Competency Assessment

Define Continuous Measurement

involves recording every instance of the target behavior during a specified time period

Example of frequency in Continuous Measurement

Tracking how many times a student raises their hand in a 30-minute class.

Example of duration in Continuous Measurement

Recording how long a child spends playing quietly with a toy before moving on to another activity.

Define Discontinuous Measurement

involves recording whether the behavior occurred or not during specific intervals or moments of time

Example of Partial Intervals

During a 10- minute observation, you record whether the child screamed at any point during each 30- second interval.

Example of Momentary Time Sampling

Momentary Time Sampling: Every 5 minutes, you check to see if the student is on-task at the exact moment the timer goes off, recording "yes" or "no" based on what you observe.

How are data and graphs used in RBT work?

entering recorded behavior data into a graph to visually display the frequency, duration, or other metrics over time

Example of using Data and Graphs

After tracking how many times a child engages in a tantrum each day, input the frequency data into an Excel sheet and plot a line graph to track progress over a week

Example of using Graphs

Use bar graphs to compare the average duration of off- task behavior before and after an intervention is implemented

Define Preference Assessments

Preference assessments are used to identify preferred stimuli that may function as reinforcers to increase desired behaviors

Example of Paired-Choice Assessment

Present two toys to the child and observe which one they choose. Repeat with different pairs to identify the most preferred item

Example of Free Operant Assessment

Allow a child free access to a variety of toys and record which toy they spend the most time interacting with during a 10- minute observation

What does ABC for in ABC Data Collection?

ABC (Antecedent-Behavior- Consequence)

Define ABC Data Collection

data collection is used to record the events that immediately precede (antecedent), the target behavior, and the events that follow (consequence)

Define Discrete-Trial Teaching (DTT)

a structured teaching method that breaks down skills into small, "discrete" components and provides multiple learning opportunities with reinforcement

Example of DTT

Teaching a child to identify colors: Present one color at a time, ask "What color is this?" and provide reinforcement when they respond correctly

Example of DTT 2.

Teaching eye contact: Present the instruction "Look at me," wait for the child to make eye contact, then give praise or a token as reinforcement

Define Naturalistic Teaching

Naturalistic teaching uses naturally occurring interactions and opportunities within the environment to teach skills in real-world contexts

Example of Naturalistic Teaching 1.

Teaching a child to request a toy by placing the toy just out of reach and prompting them to ask, "Can I have that?"

Example of Naturalistic Teaching 2.

During snack time, teaching a child to say "more" when they want more food, using their natural environment as the teaching setting

Define Chaining

teaching procedure that involves breaking a task down into smaller, manageable steps and teaching each step sequentially

Example of Forward Chaining

Teaching handwashing by first mastering turning on the faucet, then adding each step (e.g., soap, scrubbing) until the entire chain is completed

Example of Backward Chaining

Teaching putting on shoes by first helping with all the steps until the final step (e.g., Velcro or tying laces), then gradually allowing the child to complete more steps independently

Define Shaping

reinforcing successive approximations of a target behavior to gradually move the individual closer to the desired behavior

Example of Shaping 1.

Teaching a child to say "juice" by first reinforcing any vocalization, then gradually reinforcing clearer sounds closer to the word "juice."

Example of Shaping 2.

Shaping sitting still: First, reinforce sitting for 10 seconds, then increase the time slowly until the child can sit still for 5 minutes

Define Discrimination Training

teaches a client to differentiate between two or more stimuli and respond appropriately based on the specific stimulus presented

Example of Stimulus Control 1.

Teaching a child to respond "red" when shown a red card and "blue" when shown a blue card

Example of Stimulus Control 2.

Teaching a child to raise their hand when they hear "raise your hand," but not when you say "clap your hands."

Stimulus Control

Define Stimulus Control Transfer

involves gradually shifting control of a behavior from one stimulus (e.g., a prompt) to another (e.g., a natural cue) to ensure the behavior occurs under natural conditions

Example of Stimulus Control

Example of Stimulus Control Transfer

Fading a verbal prompt when teaching a child to say "hello" when someone greets them, until they respond without needing the prompt.

Example of Stimulus Control

Example of Stimulus Control Transfer

Teaching a child to independently use a visual schedule instead of relying on verbal reminders from a teacher to transition between activities.

Define Prompting

providing assistance or cues to encourage the correct response in teaching new behaviors. Prompt fading gradually reduces the assistance as the learner becomes more independent

Example of Prompting 1.

Using a hand-over-hand prompt to help a child point to the correct picture in a matching task and gradually reducing the physical assistance until the child points independently

Example of Prompting 2.

Giving a verbal prompt like "What's next?" during a morning routine and fading it to a nonverbal point or gesture

Define Token Systems

reinforcement method where tokens (symbols or objects) are given for specific target behaviors and can be exchanged for a reward

Example of Token Systems 1.

A student earns a token every time they complete a homework assignment and can trade five tokens for extra free time on Fridays

Example of Token Systems

A child receives a sticker (token) for each time they follow a direction without complaint and can trade ten stickers for a trip to the park

Define Crisis/Emergency Procedures

Crisis or emergency procedures involve following a protocol to ensure safety during behaviors that may be dangerous to the client or others

Example of Crisis/Emergency Procedures 1.

If a child begins to engage in aggressive behavior, implementing a physical intervention such as CPI while ensuring the safety of both the child and others

Example of Crisis/Emergency Procedures 2.

During a severe meltdown, moving other students away and ensuring the child has space while following de- escalation techniques to manage the situation

Define Antecedent Interventions

strategies used before a behavior occurs to reduce the likelihood of the behavior (e.g., modifying the environment or using prompts)

Example of Antecedent Intervention

Offering a choice of activities to prevent a tantrum during transitions

Define Differential Reinforcement

reinforcing a desired behavior while withholding reinforcement for an undesired behavior

Example of Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior (DRA)

reinforcing a child for raising their hand (instead of shouting) to ask a question in class

Define Extinction

withholding reinforcement for a previously reinforced behavior to decrease its occurrence

Define Session Notes

objective descriptions of what occurred during a session, including the behaviors observed and the interventions used, without any subjective interpretation

Example of Session Notes

"The client completed 10 out of 15 trials correctly in a matching task with no prompts needed. The session lasted 45 minutes."

Example of Session Notes 2.

"The client engaged in hand flapping for a total of 5 minutes. Prompt fading was used successfully for the toileting routine."

Define Client Dignity

involves treating clients with respect, promoting their independence, and ensuring their rights are upheld during intervention.

Client Dignity

allowing a child privacy when using the restroom rather than assisting unnecessarily to promote independence

Example of Client Dignity 2.

speaking directly to the client rather than only communicating with their caregivers, giving them the opportunity to participate in decisions about their treatment.

Define Professional Boundaries

the limits that help define the relationship between a client and a therapist to ensure a professional, ethical, and effective working relationship

Example of Professional Boundaries 1.

declining to meet with a client's family socially outside of therapy sessions to avoid conflicts of interest

Example of Professional Boundaries

avoiding sharing personal information with a client to maintain the focus on the client's needs and treatment

Define Supervision Requirements

RBTs must meet specific supervision requirements set by the BACB, which include receiving regular supervision from a certified behavior analyst (BCBA) and documenting supervision activities

What percent of hours per month do new RBTs receive?

Five percent

What is the first thing included in the percentage of hours per month received in supervision for new RBTs?

1. Direct observations

What is the second thing included in the percentage of hours per month received in supervision for new RBTs?

2. Feedback

What is the third thing included in the percentage of hours per month received in supervision for new RBTs?

3. Review of their data collection

What does an RBT review during supervision with the BCBA?

During supervision, an RBT reviews their data collection methods with the BCBA

Why does an RBT review their data collection methods with the BCBA?

To ensure accuracy and adherence to protocols

Define Clinical Direction

refers to situations in which an RBT seeks guidance from a BCBA or supervisor to ensure that interventions are appropriate and effective for a client

What should an RBT do if a client's behavior plan is not producing the desired results?

the RBT should seek clinical direction from their BCBA to adjust the intervention

What should an RBT do if the client starts exhibiting new challenging behaviors?

the RBT should request clinical direction to determine if the behavior plan needs to be revised