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  Subjects -> SOCIOLOGY (Total: 553 journals)
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Behavior Analysis in Practice
Number of Followers: 23  
 
  Full-text available via subscription Subscription journal
ISSN (Print) 1998-1929 - ISSN (Online) 2196-8934
Published by Springer-Verlag Homepage  [2468 journals]
  • The Long and Winding Road to Professional Regulation in Ontario Canada

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      Abstract: Abstract This article describes the long and winding road to regulation of behavior analysts in Ontario, Canada over the past 25 years. It is written from the perspective of some of the many volunteers of the professional association (Ontario Association for Behaviour Analysis) who have contributed to this goal. The information has been corroborated by historical records and publicly available information. The need for public protection and oversight of behavior analysis was noted in our field more than 50 years ago and continues to be relevant. With changes to international certification and concerns raised by some constituents about ABA practices, many jurisdictions continue to seek support for regulatory oversight. The goal of this article is to inspire behavior analysts in other jurisdictions to advocate for protection of the public and for recognition and oversight of the profession through policy reform. To this end, we have documented our collective efforts and experiences and suggested strategies that worked in our context that may generalize to other jurisdictions. In the end, efforts to promote ethical, effective, and socially valid ABA services will advance our field and enhance the benefits for those we support.
      PubDate: 2023-11-28
       
  • Regulation Down Under

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      Abstract: Abstract Regulation of a profession is one way of helping to protect the public's interest and safety. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board ([BACB], n.d.-a) has provided certification to behavior analysts worldwide for a couple of decades to improve public confidence and set professional standards for behavior analysis. As the world grows and changes, there is an increasing need to create nation-specific regulatory bodies to meet the unique demands of behavior analysts practicing in their countries. In Australia, the use of behavior analysis and the number of practicing behavior analysts has grown in the last decade. This article describes the efforts of behavior analysts in Australia to first create a national membership body and then establish a national regulatory framework for behavior analysis. The impact of critical factors to the development of an Australian behavior analytic regulation system such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme and the history of allied health regulation in Australia is discussed. Lastly, suggestions are offered for other countries to develop their own regulatory frameworks.
      PubDate: 2023-11-28
       
  • Advocacy and Open Science in the UK: Case Studies in the Autism Wars

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      Abstract: Abstract Individuals on the autism spectrum experience a wide range of support needs and it comes as no surprise that opinions differ as to the best way to provide necessary supports. Some articulate self-advocates argue that societal acceptance of neurodiversity is the key issue. These views have clashed with those of parents and professionals who advocate for access to evidence-based interventions for profoundly autistic children and adults. The consequences of these kinds of differing opinions are so far-reaching that the term “autism wars” was coined. In this article, we argue that although acceptance of diversity is obviously important, this should include an openness to diverse scientific traditions, especially if lack of such openness limits public policy and adversely affects individuals and families. “Open Science” holds much promise in many fields, but its influence cannot be taken for granted when it comes to evidence-based support practices that are grounded in the science of behavior analysis. Benefiting from open science in autism research requires well-developed advocacy skills. To illustrate, we use case studies from the UK, where advocates of open science have met with intractable obstacles.
      PubDate: 2023-11-28
       
  • Preventing Insurance Denials of Applied Behavior Analysis Treatment Based
           on Misuse of Medically Unlikely Edits (MUEs)

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      Abstract: Abstract The importance of obtaining full insurance coverage of all medically necessary applied behavior analysis (ABA) services without artificial limits on scope, intensity, duration, or beneficiaries of treatment is at the core of autism health care advocacy. Although some limitations, such as dollar limits, treatment hour caps, or restrictions on location of services or symptoms treated are obvious, others are more nuanced. One such area meriting increased attention is insurers’ use of Medically Unlikely Edits (MUEs) in ways that can improperly limit care, reduce access, and undermine quality. Unfortunately, behavior analysts may unwittingly act as ambassadors for improper limits by treating MUEs as fixed limits on treatment and conscientiously counseling fellow practitioners to adhere to MUEs as if they cannot lawfully be exceeded. This is not surprising given that a number of payors appear to apply MUEs for ABA in exactly that erroneous fashion. In fact, MUEs arise from a program implemented by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to flag potential fraud and billing errors and are not and never were intended to limit medically necessary ABA. As ABA practitioners seek to preserve and expand funding that allows treatment in accordance with generally accepted standards of care, care must be taken to ensure that practical administrative procedures and billing requirements do not undermine these efforts. Correct utilization of MUEs should be on the agenda of payors, regulators, policymakers, and behavior analysts to safeguard access to ABA, free of improper limits that threaten to lower the standard of care.
      PubDate: 2023-11-22
       
  • An Analysis of Voting and Legislative Behavior

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      Abstract: Abstract Despite the scope and breadth of applied behavior analysis (ABA) over its 60-year history, little attention has been directed toward the formulation and implementation of public policy. This lack of attention is notable because Skinner (1953) posited that government is probably the most obvious agency engaged in the control of human behavior. Although behavioral strategies have been employed to address policy issues, most studies examined small groups in circumscribed settings. Glenn’s (1988) conceptualization of the metacontingency provided a framework for examining public policymaking, with culturo-behavioral science rapidly emerging as a means to further advance our understanding of the complex interactions involved in social and cultural systems (Glenn, 2003; Malott & Glenn, 2019) and the continuing evolution of public policy. This article focuses on voting as an operant behavior and the interlocking behavioral contingencies (IBCs) at play when citizens vote at the polls and lawmakers are voting on potential legislation. Because virtually all legislative bodies have specific protocols regarding everything from legislative drafting to floor debate, the majority of their activity involves rule-governed behavior. In contrast, the votes which a legislator casts, like those of the general public in an election, are contingency-shaped behaviors. One key difference between the vote cast by a private citizen and a legislator are the external consequences that can be imposed following the vote by legislative or governmental leaders. Despite having only a small number of behavior analysts serving in legislatures, recent successes surrounding licensure and mandated insurance coverage for behavior analysis have resulted in a greater awareness by legislators and policymakers of the need and value of such services, suggesting that this is an opportune time for behavior analysts to become more involved and shape public policy.
      PubDate: 2023-11-20
       
  • Providing Buffers, Solving Barriers: Value-Driven Policies and Actions
           that Protect Clients Today and Increase the Chances of Thriving Tomorrow

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      Abstract: Abstract Between 1990 and 2018, regions spent between 2.67% (Europe) and 3.6% (North America) of their GDP to treat harmful behavioral, medical, and other effects of significant adverse experience (Bellis et al., 2019 The Lancet Public Health, 4(10), e517–e528). Although dose-dependent exposure to adverse childhood experiences harms long-term medical health (e.g., Anda et al., 2006; European Archives of Psychiatry & Clinical Neuroscience, 256, 174–186, Anda et al., 2008; American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 34(5), 396–403,  Dong et al., 2004; Circulation, 110(13), 1761–1766, Felitti and Anda, 2009), six specific buffers (nurturing relationships; nutrition; physical activity; sleep; mental health support; and reducing stress) protect against these harmful health impacts (Purewal et al., 2016, Zero to Three, 37(1), 10–17). However, barriers related to access, information, resources, or behavioral needs prevent many from experiencing the benefits. This article describes an approach in which each buffer area is addressed in the context of its overlap with behavior analytic practice, and supported by related policy suggestions. Providers are invited to adopt an informative buffer policy as an antecedent to client services; establish a collaborative network of providers and resources; and expand buffer promotion beyond clients to other stakeholders including caregivers and staff. The aim of this article is to inspire and empower individuals to use several specific actions: (1) learn about buffers and consider barriers to them; (2) educate others about buffers and barriers to them; (3) scan a client’s environment for buffers and barriers; and (4) consider ways to install buffers and resolve barriers for clients or others as appropriate.
      PubDate: 2023-11-20
       
  • The Public Policy Advocacy Actions Checklist: Success Stories from Three
           States

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      Abstract: Abstract Public policy advocacy is crucial to ensure equitable access for all those seeking applied behavior analysis (ABA) services. Based on their experiences engaging in state-level public policy advocacy, the authors created a Public Policy Advocacy Actions Checklist that summarizes specific strategies they found to be successful with a variety of public policy issues relevant to ABA. Although this article focuses on advocacy efforts related to Medicaid reimbursement rates and Medicaid policies for ABA service provision, the strategies presented have also been used to advocate for coverage of telehealth ABA services, licensure for behavior analysts, and mandates for commercial insurance to cover ABA and/or autism intervention. The State of Wisconsin is used to illustrate implementation of the Public Policy Advocacy Actions Checklist, and the states of Arizona and Massachusetts are presented as additional examples of successful advocacy efforts using these strategies. This article walks behavior analysts through the process of identifying the local challenges and opportunities, developing advocacy goals, implementing an action plan, collecting data, recruiting support from the community, and influencing policy makers to implement favorable policy changes. The authors present additional resources to support new behavior analyst advocates including links to free advocacy toolkits, tips on selecting a lobbyist, recommendations for meetings with policy makers, a sample budget request, and two examples of “call to action” communications encouraging members of the community to contact their representatives regarding a specific issue. Finally, the successful advocacy outcomes and remaining opportunities for advocacy in each of these three states are discussed.
      PubDate: 2023-11-20
       
  • Why Public Policy Matters: A Call to Action for the Everyday Behavior
           Analyst

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      Abstract: Abstract Public policy advocacy is a foreign topic to many behavior analysts. However, each professional within the field has a voice and skills helpful in ensuring that the field’s growth aligns with best practices. This article outlines pertinent areas of public policy advocacy and calls to action for the everyday behavior analyst. Topics covered include storytelling and dissemination, the field’s standards of care, the concept of medical necessity, understanding provider agreements, types of behavior analysts, licensure and legislation, pigeonholing, and documentation. Each section briefly introduces the topic and the pertinent concerns and offers a call to action for providers within the field. The topics covered are not comprehensive of all public policy needs associated with behavior analysis. Instead, they are pragmatic and achievable first steps pertinent to the health of the field. This article will leave readers with tangible action steps to get involved in public policy and advocacy efforts in their daily work, organizations, and communities.
      PubDate: 2023-11-16
       
  • The Effects of an Accelerated Auditory Matching Protocol for Early
           Intervention Students

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      Abstract: Abstract We employed a multiple probe design to test the effects of an accelerated auditory matching protocol with five toddlers receiving early intervention services (four males, one female) for developmental delays. All participants emitted poorly articulated vocal mands and tacts. The dependent variables were the number of full echoics, partial echoics, and incorrect responses within a set of 20 two-syllable words. The independent variable was an accelerated Auditory Matching Protocol that targets auditory discrimination using an iPad App. Each phase of the protocol targets different sound discriminations with growing complexity. Four out of five participants emitted more full or partial echoic responses upon mastery of the Auditory Matching Protocol. Moreover, compared to those who received the full dosage of the standard Auditory Matching Protocol in previous studies, the participants in this study required fewer learn units to master all phases and to demonstrate improvement.
      PubDate: 2023-11-15
       
  • An Introduction to a Child’s Rights Approach to Applied Behavior
           Analysis

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      Abstract: Abstract The effective application of behavior analysis requires compassionate care that protects the rights of child clients while adhering to the core principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA). Although ethical practices for behavior analysis have been established, including the protection of clients' rights, there remains limited guidance on implementing these expectations in professional practice. Moreover, criticism of the field by autistic advocates, other professionals, and even those within the field often lacks meaningful recommendations for future practice. However, readily available frameworks can help improve the field by developing tools and practices that protect clients through practical assessment and compassionate care. This article introduces a new framework, The Behavior Intervention Checklist: A Child Rights Approach, based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, to assist practitioners in defining and protecting the rights of the children they work with. The article focuses on the creation and implementation of The Behavior Intervention Checklist as a self-assessment tool for behavior analysts to evaluate initial intake procedures and develop and review behavior plans through a children's rights lens.
      PubDate: 2023-11-13
       
  • Assessing and teaching job-related social skills to adults with
           neurodevelopmental disorders in Italy

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      Abstract: Abstract Social challenges in the work place can serve as an obstacle to regular employment for many individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDD). Nonetheless, few studies have focused on interventions to improve job-related social skills or included residents of countries outside of the United States. This study replicated and extended prior research by evaluating the acquisition of job-related social skills with three individuals with NDD residing in Italy. Results suggested that a package consisting of behavioral skills training and token reinforcement was effective for teaching the skills in the clinic and in extension to real work contexts. Furthermore, social validity surveys indicated that the participants, professionals, and caregivers of individuals with NDD considered the skills and interventions to be acceptable. These findings have implications for improving employment outcomes for individuals with NDD across the globe.
      PubDate: 2023-11-06
       
  • Starting the Conversation Around the Ethical Use of Artificial
           Intelligence in Applied Behavior Analysis

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      Abstract: Abstract Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly a part of our everyday lives. Though much AI work in healthcare has been outside of applied behavior analysis (ABA), researchers within ABA have begun to demonstrate many different ways that AI might improve the delivery of ABA services. Though AI offers many exciting advances, absent from the behavior analytic literature thus far is conversation around ethical considerations when developing, building, and deploying AI technologies. Further, though AI is already in the process of coming to ABA, it is unknown the extent to which behavior analytic practitioners are familiar (and comfortable) with the use of AI in ABA. The purpose of this article is twofold. First, to describe how existing ethical publications (e.g., BACB Code of Ethics) do and do not speak to the unique ethical concerns with deploying AI in everyday, ABA service delivery settings. Second, to raise questions for consideration that might inform future ethical guidelines when developing and using AI in ABA service delivery. In total, we hope this article sparks proactive dialog around the ethical use of AI in ABA before the field is required to have a reactionary conversation.
      PubDate: 2023-11-03
       
  • Contextualizing Contemporary Research Ethics Policies and Practices in
           Significant Historical Events

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      Abstract: Abstract The Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts (BACB Code; Behavior Analyst Certification Board®, 2020) includes six items in “Section 6—Responsibility in Research'' that cover the protection of human participants in research activities conducted by Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts® and Board Certified Behavior Analysts®. This article provides a brief primer regarding significant historical events and foundational documents that have resulted in the contemporary research ethics policies and practices in the field of behavior analysis. This walk through the last century from the Nuremberg Code to the Declaration of Helsinki, the Belmont Report, and 45 CFR Part 46—Protection of Human Subjects provides a summary of why the codification of requirements such as “informed consent” and “Institutional Review Board” oversight was necessary. The linkages between these historical events and the current BACB Code items are discussed. In addition, situations in which the BACB Code does not provide explicit instruction but foundational documents may provide additional guidance are considered. Finally, opportunities for future data-driven decision making in research ethics are offered.
      PubDate: 2023-11-02
       
  • Finding Meaningful Career Using Organizational Behavior Management

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      Abstract: Abstract 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. The job areas described are academia/research, operations, internal consulting, and external consulting. Finally, we discuss how OBM training is relevant to each area and other skills necessary to be competitive for those positions.
      PubDate: 2023-11-02
       
  • Instructor as Subject: An Alternative to the Self-Management Project

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      Abstract: Abstract Many psychology programs include a course on learning and behavior theories, and a frequent assignment used in these courses is a self-management project, where students select a behavior for change, develop strategies to change the behavior, and self-monitor the behavior across baseline and treatment conditions. This assignment has several benefits, such as effective behavior change; however, data indicate students are often dishonest about their implementation of strategies and behavioral outcomes, and the generalization of these experiences to further applications of behavior change, such as changing others’ behavior, has not been evaluated. The purpose of the current project was to develop and evaluate an alternative to the self-management project. This article describes the planning, implementation, and outcomes over two iterations of an assignment where students engaged with behavior change strategies, but with the instructor as the subject rather than the self. A comparison is made to traditional self-management projects. Data indicate students enjoyed both projects and that both projects resulted in desired behavior change. Preliminary evidence suggests the alternative project is as effective as the self-management project at producing desired behavior change. Students reported similar preferences but no differences in data falsification across projects.
      PubDate: 2023-10-25
       
  • Comparison of Enhanced and Standard Data Sheets on Treatment Fidelity and
           Data Collection for Tact Training

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      Abstract: Abstract Specifically designed data sheets have been recommended to assist with the fidelity of implementation of treatment procedures. The present study extended previous research (e.g., Bottini et al. Behavior Analysis: Research & Practice 21(2), 140–152, 2021; LeBlanc et al. Behavior Analysis in Practice 13(1), 53–62, 2020) by comparing an enhanced data sheet (i.e., the inclusion of randomized targets, prompts for treatment components of securing attending and reinforcement) to a standard data sheet (i.e., targets not preset, no prompts for treatment components) on the fidelity of tact training of features. Ten behavior therapists participated in each condition (n = 20). Participants first watched a brief instructional video explaining the teaching procedure and their assigned data sheet, followed by conducting a treatment session with a confederate serving as a child with autism spectrum disorder. The enhanced data sheet resulted in higher fidelity on multiple variables including randomizing of targets and data collection.
      PubDate: 2023-10-25
       
  • Recommendations for Working with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse
           Families: A Report from the Field

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      Abstract: Abstract Given the persistent shift in racial and ethnic demographics in the United States, board certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) will increasingly serve culturally and linguistically diverse families. There has been a recent increase in published resources to help behavior analysis practitioners navigate working with diverse populations. The purpose of this article is to add to these resources and demonstrate how these recommendations can be put into action. We outline five recommendations for working with culturally and linguistically diverse families in the context of a small company that has incorporated these practices in their own work focused on serving a large percentage of immigrant families.
      PubDate: 2023-10-23
       
  • A Survey of Barriers Experienced while Providing Supervision via
           Telehealth: Implications for Future Research and Practice

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      Abstract: Abstract Telehealth is an acceptable service delivery mechanism for applied behavior analytic interventions and has led to positive outcomes for decreasing problem behavior and increasing skill acquisition in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Literature regarding best practices for providing behavior analytic services via telehealth has increased; however, limited literature exists on training, best practices, implementation guidelines, and troubleshooting resources when providing supervision to supervisees via telehealth. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to understand the barriers to supervision via telehealth of BCBAs and those pursuing their BCBA credential. Following survey distribution and completion, participant data were analyzed for specific barriers encountered while providing behavioral supervision during telehealth and the strategies participants used to address or mitigate those barriers. Based on our findings, we also present troubleshooting resources and recommendations to help supervising behavior analysts prepare for and mitigate any supervisory barriers that may occur in the future.
      PubDate: 2023-10-19
       
  • Individualizing the LIFE Curriculum to Establish Flexible Cooking Skills
           in a Neurodivergent Young Adult

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      Abstract: Abstract The present study used a multiple baseline across skills design to evaluate use of an adapted LIFE skills curriculum (Dixon, 2021) to teach various cooking tasks to a young adult diagnosed with ASD, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. The participant learned and completed recipes and related vocational tasks. Results showed efficient task acquisition for all recipes and maintenance of vocational tasks during follow-up probes. Results have implications for the LIFE program, suggesting that it is a viable method for teaching LIFE skills to neurodivergent young adults.
      PubDate: 2023-10-12
       
  • The Basics of CBM: What BCBAs Need to Know

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      Abstract: Abstract Curriculum-based measurement (CBM) is an approach to measuring student academic growth and evaluating the effectiveness of instruction (Deno, Exceptional Children, 52, 219-232, 1985) that was developed, in part, based on characteristics of applied behavior analysis. Learning to administer and use CBM data is commonly part of teacher preparation programs, but less common in behavior analysis graduate programs (Schreck et al. Behavioral Interventions, 31, 355-376, 2016; Schreck & Mazur, Behavioral Interventions, 23, 201-212, 2008). This article describes a sequence of steps that educational teams can follow to use CBM within the multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) framework. These steps include (1) selecting a CBM publisher and gathering materials; (2) practicing administering and scoring CBM; (3) administering, scoring, and comparing student scores to grade-level benchmarks; (4) using CBM data to write ambitious and realistic IEP goals; and (5) using data-based individualization. Each step is described and includes a description of a case study that is based on our experiences working with pre-service teacher candidates, and special education and behavior analysis graduate students in K–12 and after-school instructional programs.
      PubDate: 2023-10-12
       
 
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