention. This chapter provides a comprehensive description of DTT and the characteristic features of DTT programming models. We describe commonly recommended components of DTT (e.g., prompt fading, reinforcement, measurement), along with procedural variations and the evidence to support them. Current research and practice in teaching others to implement DTT, research outcomes for the model, and suggestions for future research also are discussed.

A Proposed Model for Selecting Measurement Procedures for the Assessment and Treatment of Problem Behavior

Practicing behavior analysts frequently assess and treat problem behavior as part of their ongoing job responsibilities. Effective measurement of problem behavior is critical to success in these activities because some measures of problem behavior provide more accurate and complete information about the behavior than others. However, not every measurement procedure is appropriate for every problem behavior and therapeutic circumstance. We summarize the most commonly used measurement procedures, describe the contexts for which they are most appropriate, and propose a clinical decision-making model for selecting measurement produces given certain features of the behavior and constraints of the therapeutic environment.

Teaching Feminine Hygiene Skills to Young females with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability

Little applied research focuses on teaching feminine hygiene skills to females with disabilities, yet this is a common clinical concern. The current study demonstrates the use of chaining to teach two young females with autism spectrum disorder feminine hygiene skills. A nonconcurrent multiple baseline across participants was utilized, and the results indicate that both participants acquired the skill. Generalization probes with one participant indicated the skill generalized to novel stimuli.

Evidence-Based Application of Staff and Caregiver Training Procedures

This substantial literature has identified evidence-based training strategies to promote treatment implementation by others in a variety of community settings. This chapter covers the literature, and best practices on behavior, analytic, caregiver, and staff training procedures. Consideration of the most appropriate targets; the design of practical, reliable, and sensitive performance monitoring systems; precise implementation of behavioral skills training components; and strategies to promote maintenance and generalization of caregiver, and staff skills are discussed. Also discussed is recent research on web-based and video-based training programs, along with functional approaches to performance management.

The Effects of Electronic Data Collection on the Percentage of Current Clinician Graphs and Organizational Return on Investment

ABSTRACT Behavior analysts rely on frequent access to graphed data to facilitate clinical decision making and enhance their programming. Several new electronic data collection (EDC) products have recently been developed and marketed to behavior analysts. We evaluated the effects of an EDC software system on the percentage of current graphs. We also evaluated the potential return on investment (ROI) of the tool for a large human services agency. During baseline, graphs were seldom updated at the designated time the supervisor examined the file. When the EDC software was implemented, 100% of graphs were updated at all checks for all consumers with minimal or no corresponding increase in clinician hours. A comprehensive index of ROI was calculated using various costs of implementation and observed and estimated savings. Implementing the EDC software across the human services agency resulted in a projected cumulative positive average ROI of 59% over five years. These results are discussed in terms of strategies for systematically evaluating the costs and benefits of organizational efforts to use technology to enhance staff performance in human service settings.

Evaluation of stimulus intensity fading on reduction of rapid eating in a child with autism: FADING STIMULUS INTENSITY

This study assessed the effects of a vibrating pager on reduction of rapid eating. The study also evaluated two strategies for fading the pager, by intensity and by frequency. The pager was successful in decreasing the pace of eating to an appropriate level and the pager prompt was successfully faded. Fading by frequency was ineffective in maintaining an appropriate pace of eating while intensity fading was successful.

Using a Prerequisite Skills Assessment to Identify Optimal Modalities for Mand Training

This study examined the utility of a brief prerequisite assessment in predicting the subsequent effectiveness and rate of acquisition of mand training in each of three response modalities (sign, picture exchange, and vocalizations). Overall, the picture exchange was the most effective and efficient modality for acquiring the targeted mand. The vocal modality was the least effective except when the prerequisite assessment indicated that two-syllable vocal imitation was intact. The implications for selection of response modality for early mand training are discussed.

Establishing Consumer Protections for Research in Human Service Agencies

Conducting research in practice settings is the primary mechanism for establishing a strong foundation of evidence for clinical decision making. In behavior analysis, this type of research frequently originates from university-based systems that have established institutional review boards. Independent human service agencies that want to contribute applied research to the literature base that is clinically meaningful and conducted in an ethical fashion must establish a research review committee (RRC). The purpose of this article is to provide information and guidance for establishing and maintaining the activity of an RRC in a human service setting.

Treating Food Approval-Seeking Behavior: One Bite at a Time

The prevalence of feeding problems in children with autism is high. The current investigation was a treatment of a unique presentation of food-related prompt dependence with a 6-year-old boy with autism who was reliant upon approval from adults for consumption of every bite of food. Instructions were used to establish independent eating, in which the number of bites specified in the instruction was systematically increased. Independent bites increased from a baseline level of 0.67% to a final phase level of almost 100%, and the instruction was faded to “eat your lunch”.