Aba Inside Track

If social skills are an important component of human development and individuals with autism often have challenges in learning social skills, there must be a curriculum that lets specialists of all backgrounds teach these important lessons, right? Well, maybe? This week we look at what actual research there is behind commercially-available curricula for teaching social skills and highlight a few of the more promising programs. Articles discussed this episode: Bellini, S., Peters, J.K., Benner, L., & Hope, A. (2007). A meta-analysis of school-based social skills interventions for children with autism spectrum disorders. Remedial and Special Education, 28, 153-162. doi: 10.1177/07419325070280030401 Hall, L.J., Leinert, S., & Jacquez, J. (2018). A review of social skill manuals for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Current Developmental Disorders Reports, 5, 77-88. doi: 10.1007/s40474-018-0134-5 Stichter, J.P., O’Connor, K.V., Herzog, M.J., Lierheimer, K., & McGhee, S.D. (2012). Social comp

Despite being a classic component of most parent discipline practices, the average person tends to forget that time out procedures started in the field of behavior analysis. Does this old chestnut still hold value as a part of a behavior management plan? Dr. Jeanne Donaldson joins us this week to review her research on the subject and how time out fits in the framework of trauma-informed care. Articles discussed this episode: Dadds, M.R. & Tully, L.A. (2019). What is it to discipline a child: What should it be? A reanalysis of time-out from the perspective of child mental health, attachment, and trauma. American Psychologist, 74, 794-808. doi: 10.1037/amp0000449 Donaldson, J.M. & Vollmer, T.R. (2011). An evaluation and comparison of time-out procedures with and without release contingencies. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 44, 693-705. doi: 10.1901/jaba.2011.44-693 Donaldson, J.M., Vollmer, T.R., Yakich, T.M., & Van Camp, C. (2013). Effects of a reduced time-out interval on compliance with

Ho ho ho! And a merry podcast! We’re back with a wintry mix of exciting topics featuring a guest we’ve been dying to have on the show, a guest we’ve been dying to have return, and a topic we’ve been dying to explore. Articles for December 2020 Time Out w/ Dr. Jeanne Donaldson Dadds, M.R. & Tully, L.A. (2019). What is it to discipline a child: What should it be? A reanalysis of time-out from the perspective of child mental health, attachment, and trauma. American Psychologist, 74, 794-808. doi: 10.1037/amp0000449 Donaldson, J.M. & Vollmer, T.R. (2011). An evaluation and comparison of time-out procedures with and without release contingencies. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 44, 693-705. doi: 10.1901/jaba.2011.44-693 Donaldson, J.M., Vollmer, T.R., Yakich, T.M., & Van Camp, C. (2013). Effects of a reduced time-out interval on compliance with the time-out instruction. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 46, 369-378. doi: 10.1002/jaba.40 Social Skills Curricula Bellini, S., Peters, J.K., Benn

While nobody really wants to go to the dentist, there’s a big difference between a grumbling as you walk in for a cleaning and hiding under the dining room table when the word “fluoride” is uttered. This week, Dr. Kelly McConnell stops by to discuss her research on helping individuals with autism tolerate dental exams, including the do’s and do not’s of working with dentists and ensuring that the program in the clinic actually results in a successful trip to the dentist’s office. 4 out of 5 dentists recommend you listen to this episode (we’re guessing). Articles discussed this episode: Allen, K.D., & Wallace, D.P. (2013). Effectiveness of using noncontingent escape for general behavior management in a pediatric dental clinic. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 46, 723-737. doi: 10.1002/jaba.82 Carter, L., Harper, J.M., & Luiselli, J.K. (2019). Dental desensitization for students with autism spectrum disorder through graduated exposure, reinforcement, and reinforcement fading. Journal of Developmen

For our first patrons-only book club, you voted on "Meaningful Differences" by Hart and Risley. And here it is: 2+ hours all about this classic, and sometimes controversial, book documenting Betty Hart and Todd Risley's longitudinal study exploring the home lives of 42 families to try to determine why some children develop more robust language than others. If you ever wondered where the 30 million word gap comes from, you've found it. Interested in listening to the definitive podcast about "Meaningful Differences" (IMHO) AND earning 2 learning credits? Head on over to our Patreon page and join up at the $10 or up level to get access to these episodes as well as monthly social meet-up opportunities and discounts in our regular CE store. Works discussed this episode: Hart, B., & Risley, T. R. (1995). Meaningful differences in the everyday experience of young American children. Baltimore, Md: Paul H. Brookes. Sperry, D.E., Sperry, L.L., & Miller, P.J. (2019). Reexamining the verbal environments of child

Diana was so amazed by a talk given by our special guests, Worner Leland and Barb Gross from Sex Ed Continuing Ed, that she emailed them immediately to join us on the show. We’re thankful that they agreed and spent an evening discussing the sexual wellbeing of individuals with developmental disabilities. We discuss the danger of seeing sexual behavior as problem behavior, review the ExPLISSIT model for addressing sexual wellbeing, and even get Rob to move beyond his classic New England Puritan viewpoints on “sex”. Interested in learning more? Check out these links shared by our guests: Sex Ed Continuing Ed Sexual Behavior Research and Practice SIG Kids Ask Our Whole Lives curriculum Sex Ed for Social Change Articles discussed this episode: Davis, T.N., Machalicke, W., Scalzo, R., Kobylecky, A., Campbell, V., Pinkelman, S., Chan, J.M., & Sigafoos, J. (2016). A review and treatment selection model for individuals with developmental disabilities who engage in inappropriate sexual behavior. Behavior Analysis

If you’ve ever tried to develop a function-based treatment on elopement, you’ve probably wondered where in the research to start. The answer is start here with this week’s episode! Not only are we joined by Dr. Megan Boyle to discuss the findings of her extensive literature review on the subject, but we also get to enjoy her first-hand accounts of assessment and treatment of elopement. The hipsters call it “bolting”. Articles discussed this episode: Boyle, M.A. & Adamson, R.M. (2017). Systematic review of functional analysis and treatment of elopement (2000-2015). Behavior Analysis in Practice, 10, 375-385. doi: 10.1007/s40617-017-0191-y Boyle, M.A., Keenan, G., Forck, K.L., & Curtis, K.S. (2019). Treatment of elopement without blocking with a child with autism. Behavior Modification, 43, 132-145. doi: 10.1177/0145445517740871 Boyle, M.A., Bacon, M.T., Brewer, E.M., Carton, S.M., & Gaskill, L.A. (2020). Evaluating a treatment wihtout extinction for elopement maintained by access to stereotypy. Jou

Join us this November for a cornucopia of riches to give thanks to. At least, when it comes to awesome behavior analytic topics and guests. Between challenging behavior, necessary life skills, and human rights, we’ve got enough content to entertain you on Thanksgiving from the first dinner roll to the last slice of turkey. And, if your Zoom family gathering is going south, just put on ABA Inside Track on and pretend we’re joining you for after-dinner pumpkin pie. Pie not included. Articles for November 2020 Elopement w/ Dr. Megan Boyle Boyle, M.A. & Adamson, R.M. (2017). Systematic review of functional analysis and treatment of elopement (2000-2015). Behavior Analysis in Practice, 10, 375-385. doi: 10.1007/s40617-017-0191-y Boyle, M.A., Keenan, G., Forck, K.L., & Curtis, K.S. (2019). Treatment of elopement without blocking with a child with autism. Behavior Modification, 43, 132-145. doi: 10.1177/0145445517740871 Boyle, M.A., Bacon, M.T., Brewer, E.M., Carton, S.M., & Gaskill, L.A. (2020). Evaluat

If your list of self-care activities begins and ends at a big glass of wine, you may not be doing it right. And, as our special guest, Dr. Shane Spiker, shares, you’re not alone. This week, we discuss the challenges of self-care for behavior analysts including the consequences of burnout and the surprising fact that taking care of ourselves is an actual learned skill. Articles discussed this episode: Gibson, J.A., Grey, I.M., & Hastings, R.P. (2009). Supervisor support as a predictor of burnout and therapeutic self-efficacy in therapists working in ABA schools. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 39, 1024-1030. doi: 10.1007/s10803-009-0709-4 Plantiveau, C., Dounavi, K., & Virues-Ortega, J. (2018). High level of burnout among early-career board-certified behavior analysts with low collegial support in the work environment. European Journal of Behavior Analysis, 19, 195-207. doi: 10.1080/15021149.2018.1438339 Dounavi, K., Fennell, B., & Early, E. (2019). Supervision for certification in

This Halloween, don’t run away. Don’t lock your doors. Don’t hide under your bed. Because, the audio file is already in your ears. Grab Bag Reboot. This time, it’s personal. Articles discussed this episode: Gunning, C., Holloway, J., & Grealish, L. (2020). An evaluation of parents as behavior change agents in the Preschool Life Skills program. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 53, 889-917. doi: 10.1002/jaba.660 Luna, O. & Rapp, J.T. (2019). Using a checklist to increase objective session note writing: Preliminary results. Behavior Analysis Practice, 12, 622-626. doi: 10/1007/s40617-018-00315-4 Milata, E.M., Reeve, S.A., Reeve, K.F., & Dickson, C.A. (2020).. A blueprint for general-case procedures illustrated by teaching adolescents with autism spectrum disorder to use a chip-debit card. Behavioral Interventions, 35, 1-26. doi: 10.1002/bin.1719 If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, and the

By popular demand (of Diana), we’re talking all about stimulus equivalence. After drawing multiple pictures to remind ourselves of the inner workings of this powerful process, we dive into relevant research from three generations: a Sidman original, a go-go 90’s extension, and a practical example of stimulus equivalence in special education. Articles discussed this episode: Sidman, M. Cresson, Jr., O., & Willson-Morris, M. (1974). Acquisition of matching to sample via mediated transfer. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 22, 261-273. doi: 10.1901/jeab.1974.22-261 Cowley, B.J., Green, G., & Braunling-McMorrow, D. (1992). Using stimulus equivalence procedures to teach name-face matching to adults with brain injuries. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 25, 461-475. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1992.25-461 Keintz, K.S., Miguel, C.F., Kao, B., & Finn, H.E. (2011). Using conditional discrimination training to produce emergent relations between coins and their values in children with autism. Journ

No tricks this month on the show unless you’re terrified of stimulus equivalence like Rob! For everyone else, it’ll be all treats for your ears with the return of a popular (?) episode format as well as a cozy fall discussion about self-care with special guest, Dr. Shane Spiker. Snuggle up with some hot apple cider, a warm sweater, and a brand new delay tolerance flow chart. Articles for October 2020 Stimulus Equivalence Sidman, M. Cresson, Jr., O., & Willson-Morris, M. (1974). Acquisition of matching to sample via mediated transfer. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 22, 261-273. doi: 10.1901/jeab.1974.22-261 Cowley, B.J., Green, G., & Braunling-McMorrow, D. (1992). Using stimulus equivalence procedures to teach name-fce matching to adults with brain injuries. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 25, 461-475. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1992.25-461 Keintz, K.S., Miguel, C.F., Kao, B., & Finn, H.E. (2011). Using conditional discrimination training to produce emergent relations between coins

Finally, rounding out our month-long Supervision September comes an episode all about how to be the superest supervisor that ever did supervise. Whether it’s maximizing your supervision bandwidth or hyper-focusing your supervisee’s experiences, we’re checking out some new ideas to make supervision more fun than a barrel of monkeys. Articles discussed this episode: Garza, K.L., McGee, H.M., Schenk, Y.A., & Wiskirchen, R.R. (2018). Some tools for carrying out a proposed process for supervising experience hours for aspiring Board Certified Behavior Analysts. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 11, 62-70. doi: 10.1007/s40617-017-0186-8 Hartley, B.K., Courtney, W.T., Rosswurm, M., & LaMarca, V.J. (2016). The apprentice: An innovative approach to meet the Behavior Analysis Certification Board’s supervision standards. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 9, 329-338. doi: 10.1007/s40617-016-0136-x If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter

This week we conclude our deep dive into “Bringing Out the Best in People” by discussing some of the more ephemeral components of supervision. For instance, did you know that you can supervise creativity? And what does the future hold for supervision now that Zoomers are entering the work force. All this and the history of Nintendo. Articles discussed this episode: Daniels, A.C. (2000). Bringing out the best in people (2nd ed.). McGraw-Hill, Inc If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, and the two episode secret code words to complete the purchase. Email us at abainsidetrack@gmail.com for further assistance.

Continuing with Supervision September, we delve deep into the science and generalization of supervisory skills with our newest book club series on “Bringing Out the Best in People”, the classic management book by Aubrey Daniels. How are running Fortune 500 companies and ABA like peanut butter and chocolate? And what does positive reinforcement have to do with improving the widget production line? Listen in and join us for part 2 next week! Book discussed this episode: Daniels, A.C. (2000). Bringing out the best in people (2nd ed.). McGraw-Hill, Inc If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, and the two episode secret code words to complete the purchase. Email us at abainsidetrack@gmail.com for further assistance.

It’s time for our 4th Annual Supervision September! All month long, we’ll be discussing supervision of BCBAs, supporting good management practices, and advances in the supervisory process. And, to kick things off, live (via Zoom!), it’s our talk from the Greater Boston Applied Behavior Analysis in Urban Education conference. While we couldn’t be there in person, we were honored to be asked to talk all about the trials and tribulations of supervising BCBAs in the public school system. Finally, it’s Rob’s time to shine!   Articles discussed this episode: Gibson, J.A., Grey, I.M., & Hastings, R.P. (2009). Supervisor support as a predictor of burnout and therapeutic self-efficacy in therapists working in ABA schools. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 38, 1024-1030. doi: 10.1007/s10803-009-0709-4 Parsons, M.B., Rollyson, J.H., & Reid, D.H. (2013). Teaching practitioners to conduct behavioral skills training: A pyramidal approach for training multiple human service staff. Behavior Analysis in P

Joy of joys! It’s Supervision September! All month long, we’ll be discussing topics related to supervision. Whether supervision in the schools or supervision on the job, we’re covering all the angles. And, if four whole episodes about supervision weren’t enough, we’re so excited to launch our very first Patreon to provide listeners more opportunities for exclusive episodes, discounts, and chances to meet (and maybe even podcast) with us. All that, and Jackie takes a vacation. Articles for September 2020 Navigating Supervision in the Public Schools Gibson, J.A., Grey, I.M., & Hastings, R.P. (2009). Supervisor support as a predictor of burnout and therapeutic self-efficacy in therapists working in ABA schools. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 38, 1024-1030. doi: 10.1007/s10803-009-0709-4 Parsons, M.B., Rollyson, J.H., & Reid, D.H. (2013). Teaching practitioners to conduct behavioral skills training: A pyramidal approach for training multiple human service staff. Behavior Analysis in Practi

Hey, ABA Inside Track Listeners.  As we embark into our 4th year of the podcast, we wanted to stop and recognize that we couldn’t have continued creating our brand of scientific and entertaining behavior analytic content without your support.  And, to acknowledge the importance of our community of BCBA students and practitioners, we’ve decided to team up with Patreon to provide more opportunities for our audience to interact with the show than ever before.  Patreon is an online platform that allows fans to donate at a variety of levels to unlock access to more shows, CE store discounts, and even a chance to join our recording sessions.    For just 5 dollars a month, you’ll be invited to join us for a behavior analysis social stream every other month.  You’ll be able to share your thoughts on a set topic with Rob, Diana, and Jackie as well as other behavior analysts in our online community.   If you’re interested in more podcast content, why not join at the 10 dollar a month level.  You’ll also gain access to

We’ve sung the praises of functional communication training (FCT) on plenty of episodes. However, we’re in the same boat as you when it comes time to start thinning the reinforcement schedule to use FCT in real life. Luckily, Dr. Jeffrey Tiger is here to save the day by sharing recent research on improving delay tolerance procedures. Is DRA the special ingredient? Plus, another chapter in the ongoing struggle of Jackie vs. DRO procedures. Articles discussed this episode: Sumter, M.E., Gifford, M.R., Tiger, J.H., Effertz, H.M., & Fulton, C.J. (2020). Providing noncontingent, alternative, functional reinforcers during delays following functional communication training. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, Early Access. doi: 10.1002/jaba.708 Drifke, M.A., Tiger, J.H., & Lillie, M.A. (2020). DRA contingencies promote improved tolerance to delayed reinforcement during FCT compared to DRO and fixed-time schedules. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, Early Access. doi: 10.1002/jaba.704 If you're intereste

While summer vacation may not quite be over here in America, we sure better be planning for how we’re reopening school for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. To help with planning the new school term, we’re releasing an extra episode this month to review some recent articles from Behavior Analysis in Practice. What lessons can be learned from current research? Are our front-line staff and teachers ready? And how will behavior analysts help in the public and private school settings? Join us as we get ready to go back to school. Articles discussed this episode: Kornack, J., Williams, A.L., Johnson, K.A., & Mendes, E.M. (2020). Reopening the doors to center-based ABA services: Clinical and safety protocols during COVID-19. Behavior Analysis in Practice, online first. doi: 10.1007/s40617-020-00462-7 Palaez, M. & Novak, G. (2020). Returning to school: Separation problems and anxiety in the age of pandemics. Behavior Analysis in Practice, online first. doi: 10.1007/s40617-020-00467-2 I