# Episode 2: FA Decision Trees & Autism Knowledge GapsThis episode covers two studies that highlight different aspects of assessment quality - one providing practical guidance for functional analysis decision-making, and another revealing concerning gaps in healthcare professionals' autism knowledge.Timestamps

• 00:00 - Cold Open
• 00:30 - Project Introduction
• 01:00 - Host Introductions
• 01:30 - Functional Analysis Decision-Making Study
• 08:00 - Nursing Autism Knowledge Study
• 13:00 - Synthesis & Clinical Applications
• 14:00 - Outro & Resources

Articles DiscussedStudy 1: Brown, K. R., Helvey, C. I., Kranak, M. P., & Lavin, A. (2025). Functional analysis decision-making considerations. *Behavior Analysis in Practice*. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-025-01057-wStudy 2: Albloushi, M., Alghamdi, R. S., & Alqahtani, M. (2025). Understanding autism through the eyes of nurses: A cross-sectional study. *Brain and Behavior*. https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.71217Key Concepts

• Functional Analysis (FA): Experimental method for identifying the function of challenging behavior through systematic manipulation of environmental variables
• Trial-Based FA: Modified FA methodology conducted during natural activities rather than in isolated sessions
• Precursor Behaviors: Early signs or behaviors that occur before the target behavior, used as safer alternatives in FA when the target behavior poses risks
• DSM-IV Criteria: Previous version of diagnostic criteria (now DSM-5) that required autism symptoms to be present before 36 months of age

Key Takeaways

• Use decision trees when selecting FA methodology - consider safety, setting constraints, and preliminary data rather than defaulting to standard approaches
• A well-designed modified FA is better than an unsafe or invalid standard FA
• Don't assume other healthcare professionals have accurate knowledge about autism or evidence-based interventions like ABA
• Early identification gaps at the nursing/medical level may mean families reach BCBAs with delayed referrals or misconceptions
• Professional education needs to be intensive and culturally informed, not just brief workshops
• Assessment quality depends on systematic decision-making frameworks rather than just experience or intuition

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The Behaviorist Bookclub is an AI-generated podcast produced by Mastering ABA. Always consult the original research for clinical decision-making.