Aba Inside Track

Ah, the beautiful summer weather is finally upon us.  And what better time to talk about how hard it is for some students to attend school.  Is it bad teaching? Permissive parents? School anxiety? How the heck are we supposed to find out the function of school refusal behavior? Fortunately, Dr. Christopher Kearney and colleagues have been studying the assessment and treatment of school refusal behavior since the early 90's.  And your pals here at ABA Inside Track are here to disseminate their research with our brand of deep discussion and tangents about Jackie's history of poor attendance due to Sailor Moon. Articles for next episode: Kearney, C.A. & Silverman, W.K.  (1990).  A preliminary analysis of a functional model of assessment and treatment for school refusal behavior.  Behavior Modification, 14, 340-366.  doi: 10.1177/01454455900143007 Kearney, C.A., Pursell, C., & Alvarez, K.  (2001).  Treatment of school refusal behavior in children with mixed functional profiles.  Cognitive and Behavioral

So, when does, "Mommy, I don't wanna go to school" move beyond a frustrating way to start the day to a serious problem? Next week, we're talking all about the phenomenon of school-refusal behavior and what you can do to help.  In the meantime we bring up some life-affirming quotes and get a glimpse at Rob's most prized possession. Articles for next episode: Kearney, C.A. & Silverman, W.K.  (1990).  A preliminary analysis of a functional model of assessment and treatment for school refusal behavior.  Behavior Modification, 14, 340-366.  doi: 10.1177/01454455900143007 Kearney, C.A., Pursell, C., & Alvarez, K.  (2001).  Treatment of school refusal behavior in children with mixed functional profiles.  Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 8, 3-11.  doi: 10.1016/S1077-7229(01)80037-7 Kearney, C.A., Chapman, G., & Cook, L.C.  (2005).  Moving from assessment to treatment of school refusal behavior in youth.  INternational Journal of Behavioral Consultation and Therapy, 1, 46-51. Kearney, C.A.  (2008).  Sc

This week we're researching the age-old question: Will I be happier by doing stuff or just waiting for the world to reward me? In behavioral terms, we're discussing whether humans prefer contingent or noncontingent reinforcement.  After going over two excellent research articles exploring this question through the use of the ever-popular concurrent-chains procedure, Jackie and Diana expose their crazy, right-wing politics to assess the U.S. welfare system while our favorite liberal progressive, Rob, watches in horror. Articles discussed this episode: Luczynksi, K.C. & Hanley, G.P.  (2009).  Do children prefer contingencies? An evaluation of the efficacy of and preference for contingent versus noncontingent social reinforcement during play.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 42, 511-525.  doi: 10.1901/jaba.2009.42-511 Hanley, G.P., Piazza, C.C., Fisher, W.W., Contrucci, S.A., & Maglieri, K.A.  (1997).  Evaluation of client preference for function-based treatment packages.  Journal of Applied Behavi

You enter a hall full of all of your favorite things.  The old knight of the Crusade beckons you to him.  "Among you are the greatest delights known to humanity.  You may engage in whip-cracking tricks to earn them.  Or, I can give you one every now and again.  You must choose...but choose wisely."  And in that moment, you realize: you should have listened to that episode of ABA Inside Track about whether humans prefer contingencies.  Suddenly, you awaken in a cold sweat and look at the calendar.  "Oh, thank Skinner," you gasp.  "It's only the preview episode! There's still time to subscribe!" Then, with visions of Diana, Jackie, and Rob podcasting in your head, you slip off, back to dreamland.  Articles for next episode: Luczynksi, K.C. & Hanley, G.P.  (2009).  Do children prefer contingencies? An evaluation of the efficacy of and preference for contingent versus noncontingent social reinforcement during play.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 42, 511-525.  doi: 10.1901/jaba.2009.42-511 Hanley, G.P.

This week we're running the gamut of issues facing older adults with dementia.  We've got an article about hoarding items, an article about running a functional analysis, and an article about making people feel happy.  Spoiler alert: ice cream shops are an evidence-based way to bring joy.  But we could have told you that.   Articles discussed this episode: Donaldson, J.M., Trahan, M.A., & Kahng, S.  (2014).  An evaluation of procedures to increase cooperation related to hoarding in an older adult with dementia.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 47, 410-414.  doi: 10.1002/jaba.112 Trahan, M.A., Donaldson, McNabney, M.K., & Kahng, S.  (2014).  The influence of antecedents and consequences on the occurrence of bizarre speech in individuals with dementia.  Behavioral Interventions, 29, 286-303.  doi: 10.1002/bin.1393 Moore, K., Delaney, J.A., & Dixon, M.R.  (2007).  Using indices of happiness to examine the influence of environmental enhancements for nursing home residents with Alzheimer's disea

We're going beyond our years for next week's discussion all about research on behavioral gerontology.  But first, in errata, it's the return of the language master! And Diana is going nuts for a new eco-friendly straw. Articles for next episode: Donaldson, J.M., Trahan, M.A., & Kahng, S.  (2014).  An evaluation of procedures to increase cooperation related to hoarding in an older adult with dementia.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 47, 410-414.  doi: 10.1002/jaba.112 Trahan, M.A., Donaldson, McNabney, M.K., & Kahng, S.  (2014).  The influence of antecedents and consequences on the occurrence of bizarre speech in individuals with dementia.  Behavioral Interventions, 29, 286-303.  doi: 10.1002/bin.1393 Moore, K., Delaney, J.A., & Dixon, M.R.  (2007).  Using indices of happiness to examine the influence of environmental enhancements for nursing home residents with Alzheimer's disease.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 40, 541-544.  doi: 10.1901/jaba.2007.40-541

Ever feel like college and graduate classes are too boring for our modern times? Wish there were a way to improve the lecturing experience? Well, you're in luck because special guest Dr. James Soldner agrees and visits the show to share the magic of Interteaching.  We'll run down his research on the subject and get a crash course on how this behavioral teaching methodology can be implemented for maximum effectiveness.  And, no, we're not talking about the awesome, old cop show "Inter-Teach". Articles discussed this episode: Querol, B.I.D., Rosales, R., & Soldner, J.L.  (2015).  A comprehensive review of interteaching and its impact on student learning and satisfaction.  Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Psychology, 4, 390-411.  doi: 10.1037/stl0000048 Soldner, J.L., Rosales, R., Crimando, W., & Schultz, J.C.  (2017).  Interteaching: Application of an empirically supported behavioral teaching method in distance rehabilitation education.  Rehabilitation Research, Policy, and Education, 31, 372-3

Two big things to keep in mind as we prepare for a full-length episode on interteaching with special guest, Dr. James Soldner.  First, we find out the results of April's Autism Awareness fund drive to raise money for Autism Compassion Africa.  Let's just say that we don't think Whitney's school in Ghana will be running low on chairs anytime soon! Second, Rob goes Hollywood and takes the rest of the gang with him.   Note for audio listeners: Do yourself a favor and go to YouTube or the Facebook page to get the full version of the Interteach TV show video.  We really think it's worth it! Articles for next episode: Querol, B.I.D., Rosales, R., & Soldner, J.L.  (2015).  A comprehensive review of interteaching and its impact on student learning and satisfaction.  Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Psychology, 4, 390-411.  doi: 10.1037/stl0000048 Soldner, J.L., Rosales, R., Crimando, W., & Schultz, J.C.  (2017).  Interteaching: Application of an empirically supported behavioral teaching method in dis

From vocal tics to biting nails, we've got you covered in this week's episode on the use of habit reversal.  Rob shares what might be the ultimate resource guide to this nifty treatment package while Diana and Jackie describe the long, hard road behavior analysis took to make habit reversal an accepted intervention for Tourette disorder.  That means, we're talking randomized controlled trials, people!  All that and Rob tries to convince author Dr. Doug Woods to be his new best friend.  Seriously, Dr. Woods, please give him a call...he won't shut up about your talk! Articles discussed this episode: Miltenberger, R.G., Fuqua, R.W, & Woods, D.W.  (1998).  Applying behavior analysis to clinical problems: Review and analysis of habit reversal.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 31, 447-469.  doi: 10.1901/jaba.1998.31-447 Woods, D.W., Twohig, M.P., Flessner, C.A., & Roloff, T.J.  (2003).  Treatment of vocal tics in children with Tourette syndrome:  Investigating the efficacy of habit reversal.  Journa

Happy Earth Day, everyone! While we know not everyone will be spending today completely updating their lifestyle to be more eco-friendly, you can at least listen to one of our older episodes to hear a discussion of some research ideas on how you might go about being a bit kinder to the planet going forward. This episode was originally broadcast on April 26, 2017. Articles discussed this episode: Clark, R.N., Burgess, R.L., & Hendee, J.C.  (1972).  The development of anti-litter behavior in a forest campground.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 5, 1-5.  doi: 10.1901/jaba.1972.5-1 Foxx, R.M. & Schaeffer, M.H.  (1981).  A company-based lottery to reduce the personal driving of employees.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 14, 273-285.  doi: 10.1901/jaba.1981.14-273 Miller, N.D., Meindl, J.N., & Caradine, M.  (2016).  The effects of bin proximity and visual prompts on recycling in a university building.  Behavior and Social Issues, 25, 4-10.  doi: 10.5210/bsi.v.25i0.6141 Chance, P. & Hewa

It's not quite RIRD; it's not quite CBT.  It's: Habit reversal! And it's what we'll be talking about in our full-length episode next week.  In the meantime Rob fears he's being entrapped by the BACB and we remind listeners to get CEs so we can donate all our fees to Autism Compassion Africa.  Only two weeks left in April so listen, listen, listen!!! Articles for next episode: Miltenberger, R.G., Fuqua, R.W, & Woods, D.W.  (1998).  Applying behavior analysis to clinical problems: Review and analysis of habit reversal.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 31, 447-469.  doi: 10.1901/jaba.1998.31-447 Woods, D.W., Twohig, M.P., Flessner, C.A., & Roloff, T.J.  (2003).  Treatment of vocal tics in children with Tourette syndrome:  Investigating the efficacy of habit reversal.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 36, 109-112.  doi: 10.1901/jaba.2003.36-109 Himle, M.B., Woods, D.W., Piacentini, J.C., Walkup, J.T.  (2006).  Brief review of habit reversal training for Tourette syndrome.  Journal of Child Ne

As part of Autism Awareness Month, ABA Inside Track is donating all money from CE processing fees to Autism Compassion Africa, a nonprofit group dedicated to improving the treatment of individuals with autism in Western Africa.  Diana and I spoke with one of the organization's founders, Whitney Hammel, about the work so far, about the newly founded school in Ghana, and about the challenges and rewards for a BCBA outside of the U.S. Remember, you still have two weeks to purchase CEs on a variety of topics.  If you'd rather donate directly to Autism Compassion Africa, you can do that as well.  Thank you!

Are you ok? Would a podcast all about teaching empathy skills make you feel better? What if I told you that this week's discussed articles have fun puppet videos? Strange face prompting? How about really promising results in mastery of identifying and showing empathy among participants with an autism diagnosis? Yeah, yeah, it'll be fine.  ABA Inside Track is here for you with a great big podcast-y hug. Articles discussed this episode: Schrandt, J.A., Townsend, D.B., & Poulson, C.L.  (2009).  Teaching empathy skills to children with autism.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 42, 17-32.  doi: 10.1901/jaba.2009.42-17 Argott, P.J., Townsend, D.B., & Poulson, C.L.  (2017).  Acquisition and generalization of complex empathetic responses among children with autism.  Behavior Analysis in Practice, 10, 107-117.  doi: 10.1007/s40617-016-0171-7 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

Next week's episode will be all about teaching empathy.  And who better to help us kick off this preview episode than some very special guests: puppets! After that, we share an excerpt from our upcoming interview with Whitney Hammel of Autism Compassion Africa to highlight the work of her and her staff in bringing treatment of individuals with autism to Ghana.  We're so motivated to help out that we even announce a fundraiser in honor of Autism Awareness Month where all CE processing fees will be donated to ACA.  So, listen to as many episodes as you can: every CE you purchase increases the funds heading to treatment of autism in West Africa.    Articles for next episode: Schrandt, J.A., Townsend, D.B., & Poulson, C.L.  (2009).  Teaching empathy skills to children with autism.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 42, 17-32.  doi: 10.1901/jaba.2009.42-17 Argott, P.J., Townsend, D.B., & Poulson, C.L.  (2017).  Acquisition and generalization of complex empathetic responses among children with autism.

We're back with another full-length episode on the subject of ethics in the workplace.  This week, we're all convinced that you probably need an ethics guru to steer your ship with best practices.  And it'd be great if they understood confidentiality laws too, otherwise, your files might end up at the mercy of a data hamburglar! While you start hiring this magical individual, we'll do our best to walk you through HIPAA, FERPA, and all its friends including Diana's handy-dandy legal quiz.  Some fun facts to whet your appetite: a pod of hippos is not a HIPPA and Rob's passwords all start with names of Star Wars characters.  Articles discussed this episode: Cavalari, R.N.S., Gillis, J.M., Kruser, N., & Romanczyk, R.G.  (2015).  Digital communication and records in service provision and supervision: Regulation and practice.  Behavior Analysis in Practice, 8, 176-189. doi: 10.1007/s40617-014-0030-3 Brodhead, M.T. & Higbee, T.S.  (2012).  Teaching and maintaining ethical behavior in a professional organiz

Put down that Facebook! Drop those Twitters! You can't risk a moment more on social media without first listening to this important episode on the ethics of social media.  Think it's ok to share pictures of your fellow BCBAs relaxing on the beach on Instragram? What about Snapchatting with colleagues to discuss possible solutions a client with SIB? Y'know what: Don't even try to answer without listening to Rob, Diana, and Jackie discuss articles all about social media and the ethical quandry you may already be in! And, don't forget a handy link to the updated BACB Ethical Guidelines so you can read along. Articles discussed this episode: O'Leary, P.N., Miller, M.M., Olive, M.L., & Kelly, A.N.  (2017).  Blurred lines: Ethical implications of social media for behavior analysts.  Behavior Analysis in Practice, 10, 45-51. doi:10.1007/s40617-014-0033-0 Chretien, K.C., Goldman, E.F., Beckman, L., & Kind, T.  (2010).  It's your own risk: Medical students' perspetives on online professionalism.  Academic Me

Because one episode wasn't enough, we've got TWO big ethics episodes coming up throughout the rest of March.  And not just any ethics! We're going to dive deep into the pitfalls inherent in social media and technology.  How the heck can I post inappropriate pictures online and stay on the right side of my ethical obligations (answer: you can't!) and is it possible to teach my staff and co-workers to be an upstanding citizen of ethics (answer: it is!).  In the meantime enjoy some Errata about a poorly behaved cat and a Rob ProTip about snagging your dream jobs.  The power is yours! Articles for the next two weeks: O'Leary, P.N., Miller, M.M., Olive, M.L., & Kelly, A.N.  (2017).  Blurred lines: Ethical implications of social media for behavior analysts.  Behavior Analysis in Practice, 10, 45-51. doi:10.1007/s40617-014-0033-0 Chretien, K.C., Goldman, E.F., Beckman, L., & Kind, T.  (2010).  It's your own risk: Medical students' perspetives on online professionalism.  Academic Medicine, 85, S68-S71. doi:

This week I had the pleasure of interviewing Katherine McLaughlin of Sexuality and Developmental Disability Workshops, creator of a sex education curriculum for individuals with disabilities.  We talk about how she came to this topic, the process of developing her curriculum, the challenges educators face in bringing up sex education, and why it's about time sexuality is being discussed in special education.  More information about Katherine and her curriculum can be found here. Articles mentioned in this episode: Shapiro, J.  (2018, January 9) For some with intellectual disabilities, ending abuse starts with sex ed.  Retrieved from https://www.npr.org  Collier, L.  (2017, December).  Seeking intimacy.  Monitor on Psychology, 48(11), pp. 48 Anthes, E.  (2017, December 7) Some adults with autism traits reject conventional sexual labels.  Retrieved from https://spectrumnews.org Griswold, A.  (2017, May 3) Sex and other foreign words.  Retrieved from https://spectrumnews.org

We're celebrating 50 episodes of ABA Inside Track by going where BCBAs are wary to tread: mental health! We discuss why ABA and mental health stopped getting along and discuss ideas as to how behavior analysis can make a difference in treating mental illness.  Then we save a nice chunk of time for Rob to go full hippy in his tear down of Big Pharma.  But, can any of this content help Diana get over her mall-o-phobia?     Articles discussed this episode: Harvey, M.T., Luiselli, J.K., & Wong, S.E.  (2009).  Application of applied behavior analysis to mental health issues.  Psychological Services, 6, 212-222.  doi: 10.1037/a0016495 Wong, S.E.  (2006).  Behavior analysis of psychotic disorders: Scientific dead end or casualty of the mental health political economy? Behavior and Social Issues, 15, 152-177.  doi: 10.5210/bsi.v15i2.365   Singh, N.N., Matson, J.L., Lancioni, G.F., Singh, A.N., Adkins, A.D., McKeegan, G.F., & Brown, S.W.  (2006).  Questions about behavioral function in mental illness (QABF-MI)

Next week we're doing an historical dive into the past of behavior analysis to discuss just why it is that ABA isn't "cool" when treating mental illness and to figure out just what ABA has to offer the field of mental health.  But first, it's Wilford vs. Willard, BCBAs vs. outdated New York laws, and Rob's ranting vs. Rob's raving in a no-holds barred edition of Errata. Articles for next week: Harvey, M.T., Luiselli, J.K., & Wong, S.E.  (2009).  Application of applied behavior analysis to mental health issues.  Psychological Services, 6, 212-222.  doi: 10.1037/a0016495 Wong, S.E.  (2006).  Behavior analysis of psychotic disorders: Scientific dead end or casualty of the mental health political economy? Behavior and Social Issues, 15, 152-177.  doi: 10.5210/bsi.v15i2.365   Singh, N.N., Matson, J.L., Lancioni, G.F., Singh, A.N., Adkins, A.D., McKeegan, G.F., & Brown, S.W.  (2006).  Questions about behavioral function in mental illness (QABF-MI): A behavior checklist for functional assessment of maladapti