Unrestricted Learning Opportunities for Trainees in Behavior Analysis: A Survey of Current Practices.

Individuals seeking certification as a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) must meet certain eligibility requirements. In addition to passing the BCBA examination, such requirements include completion of a master's degree, behavior-analytic coursework, and supervised practical fieldwork. In accruing fieldwork hours, trainees must be provided with the opportunity to complete unrestricted activities.

Validity and Reliability Evidence for Assessments Based in Applied Behavior Analysis: A Systematic Review.

The current article presents the findings from a systematic review of the available reliability and validity evidence supporting the use of criterion-referenced assessments based on the applied behavior analysis framework. We identified 46 studies that reported reliability and/or validity evidence for six assessments, 37 of which presented reliability evidence and 43 presented validity evidence. Additionally, we extracted and summarized information related to participant characteristics (e.

Evaluating Preference and Performance in Accumulated versus Distributed Response-Reinforcer Arrangements.

To determine the effects of response-reinforcer arrangements on task performance and preference, participants completed tasks on accumulated and distributed response-reinforcer arrangements. Three males diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder completed tasks before receiving 5-min or 30-seconds access to a preferred stimulus. To enhance discrimination between the two arrangements, color-coded token boards were used to represent each arrangement.

Differential Reinforcement of Other Behaviors to Treat Challenging Behaviors Among Children With Autism: A Systematic and Quality Review.

This review summarizes the literature regarding differential reinforcement of other behaviors (DRO) to treat challenging behavior among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and determines the quality of studies among the current literature according to the 2014 Council for Exceptional Children (CEC): Standards for Evidence-Based Practices in Special Education. Studies that focused on the use of DRO in the treatment of challenging behavior for individuals with ASD were included for systematic analysis. Forty-five studies were identified for inclusion in this review and were evaluated using the eight quality indicators described by the CEC.

Using Shaping to Increase Foods Consumed by Children with Autism.

The current study used differential reinforcement and shaping to increase the variety of foods accepted by children with autism who demonstrated significant feeding inflexibility. Participants were introduced to four new food items via a hierarchical exposure, which involved systematically increasing the desired response with the food item. Level of food consumption was evaluated using a combined multiple baseline plus changing criterion design.