ABA Inside Track

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We all love token economies. The Sponge Bob stickers, the laminated construction paper backing. But, how do they actually work? Something about conditioned reinforcers, right? This week Dr. Jason Bourret joins us for a peek under the hood of token economies to give us some guidance into their inner workings and ways to effectively troubleshoot their usage.

This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU.

Articles discussed this episode:

Glodowski, K.R., Bourret, J., Ivy, J.W., Seaver, J.P., Jackson, J., Stine, J.M., & Nuzzolilli, A.E. (2020). A comparison of token and tandem schedules of reinforcement on response patterns for adolescents with autism. Behavioral Interventions, 35, 25-37. doi: 10.1002/bin.1704

Jwaideh, A.R. (1973). Responding under chained and tandem fixed-ration schedules. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 19, 259-267. doi: 10.1901/jeab.1973.19-259

No one seems to like March. Fortunately, we'll make up for the generally dull end of winter/beginning of spring with four whole episodes of scintillating podcasts. We're joined by Dr. Jason Bourret to take us under the hood on how token economies actually work (and when they don't). We review the research and discuss the application of the interrupted behavior chain procedure and best practices in vocational training. Finally, we dust of the ol' grab bag for…whatever we manage to pull out of there.

Articles for March 2022

Under the Hood of Token Economies w/ Dr. Jason Bourret

Glodowski, K.R., Bourret, J., Ivy, J.W., Seaver, J.P., Jackson, J., Stine, J.M., & Nuzzolilli, A.E. (2020). A comparison of token and tandem schedules of reinforcement on response patterns for adolescents with autism. Behavioral Interventions, 35, 25-37. doi: 10.1002/bin.1704

Jwaideh, A.R. (1973). Responding under chained and tandem fixed-ration schedules. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 19, 259-267. doi: 10.1901/jeab.1973.19-259

Interrupted Chain Procedure

Somers, A., Sidener, T.M., DeBar, R.M., & Sidener, D.W. (2014). Establishing concurrent mands for items and mands for information about location in children with autism. Analysis of Verbal Behavior, 30, 29-35. doi: 10.1007/s40616-014-0007-x

Albert, K.M., Carbone, V.J., Murray, D.D., Hagerty, M., & Sweeney-Kerwin, E.J. (2012). Increasing the mand repertoire of children with autism through the use of an interrupted chain procedure. Behavior Analysis in Practice , 5, 65-76. doi: 10.1007/BF03391825

Carter, M. & Grunsell, J. (2001). The behavior chain interruption strategy: A review of research and discussion of future directions. Journal of the Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps, 26, 37-49. doi: 10.2511/rpsd.26.1.37

Roberts-Pennell, D. & Sigafoos, J. (1999). Teaching young children with developmental disabilities to request more play using the behaviour chain interruption strategy. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 12, 100-112. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-3148.1999.tb00069.x

Vocational Training

Strickland, D.C., Coles, C.D., Southern, L.B. (2013). JobTIPS: A transition to employment program for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 43, 2472-2483. doi: 10.1007/s10803-013-1800-4

Mackey, M. & Nelson, G. (2015). Twins with autism: Utilising video feedback to improve job-related behaviours. British Journal of Special Education, 42, 390-410. doi: 10.1111/1467-8578.12107

Adams, C., Corbin, A., O'Hara, L., Park, M., Sheppard-Jones, K., Butler, L., Umeasiegbu, V., McDaniels, B., & Bishop, M.L. (2019). A qualitative analysis of the employment needs and barriers of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in rural areas. Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling, 50, 227-240. doi: 10.1891/0047-2220.50.3.227

Campanaro, A.M., Vladescu, J.C., Manente, C.J., Deshais, M.A., & DeBar, R.M. (2021). A review of the literature on vocational training interventions with individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Behavioral Interventions, 36, 675-696. doi: 10.1002/bin.1795

Grab Bag Infinity

Simpson, K., Adams, D., Manokara, V., & Malone, S. (2022). Research and training priorities of staff supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities with or without autism. Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities. doi: 10.1111/jppi.12403

MacNaul, H., Garcia, R., Cividini-Motta, C., & Thacker, I. (2021). Effect of assignment choice on student academic performance in an online class. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 14, 1074-1078. doi: 10.1007/s40617-021-00566-8

Steinhauser, H.M.K., Ahearn, W.H., Foster, R.A., Jacobs, M., Doggett, C.G., & Goad, M.S. (2021). Examining stereotypy in naturalistic contexts: Differential reinforcement and context-specific redirection. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 54, 1420-1436. doi: 10.1002/jaba.847

Please enjoy this short preview of our full-length, Patreon-exclusive Look Me In the Eye Book Club. Want to hear the rest and earn 2 free CEs? Head over to our Patreon site and subscribe at the $10 or higher level to access this and all of other Book Clubs, plus a bevy of other extras just for patrons. Hope to see you there!

It's been nearly a year since we came together to discuss a book that we all ::GASP:: really liked! And our enjoyment is yours too as the Book Club Crew takes a trip down memory lane with the memoir "Look Me In the Eye" by John Elder Robison. Well, someone's memory lane. We discuss the tender, humorous, and melancholic life story of an man on the autism spectrum growing up without a diagnosis then take this opportunity to improve our focus on the individual in how we provide behavior analytic services (in a book with no mention of behavior analysis at all!).

Content discussed this episode:

Robison, J.E.. (2007). Look me in the eye. Crown Publishers.

Want to hear the whole episode and earn 2 free CEs? Visit us on Patreon to subscribe.

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While us 80's kids might have been overly concerned about stranger danger, it doesn't change the fact that child abduction remains a tragic reality, especially for children with disabilities. Fortunately, we have research! This week we review what procedures exist to teach children abduction prevention skills and, more importantly, which ones actually work.

This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU.

Articles discussed this episode:

Gunby, K.V., Carr, J.E., & LeBlanc, L.A. (2010). Teaching abduction-prevention skills to children with autism. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 43, 107-112. doi: 10.1901/jaba.2010.43-107

Miltenberger, R.G., Fogel, V.A., Beck, K.V., Koehler, S., Shayne, R., Noah, J., McFee, K., Perdomo, A., Chan, P., Simmons, D., & Godish, D. (2013). Efficacy of the Stranger Safety abduction-prevention program and parent conducted in situ training. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 46, 817-820. doi: 10.1002/jaba.80

Berube, T., MacDonald, J., & Parry-Cruwys, D. (2021). Teaching abduction prevention skills to children using a one-on-one training setting. Behavioral Interventions, 36, 550-560. doi: 10.1002/bin.1806

Ledbetter-Cho, K., Lang, R., Lee, A., Murphy, C., Davenport, K., Kirkpatrick, M., Schollian, M., Moore, M., Billingsley, G., & O'Reilly, M. (2021). Teaching children with autism abduction-prevention skills may result in overgeneralization of the target response. Behavior Modification, 45, 438-461. doi: 10.1177/0145445519865165

As a special bonus, we're sharing the audio from our talk at the Thompson Center for Autism's 2021 Conference. Jackie and Diana run down what's known about practicing a good work-life balance including the barriers to self-care and steps to improve this critical relationship. We hope you enjoy some tips from the field during these continually trying times. Thanks to the Thompson Center for having us!

If you'd like the references from this presentation, feel free to email us.

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Boy, there sure are a lot of things to learn in a day. But is all content created equal? This week we try to answer that questions with special guest, Dr. Pat McGreevy, by exploring the development of his "Essential for Living" special education curriculum. The only way to know if your favorite subjects made the list is to listen now. Sines and cosines, anyone?

This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU

Articles discussed this episode:

McGreevy, P., Fry, T., & Cornwall, C. (2012, 2014). Essential for living. Orlando, FL: Patrick McGreevy, PhD, P.A. and Associates.

McGreevy, P. & Fry, T. (n.d.). A journey to life skills. Essential for Living. https://essentialforliving.com/efl/

Armstrong, H., Denne, L.D., & Bailey, T. (2021). The role of key skills as a risk marker for the development of challenging behaviour in children and young people who have an intellectual disability. International Journal of Positive Behavioural Support, 11, 3-14.

This month are hearts are all a-flutter, and it's not just because of our love of crappy NECCO wafers. We're seeing stars about our February topics! We'll be joined by Dr. Patrick McGreevy to discuss the origins and utility of the "Essential for Learning" curriculum followed by a review on the literature regarding teaching abduction prevention skills to children. As a special surprise, we've also got our 2021 talk from the Thompson Center for Autism Conference on maintaining a work-life balance. And, for our Patreon supporters, the latest in our Book Club series where we'll be analyzing "Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger's" by John Elder Robison. Now check the candy heart in your podcast player: It says, "Cool Cat". That's you!

Articles for February 2022

Essential for Living w/ Dr. Patrick McGreevy

McGreevy, P., Fry, T., & Cornwall, C. (2012, 2014). Essential for living. Orlando, FL: Patrick McGreevy, PhD, P.A. and Associates.

McGreevy, P. & Fry, T. (n.d.). A journey to life skills. Essential for Living. https://essentialforliving.com/efl/

Armstrong, H., Denne, L.D., & Bailey, T. (2021). The role of key skills as a risk marker for the development of challenging behaviour in children and young people who have an intellectual disability. International Journal of Positive Behavioural Support, 11, 3-14.

Abduction Prevention

Gunby, K.V., Carr, J.E., & LeBlanc, L.A. (2010). Teaching abduction-prevention skills to children with autism. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 43, 107-112. doi: 10.1901/jaba.2010.43-107

Miltenberger, R.G., Fogel, V.A., Beck, K.V., Koehler, S., Shayne, R., Noah, J., McFee, K., Perdomo, A., Chan, P., Simmons, D., & Godish, D. (2013). Efficacy of the Stranger Safety abduction-prevention program and parent conducted in situ training. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 46, 817-820. doi: 10.1002/jaba.80

Berube, T., MacDonald, J., & Parry-Cruwys, D. (2021). Teaching abduction prevention skills to children using a one-on-one training setting. Behavioral Interventions, 36, 550-560. doi: 10.1002/bin.1806

Ledbetter-Cho, K., Lang, R., Lee, A., Murphy, C., Davenport, K., Kirkpatrick, M., Schollian, M., Moore, M., Billingsley, G., & O'Reilly, M. (2021). Teaching children with autism abduction-prevention skills may result in overgeneralization of the target response. Behavior Modification, 45, 438-461. doi: 10.1177/0145445519865165

Bonus: "Work Life Balance as a BCBA: Is it Even Possible"

Winter 2022 Book Club

Robison, J.E. (2007). Look me in the eye: My life with Asperger's. Crown Publishers.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: To earn CEUs for listening, you MUST sign up and listen to this episode on our website to get credit.

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Given the pressures on us humans these days, there's no question that many of us are feeling increasingly anxious. But when does anxiousness become ANXIETY? This week, Dr. Keira Moore joins us to review a behavioral interpretation of anxiety, how what is typically a mentalistic distinction could be operationally defined, and what this could mean to improve treatment for populations with limited verbal behavior.

This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU.

Articles discussed this episode:

Moore, K., Bullard, A., Sweetman, G., & Ahearn, W.H. (2021). Assessing and treating anxiety in individuals with autism. Behavior Modification. doi: 10.1177/01454455211051678

Jones, K.M. & Friman, P.C. (1999). A case study of behavioral assessment an treatment of insect phobia. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 32, 95-98. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1999.32-95

IMPORTANT NOTICE: To earn CEUs for listening, you MUST sign up and listen to this episode on our website to get credit.

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LIVE from the Inside Track Studio! It's behavioral cusps! Starring: socially valid behavior targets for change, access to more reinforcement than ever before, and beneficial responding for all. Featuring: butterfly and tree metaphors, descriptions of the Christmas gifts we haven't wrapped yet, and herbal tea. Now in color!

Originally recorded live for our patrons, here's the full audio recording. Sad you missed the event itself? Audio alone just not gonna cut it? Well, subscribe on Patreon at the $5 and up level for access to the full video of the recording PLUS a free CE for this episode.

This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU.

Articles discussed this episode:

Rosales-Ruiz, J. & Baer, D.M. (1997). Behavioral cusps: A developmental and pragmatic concept for behavior analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 30, 533-544. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1997.30-533

Bosch, S. & Fuqua, R.W. (2001). Behavioral cusps: A model for selecting target behaviors. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 34, 123-125. doi: 10.1901/jaba.2001.34-123

Smith, G.J., McDougall, D., & Edelen-Smith, P. (2006). Behavioral cusps: A person-centered concept for establishing pivotal individual, family, and community repertoires. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 21, 223-229. doi: 10.1177/10883576060210040301

IMPORTANT NOTICE: To earn CEUs for listening, you MUST sign up and listen to this episode on our website to get credit.

To listen for the fun of learning? Just push play!

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We're starting the new year off by being humble and reflective after a tough year. And what better way to do that than welcome Dr. Nasiah Cirincione-Ulezi to share her research and work in the areas of cultural humility. We review how competence does not equal humility, the pernicious ways that black women have been barred from leadership, and what can be done to break these patterns in the workplace.

This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU.

Articles discussed this episode:

Wright, P.I. (2019). Cultural humility in the practice of applied behavior analysis. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 12, 805-809. doi: 10/1007/s40617-019-00343-8

Cirincione-Ulezi, N. (2020). Black women and barriers to leadership in ABA. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 13, 719-724. doi: 10.1007/s40617-020-00444-9