A blocking and distance management staff training intervention for torso- and head-directed aggression.

Although decades of behavior-analytic studies have focused on decreasing the aggressive behavior of clients, relatively little research has been conducted on preventing injuries for the staff members who implement treatment plans. In this study, three direct-care staff members working with clients presenting with aggressive behavior were taught targeted blocking and distance management techniques designed to keep the clients safe while preventing injuries to the participants. Findings indicated that all staff members acquired the target skills in simulations, after which the skills for two participants generalized to the natural work environment.

Finding a Meaningful Career Using Organizational Behavior Management.

Students, early career behavior analysts, and professionals who are retreading and interested in organizational behavior management (OBM) often seek guidance on potential career paths. In this article, we offer several factors to consider before pursuing a career related to OBM, including strategies to narrow interests, gain experience, and communicate those experiences to hiring organizations. Next, we outline potential career paths and give specific examples of job titles and duties.

Generalization and Discrimination of Positively Reinforced Explicit Mands in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit generalization errors following mand training. In this study, we extended the literature on the generalization of positively reinforced explicit mands in three young children with ASD and complex communication needs. First, we used mand training to teach a new, socially appropriate, positively reinforced explicit mand to request preferred toys.

S: The Missing Discriminative Stimulus for Non-Punishment.

As the natural science of behavior evolves, the use of precise terminology is critical to maintain its conceptual and terminological integrity. The current state of terminology in stimulus control is well developed with respect to reinforcement and incomplete with respect to punishment. In this paper, we aim to make the case that the current conceptualization for discriminative stimulus control in relation to punishment would be enhanced by modifying the definition of the discriminative stimulus for punishment (S) and by adding a new term to the current taxonomy that denotes when a punishment contingency is inactive.

Visual Supports to Increase Conversation Engagement for Preschoolers With Autism Spectrum Disorder During Mealtimes: An Initial Investigation.

The diversity of children within the preschool classroom is dramatically changing as children with autism spectrum disorder are increasingly included within it. To engage in the benefits of inclusion, social skills are needed. Yet, children with autism commonly experience difficulties in this area.

Keeping Teachers Engaged during Non-Instructional Times: An Analysis of the Effects of a Naturalistic Intervention.

As the prevalence of autism continues to rise, early childhood programs continue to evolve to meet the needs of children across a spectrum of abilities. To do this, strategies and supports are needed for teachers to engage with children who experience difficulties across developmental domains. Snack Talk, a naturalistic visual communication intervention, focuses on increases in conversation engagement for children with autism and related disabilities during mealtimes.

Human Services During the COVID Pandemic: Using Behavioral Safety Programs to Protect Human Services Workers and Students.

Objectives: Behavioral safety programs have been effective in decreasing injuries across a number of industries. The COVID-19 pandemic is placing stress on the human services field-an industry already noted for its high injury rate. As most organizations resume full operation in the midst of the pandemic, procedures to mitigate the risk of virus transmission are vital.

Accumulated and distributed response-reinforcer arrangements during the treatment of escape-maintained problem behavior.

Contingent positive reinforcement has proven more effective in treating escape-maintained problem behavior than contingent negative reinforcement, particularly when problem behavior continues to produce escape. However, this research has overwhelmingly used distributed-reinforcement arrangements, where tasks and reinforcer access are interspersed throughout the work period. An alternative to interspersal involves allowing the individual to accumulate and then receive a larger quantity of reinforcement once work requirements are completed; this is known as an accumulated-reinforcement arrangement.

A Psychometric Evaluation of the Quality of Life for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Scale.

Our purpose in this study was to validate the Quality of Life for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder scale. We first conducted an exploratory factor analysis to examine the factor structure. Results suggested that a three-factor model (Interpersonal Relationships, Self-Determination, and Emotional Well-Being) should be retained.

On Turnover in Human Services.

Within the field of behavior analysis, turnover can impact an organization adversely due to the loss of expertise and the required replacement expenses. Turnover in behavior analysis remains poorly understood, and few investigations have studied why employees separate and how to mitigate unwanted turnover. The purpose of this discussion article is to provide an account of turnover, as well as to make recommendations to behavior-analytic service providers regarding how to perform analyses and intervene to decrease employee turnover.

Treatment of severe problem behaviour in children with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities.

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disabilities (ID) present with problem behaviour at rates disproportionately higher than their typically-developing peers. Problem behaviour, such as self-injury, aggression, pica, disruption, and elopement result in a diminished quality-of-life for the individual and family. Applied behaviour analysis has a well-established research base, detailing a number of assessment and treatment methods designed to address behaviour problems in children with ASD and ID.