Evidence-Based Teaching Strategies For Individuals With .

Evidence-Based Teaching Strategies forIndividuals with Autism Spectrum DisorderPresented byMaegen Pierce, M.A. BCBAFounder and Executive DirectorBreakthrough Behavior1

About the Presenter Maegen Pierce is the Founder and ExecutiveDirector of Breakthrough Behavior, a Florida-basedABA agency. With more than ten years experiencein the applied behavior analysis field, Maegenfounded Breakthrough Behavior with the missionto provide highly effective and accessible servicesto individuals with autism. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), shehas specialized in school, clinic and private hometherapy, providing a unique and personalizedtreatment plan for hundreds of clients throughoutthe United States. Maegen received her bachelor'sdegree in psychology with an emphasis in ABAfrom California State University, Fresno andmaster's degree in Special Education fromCalifornia State University, Monterey Bay.2

Objectives1.2.3.4.What is ABA Therapy?Current research on teaching strategiesLearn about evidence-based teaching strategiesQ&A3

ABA and Evidence-Based Strategies Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy is a widely exceptedand clinically proven treatment for developmental disabilities,including Autism. ABA therapy involves focusing on principles and teachingstrategies to teach an individual new skills. ABA uses only teaching strategies that have been clinicallyproven to be effective. ABA is the use of these techniques to bring about positive andmeaningful change in behavior.4

What Does the Research Say?5

Research on Evidence-Based Practices A few years ago, both the National Professional Development Center on ASDand National Standards Project studied a variety of research-based ABAstrategies for teaching students with autism to determine what makes ABA aneffective teaching methods. Specifically, they examined what ABA strategiesare evidence-based practices that should be used / recommended whenteaching individuals with ASD.200920146

Research on Evidence-Based Practices They determined 27 evidence-based practices shown to beeffective treatment strategies for working with individuals withautism.7

ABA and Evidence-Based Strategies A number of peer-reviewed studies have examined thebenefits of combining multiple evidence-based strategies intocomprehensive, individualized programs. “Comprehensive” refers to interventions that address a fullrange of skills using a combination of different evidence-basedstrategies. A comprehensive ABA program will utilize multiple strategies,but should only include interventions that are evidence-based.8

Interventions Used in ABA Therapy9

27 Evidence-Based Strategies in ABA Antecedent-based Interventions Antecedent-based interventions can be used to decrease aproblem behavior and increase engagement by making changesto the environment to prevent behavior from occurring. Differential Reinforcement of Alternative, Incompatible, orOther Behavior (DRA, DRI, DRO) Differential reinforcement of other behaviors means thatreinforcement is provided for desired behaviors, whileinappropriate behaviors are ignored. Reinforcement can beprovided: (a) when the learner is not engaging in the problembehavior, (b) when the learner is engaging in a specific desiredbehavior other than the problem behavior, or (c) when thelearner is engaging in a behavior that is physically impossible todo while engaging in the problem behavior.10

27 Evidence-Based Strategies in ABA Discrete Trial Training (DTT) Discrete trial training consists of an adult using adult-directed,repeated instruction, reinforcers, and clear contingencies andrepetition to teach a new skill or behavior. Exercise Exercise can be used to improve the physical fitness of learnerswith Autism. In addition, exercise can be used to increase desiredbehaviors (time on task, correct responding) and decreaseinappropriate behaviors (aggression, self-injury). Extinction Extinction involves removing the positive reinforcement thatmaintains an inappropriate behavior.11

27 Evidence-Based Strategies in ABA Functional Behavior Assessment A functional behavior assessment can be used when the intensity,duration, or type of interfering behavior creates safety concernsor impacts a child’s development. Functional Communication Training (FCT) FCT is used to identify and teach a replacement behavior that iseasy for the learner to use and serves the same purpose as aproblem behavior but is easier to use. Modeling Modeling involves giving an individual a visual of what isexpected. In other words, you teach the individual bydemonstrating the expected behavior.12

27 Evidence-Based Strategies in ABA Naturalistic Teaching This intervention involves teaching skills within the naturalenvironment and using naturally occurring reinforcers. Parent-implemented Intervention Parent-implemented Intervention entails parents directly usingindividualized intervention practices with their child to increasepositive learning opportunities and acquisition of important skills.Parents learn to implement such practices in their home and/orcommunity through a structured parent training program. Peer-mediated Instruction This intervention involves systematically teaching peers withoutdisabilities ways of engaging learners with Autism in positive andmeaningful social interactions.13

27 Evidence-Based Strategies in ABA Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is used toteach learners with limited functional communication skills toinitiate communicative exchanges and interactions within a socialcontext by using pictures or drawings of items. Pivotal Response Training (PRT) Rather than target individual behaviors, the PRT therapist targets“pivotal” areas of a child's development. These includemotivation, response to multiple cues, self-management and theinitiation of social interactions. The philosophy is that, bytargeting these critical areas, PRT will produce broadimprovements across other areas of sociability, communication,behavior and academic skill building.14

27 Evidence-Based Strategies in ABA Prompting Prompting is acting or doing something that reminds or helpsthe learner to complete the task or demand. Reinforcement Reinforcement presents or removes something that increasesthe probability of the behavior to occur again. This occursimmediately following a response. Redirection Redirection involves interrupting an inappropriate behavior andredirecting the individual to do something more appropriate. Scripting Scripting involves telling the individual over and over exactlywhat to expect in a situation or what is expected of them in agiven situation.15

27 Evidence-Based Strategies in ABA Self-Management Self-management teaches individuals to discriminate betweenappropriate and inappropriate behavior, accurately monitor andrecord their own behaviors, and reward themselves forappropriate behavior or use of skill. Social Narratives Social narratives describe social situations for learners byproviding relevant cues, explanation of the feelings and thoughtsof others, and descriptions of appropriate behavior expectations. Social Skills Training Social Skills Training is an adult-led instruction in which specificsocial skills are taught for improvement.16

27 Evidence-Based Strategies in ABA Task Analysis Task Analysis help break down a larger skill into smaller, moreteachable steps. Time Delay Time delay focuses on systematically fading the use of promptsduring instructional activities. Video Modeling Video modeling is a mode of teaching that uses video recordingand display equipment to provide a visual model of the targetedbehavior or skill. Visual Supports Visual supports are any visuals (e.g. pictures, drawings, signs) thathelp an individual learn a new skill or navigate their environment.17

Bringing it Back to Therapy Remember, not all 27 strategies need to be used inyour child’s therapy for therapy to be effective. Each program should be individualized to meet yourchild’s needs. If you have concerns that your child’s ABA therapyprogram is not using evidence-based practices, requesta parent training session with your clinician to learnwhat strategies are being implemented with your child. Remember, the more you learn about how toimplement these strategies, the better the treatmentoutcomes for your child.18

Conclusion Questions/Concerns Clarification Resources www.autismspeaks.org ces19

ABA and Evidence-Based Strategies Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy is a widely excepted and clinically proven treatment for developmental disabilities, including Autism. ABA therapy involves focusing on principles and teaching strategies to teach an individual new skills. ABA uses only teach