Copyright Ernsperger Addressing Problem Behaviors for Students with ASD Module Four

Copyright Ernsperger Quick Review ABA is a scientific field of study that analyzes socially significant behaviors Operant conditioning is utilized to either reinforce or provide a consequence to change behaviors ABA also examines the antecedents of the behavior in order to reduce or prevent a behavior from occurring –For example, visual supports

Copyright Ernsperger Common Behaviors

Copyright Ernsperger Reactive Programs Waits for the problem behavior to occur –Acting out behaviors Consequence based –Negative consequence Loss of reinforcement Examples of reactive programs include time-out, response- cost, and aversives –Reactive programs are rarely effective –Time-out alone will not change problem behavior Does not teach replacement behaviors

Copyright Ernsperger Proactive Programs Modify the antecedents or environment and teach replacement skills Determine the function of the behavior for the student Assumes the behavior serves a purpose Views the behavior as a way for the student to communicate Provides high quality reinforcement

Copyright Ernsperger Functional Assessment A Functional Assessment is a procedure where by a multidisciplinary group will identify a target behavior and investigate the nature of the behavior and the impact on the student A FA asks “why” a behavior is occurring and what replacement skills must be taught to the student FA is part of the proactive program

Copyright Ernsperger Functional Assessment FA is a process for gathering information that can be used to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of behavioral supports. A process of identifying functional relationships between the environmental events and occurrence of a target behavior.

Copyright Ernsperger Functional Assessment State and U.S. federal regulations stipulate the need for a functional assessment when student’s behavior impedes his or her learning All students with autism should have a Behavior Intervention Plan written as part of their IEP, particularly with impaired social skills, communication skills, and restricted and repetitive behaviors (Ernsperger) If school district personnel ignore the interfering behavior and fail to conduct a functional assessment and write a behavior plan, they are in violation of FAPE. If the behavior impedes the child’s learning or that of others, the IEP team must use positive behavior strategies and supports to address the behavior

Copyright Ernsperger Target Behavior A target behavior may also be called the competing behavior A target behavior is any behavior that interferes or competes with the individual learning a new skill or preventing his successful involvement in the activities of everyday life. (Newman, 2005)

Copyright Ernsperger Define Target Behavior Observable and measurable Objective and unambiguous Selection of problem behaviors may depend on the the ability of the team to teach replacement behaviors Severe behaviors vs. less interfering behaviors

Copyright Ernsperger Prioritization of Target Behavior Danger to student or others? Frequency of behavior? Is it chronic? Is there a replacement behavior? Will the new behavior provide powerful reinforcement? Can the environment be effectively controlled?

Copyright Ernsperger Case Study Select a student with ASD Observe student –Discuss strengths and weaknesses –Identify students present levels of performance based on IEP Select Target Behavior –Observable and measurable –Clear and Concise –Complete all sections for Module 4

Copyright Ernsperger Discussion Posting View on-line video View the on-line video of a student in an early childhood autism classroom Identify the target or problem behavior. What is the student doing that is interfering with his learning? Identify 3-5 antecedents that are supporting the behavior. What is happening in the environment that is causing the problem behavior? What is the role of the adults? Examine the environment. Identify one replacement behavior that could be taught to the student to replace the competing behavior