Aba Inside Track

When crisp fall air strikes, you know that the BABAT conference is about to get underway. This year, we celebrate New England’s coolest conference for behavior analysts by talking with some of the students featured at the evening poster session. Then, to honor the last BABAT held at scenic UMass Amherst, we gather some dear friends around two pounds of chicken wings to reminisce on some of our favorite memories.   Student Posters Discussed: A Descriptive Assessment of Activity-Based Variation in Pre-School Children. NICOLE LENARES, Joseph Dracobly, Tayler Shea, Ashley Williams, Morgan Winship, and Sydney Spencer (Eastern Connecticut State University). A Parametric Analysis of Inter-Trial Intervals on Establishing Functional Communication. KENDRA GUINNESS and Kevin Schlichenmeyer (The Autism Community Therapists). Extending Functional Analysis Session Length to Yield Menainingful Outcomes. CURTIA HUMBERT, Matt Decho, Victoria Cimino, and David Kuhn (Milestones Behavioral Services). Evaluation of Systematically

We wrap up our two-part book club covering Dr. Glen Latham’s The Power of Positive Parenting by sharing some of our favorite chapters including dealing with tantrums, developing self-esteem, and what to do when everything goes to hell. Plus, our final reviews of the book and whether we think it’s right for you. And hilarious parenting anecdotes! Readings discussed this episode: Latham, G.I.  (1990). The power of positive parenting. North Logan, UT: P&T Ink. If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page (or here if you'd like the Supervision Series II bundle). 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.

Wondering if you’ve got what it takes to be a positive parent? Find yourself needing the greatest parenting tips for the families you work with? Terrified that you keep coming back to the old “yell at the kids until they behave” strategy your parents used? Well, let ABA Inside Track’s second annual book club pick, The Power of Positive Parenting, help you out. For the next two episodes we’ll be discussing Dr. Glen Latham’s excellent parenting book to determine if it’s really as great as we’ve heard and, more importantly, if it’s really a piece of behavior analytic literature. Readings discussed this episode: Latham, G.I.  (1990). The power of positive parenting. North Logan, UT: P&T Ink. 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.

Fresh off our last multi-part episodes comes another multi-part episode. For the next two weeks, we’ll be holding our annual book club and discussing Dr. Glen Latham’s book, the Power of Positive Parenting. In the meantime Jackie explains just how much online learning is too much and Rob attempts to apologize and to usher in a new age of conversation and understanding. Readings for next episode: Latham, G.I.  (1990). The power of positive parenting. North Logan, UT: P&T Ink.

Are you tired of spending hours running session after session to find the function of a problem behavior? Do you find yourself scoring tape into the wee hours of the night, shaking your head and saying, “There’s got to be a quicker way”? Well, Dr. Josh Jessel is here to tell us how we can find maintaining variables in as little as 30 minutes. Seriously. And you thought learning how to measure latency was never going to make you a better BCBA. Articles discussed this episode:  Thomason-Sassi, J.L., Iwata, B.A., Neidert, P.L., & Roscoe, E.M. (2011). Response latency as an index of response strength during functional analyses of problem behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 44, 51-67. doi: 10.1901/jaba.2011.44-51 Jessel, J., Ingvarsson, E.T., Metras, R., Whipple, R., Kirk, H., & Solsbery, L. (2018). Treatment of elopement following a latency-based interview-informed, synthesized contingency analysis. Behavioral Interventions, 33, 1-13. doi: 10.1002/bin.1525   If you're interested in ordering CE

Next week we’ll be joined by Dr. Josh Jessel to discuss how the IISCA and latency measurements can make functional analysis run faster than you could ever imagine. But first, watch Rob opine over the best fall activities to do in New England. Articles for next episode: Thomason-Sassi, J.L., Iwata, B.A., Neidert, P.L., & Roscoe, E.M. (2011). Response latency as an index of response strength during functional analyses of problem behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 44, 51-67. doi: 10.1901/jaba.2011.44-51 Jessel, J., Ingvarsson, E.T., Metras, R., Whipple, R., Kirk, H., & Solsbery, L. (2018). Treatment of elopement following a latency-based interview-informed, synthesized contingency analysis. Behavioral Interventions, 33, 1-13. doi: 10.1002/bin.1525

If you enjoyed excerpts from our conversation with Dr. Hughes-Lika about supervision and technology, then you’re going to love the full interview. The sky’s the limit with technology in the hands of a BCBA and we run down some of the coolest tech apps out there with an eye towards what the future may hold.   Resource Links: Mentimeter Kahoot Google Drive Techsmith (makers of Camtasia) GoReact

It’s been a wonderful September full of supervision and we round out this group of episodes with a review of the best ways to train others. Surprisingly, the answer includes even more training. Plus stories of our first jobs, Mickey Mouse’s first words, and first steps towards skill competency. The rationale for listening to our podcast is excellence!   Articles discussed this episode: Parsons, M.B., Rollyson, J.H., & Reid, D.H.  (2012).  Evidence-based staff training: A guide for practitioners.  Behavior Analysis in Practice, 5, 2-11.  doi: 10.1007/BF03391819 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 Practice, 6, 4-16.  doi: 10.1007/BF03391798 If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page (or here if you'd like the Supervision Series II bundle). You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, an

The supervision train rolls on, but, if you’re not careful, might end up in one of the many many pitfalls strewn along the way to becoming the best BCBA supervisor ever. Luckily we’re here to review how to start your supervision off on the right foot and the top 5 tips to stay on top of your game. And when we take a quick break from the main topic, we terrorize each other with memories of scary Super Mario Bros. enemies and Pilgrim trivia. Break out your best neutral face: It’s Supervisin’ Time!   Articles discussed this episode:  Sellers, T.P, LeBlanc, L.A., & Valentino, A.L.  (2016).  Recommendations for detecting and addressing barriers to successful supervision.  Behavior Analysis in Practice, 9, 309-319.  doi: 10.1007/s40617-016-0142-z Sellers, T.P., Valentino, A.L., & LeBlanc, L.A.  (2016).  Recommended practices for individual supervision of aspiring behavior analysts.  Behavior Analysis in Practice, 9, 274-286.  doi: 10.1007/s40617-016-0110-7 If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening

Supervision September 2 starts off this week with a look at the future of supervision.  Namely, we discuss updates to supervision for BCBA trainees as laid out this past year by the BACB.  Then, after the dry stuff, Rob talks with Dr. Jamie Hughes-Lika of Summit Autism Services about some technology tools that may make your supervision a little easier.  Not discussed: Magical supervision robots who log your training hours minute-by-minute.  Though wouldn't that be cool? Articles discussed this episode: BACB Newsletter (October 2017) BACB Newsletter (March 2018) BCBA/BCaBA Experience Standards: Monthly System Twyman, J.S.  (2014).  Envisioning education 3.0: The fusion of behavior analysis, learning science and technology.  Mexican Journal of Behavior Analysis, 40, 20-38.  doi: 10.5514/rmac.v40.i2.63663 Resource Links: Mentimeter Kahoot Google Drive Techsmith (makers of Camtasia) GoReact If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page (or here if you'd

Back in time for the start of the new school year,  it's our 2nd (annual?) Supervision September! All this month, we have episodes devoted solely to supervision: Supervision and technology, barriers to supervision, and supervision in training others.  That's three episodes on supervision in a row! Plus, we unveil our exciting survey on technology (hey, would you mind taking it?) and talk about our appearances at the BABAT and Thompson Center Autism conferences in October.  See you there! Articles for next episodes: Episode 63 BACB Newsletter (October 2017) BACB Newsletter (March 2018) BCBA/BCaBA Experience Standards: Monthly System Twyman, J.S.  (2014).  Envisioning education 3.0: The fusion of behavior analysis, learning science and technology.  Mexican Journal of Behavior Analysis, 40, 20-38.  doi: 10.5514/rmac.v40.i2.63663 Episode 64 Sellers, T.P, LeBlanc, L.A., & Valentino, A.L.  (2016).  Recommendations for detecting and addressing barriers to successful supervision.  Behavior Analysis in Practice

This week, we're discussing asking for help and ways to improve this important life skill.  We discuss basic requests for help, how to prevent overgeneralization of the response, and high- and low-tech solutions for asking for help when lost.  Plus, Rob goes out of his way to make the absolute worst jokes possible in a feeble attempt to lighten the mood. Articles discussed this episode: Rodriguez, N.M., Levesque, M.A., Cohrs, V.L., & Niemeier, J.J.  (2017).  Teaching children with autism to request help with difficult tasks.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 50, 717-732.  doi: 10.1002/jaba.420 Carlile, K.A., DeBar, R.M., Reeve, S.A., Reeve, K.F., & Meyer, L.S.  (2018).  Teaching help-seeking when lost to individuals with autism spectrum disorder.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 51, 191-206.  doi: 10.1002/jaba.447 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 wor

No one makes it through this crazy world alone.  Whether a full-grown adult or a child with disabilities, everyone needs to be able to ask for help once in a while.  But what happens when you keep asking for help all the time? Or your need help but don't know who to ask or where you are? Next week we'll be reviewing articles that have the answers to the these questions.  But first, a whole bunch of upcoming episode and appearance reminders! Articles for next episode: Rodriguez, N.M., Levesque, M.A., Cohrs, V.L., & Niemeier, J.J.  (2017).  Teaching children with autism to request help with difficult tasks.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 50, 717-732.  doi: 10.1002/jaba.420 Carlile, K.A., DeBar, R.M., Reeve, S.A., Reeve, K.F., & Meyer, L.S.  (2018).  Teaching help-seeking when lost to individuals with autism spectrum disorder.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 51, 191-206.  doi: 10.1002/jaba.447

STOP! Before you start using that discontinuous data sampling system in your program, listen to special guest, Dr. Mary-Katherine Carey, join us for a discussion of its pros and cons.  We'll review previous and recent research to determine whether discontinuous data systems really do save a lot of time, whether sampling data can ruin student programming, and whether you can get a scientific study done in a month.  Don't worry: We find some time to act all silly and go off on irrelevant tangents too. Articles discussed this episode: Cummings, A.R. & Carr, J.E.  (2009).  Evaluating progress in behavioral programs for children with autism spectrum disorders via continuous and discontinuous measurement.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 42, 52-71.  doi: 10.1901/jaba.2009.42-57 Carey, M.K. & Bourret, J.C.  (2014).  Effects of data sampling on graphical depictions of learning.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 47, 749-764.  doi: 10.1002/jaba.153 If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening

Ever sit down to take data and, as you're writing down all those pluses and minuses, tell yourself, "There's got to be a better way"? Well, I've got some good news and some bad news for you! Next week, we're talking with the newly-minted Dr. Carey about discontinuous data systems and the good, the bad, and the ugly about their use.  But first, an errata chock full of excellent emails and a brief discussion of upstate New York over-the-air broadcasts.  And Rob shares a geek fact. Articles for next episode: Cummings, A.R. & Carr, J.E.  (2009).  Evaluating progress in behavioral programs for children with autism spectrum disorders via continuous and discontinuous measurement.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 42, 52-71.  doi: 10.1901/jaba.2009.42-57 Carey, M.K. & Bourret, J.C.  (2014).  Effects of data sampling on graphical depictions of learning.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 47, 749-764.  doi: 10.1002/jaba.153

It's our most popular episode type: Grab bag! And by popular, I mean popular to us because we get to read whatever articles we want to! This week, Rob sits down at the ol' baby grand and plays a tune about stimulus equivalence, Diana neutrally praises the effort, and Jackie eats all the poison we left on the floor.  Perhaps our most disjointed episode to date. Articles discussed this episode: Griffith, K.R., Ramos, A.L., Hill, K.E., & Miguel, C.F.  (2018).  Using equivalence-based instruction to teach piano skills to college students.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 51, 207-219.  doi: 10.1002/jaba.438 Weyman, J.R. & Sy, J.R.  (2018).  Effects of neutral and enthusiastic praise on the rate of discrimination acquisition.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 51, 335-344.  doi: 10.1002/jaba.440 Dancho, K.A., Thompson, R.H., & Rhoades, M.M.  (2008).  Teaching preschool children to avoid poison hazards.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analylsis, 41, 267-271.  doi: 10.1901/jaba.2008.41-267 If you'

What's that sound coming across the misty moors? Some folks say a grab bag full of behavior analytic articles roams these dark plains, searching for a podcast to eat.  Legend tells of a team of BCBAs who will tame the grab bag and bring its research to the ABA community.  Might you be the ones the legend speaks of? Articles for next episode: Griffith, K.R., Ramos, A.L., Hill, K.E., & Miguel, C.F.  (2018).  Using equivalence-based instruction to teach piano skills to college students.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 51, 207-219.  doi: 10.1002/jaba.438 Weyman, J.R. & Sy, J.R.  (2018).  Effects of neutral and enthusiastic praise on the rate of discrimination acquisition.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 51, 335-344.  doi: 10.1002/jaba.440 Dancho, K.A., Thompson, R.H., & Rhoades, M.M.  (2008).  Teaching preschool children to avoid poison hazards.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analylsis, 41, 267-271.  doi: 10.1901/jaba.2008.41-267

Though Rob may prefer to hit PAWS when it comes to talking about canines, Jackie and Diana have a howling good time on this week's episode all about dog behavior and behavior analysis.  Wondering how functional analysis methodology can be used to treat dog challenging behavior? Or how shelter workers can actually be taught to train dogs on the cheap? Curious if Rob writes little stories about the research articles he reads? We answer all three of these tough questions in this week's episode.  We're such RUFF-ians.   Articles discussed this episode: Feuerbacher, E.N. & Wynne, C.D.L.  (2016).  Application of  functional analysis methods to assess human-dog interactions.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 49, 970-974.  doi: 10.1002/jaba.318 Howard, V.J. & DiGennaro Reed, F.D.  (2014).  Training shelter volunteers to teach dog compliance.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 47, 344-359.  doi: 10.1002/jaba.120 If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to th

To celebrate America's birthday, we're finally giving Jackie her wish and doing an entire episode devoted to puppies.  Specifically, dog behavior analysis.  After a montage of dog pictures featuring sad Sarah Mclachan music, dry your tears to prepare for some summer reading assignments in Errata.  Do you have ideas for ABA Inside Track episodes? Email us! Articles for next episode: Feuerbacher, E.N. & Wynne, C.D.L.  (2016).  Application of  functional analysis methods to assess human-dog interactions.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 49, 970-974.  doi: 10.1002/jaba.318 Howard, V.J. & DiGennaro Reed, F.D.  (2014).  Training shelter volunteers to teach dog compliance.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 47, 344-359.  doi: 10.1002/jaba.120

Not a day goes by that the treatment and care for children with autism and their families isn't in the news.  Sadly, many recent headlines have focused on the alarming challenges that these families face in looking for effective treatment (i.e., ABA) even with the sweeping changes to insurance coverage of autism treatment signed into law in nearly all the U.S.  Luckily, we had an amazing opportunity to speak to Amy Weinstock of the Autism Insurance Resource Center about this and other topics related to insurance for autism treatment including a discussion of her important role in bringing this legislation to Massachusetts, her ongoing work to support families in understanding their rights under the law, and what all BCBAs need to know about insurance. And if you still have more questions after listening, why not contact the awesome people at the Autism Resource Center yourself?