Preference Assessments, Intro and Applications of DTT Natural Environment Teaching

Preference Assessments

Used to identify items or activities that can serve as reinforcers for clients. Effective reinforcement = acquire new skills or reduce problem behaviors.

Types of reinforcers

Social praise or attention, tokens or points, breaks from work, edibles, toys, independent free play, access to physical activities, sensory items, community-based activities.

When Preference Assessments are Used

Before beginning intervention (always), During behavior acquisition programs, Modifying behavior reduction plans, New skills, Decline in motivation or progress, Before transitioning or generalizing skills.

Types of Preference Assessments

Based on the needs of the learner. Two categories: Indirect and Direct.

Indirect Preference Assessment

Can be conducted by casually observing client, interviewing them or their caregivers, and/or questionnaires/surveys.

Why use Indirect Preference Assessment

Identifying reinforcers without interacting with client. Features: No direct interaction, Casual observation or verbal reports from caregivers/teachers/client, Provides an idea about past preferences but may not reflect current reinforcer effectiveness.

Indirect Preference Assessment Types

Indirect observational, Client Interview, Parent or caregiver interview, Surveys or questionnaires.

Indirect Observational Preference Assessment

Not intrusive and easy to conduct. Observers watch as client approaches and interacts with different toys, people, items. Staff do not interact with clients = natural engagement without prompting. Drawback = unsure the reinforcer will be effective.

Client Interview

Most efficient way to identify what the client likes. Advantages = give client a voice, quick and easy, helps identify preferences that mat not be obvious during client observation. Disadvantages = clients say they like something and do not work for it and not for limited communication skills.

Caregiver Interview

Good for when the person themselves cannot answer. Advantages = quick and easy, valuable info, help to identify reinforcers to use during direct observations. Disadvantages = may be subjective and not accurate, some caregivers may not be aware of all potential reinforcers.

Formal Caregiver Survey

Rating potential reinforcers or questions about specific areas of interest. Advantages = quick and easy, useful for limited verbal communication, identify broad categories of potential reinforcers. Disadvantages = subjective, do not directly measure reinforcement effectiveness.