|
| Establishing and Implementing Social Contingencies for Large Groups |
| Sunday, May 27, 2007 |
| 9:00 AM–10:20 AM |
| Gregory AB |
| Area: CSE |
| Chair: Carlos A. Vazquez (Behavior Analysis Inc.) |
| |
| Assessed Functions of Problem Behavior in Individuals with Both Mental Retardation and Mental Illness. |
| Domain: Applied Research |
| JOHN D. BRUNER (Virginia Commonwealth University) |
| |
| Abstract: The functions of identified problem behaviors are key to bringing about change in those behaviors, but their usefulness and applicability in treating problems associated with diagnosed mental illness is less well documented. This paper draws on the experience and observations of the Regional Behavior Team, established by the Consortium of Community Service Boards comprising Virginia's HPR Region IV, with over 100 cases involving persons with mental retardation, diagnosed mental illness, and behavior problems sufficiently severe to put a current placement in jeopardy. The behaviors, their functions, the procedures employed, the diagnoses given, and the medications used are presented. Discussion focuses on those cases in which assessed environmental components underlying the behavior problem also appear to have a relationship to changes in the individuals' mental health status. |
| |
| A Behavior Analytic Approach for the Prevention of Foster Care Placement. |
| Domain: Applied Research |
| LORENA AREVALO (Behavior Analysis and Therapy, Inc.), Julianne Franzke Gallinat (Behavior Analysis and Therapy, Inc.) |
| |
| Abstract: Each year, children entering the foster care system cost the State thousands of dollars. This poster arises as a means of presenting how applied behavior analysis can bring about positive change in the behavior of at-risk adolescents and their families. It displays methods that are employed to address common problem behaviors as well as parenting skills needed to maintain and increase appropriate behaviors. A pilot program aimed at foster care prevention, Behavioral Education & Therapy (Behavior Analysis and Therapy, Inc.), is examined in terms of its capacity and cost-effectiveness. Results suggest that behavior analysis can provide a successful framework for reducing placement of children at-risk of entering foster care. |
| |
| Providing ABA Services to Spanish-Speaking Populations. |
| Domain: Applied Research |
| CARLOS A. VAZQUEZ (Behavior Analysis Inc.) |
| |
| Abstract: As of the year 2001, Latin Americans have become the largest minority group in the United States. Proportionally, Spanish speaking client populations that can receive and can benefit from Applied Behavior Analysis derived services has continued to grow and has become more prevalent for clinicians and practitioners. Undeniably, behavior analytic principles remain constant across populations. However, what are the legal issues involved in providing services to Spanish speaking clients? What is the corresponding Spanish behavior analytic terminology and how does a practitioner effectively communicate these terms? What are the social contingencies that affect proper treatment implementation? This presentation will examine and provide answers to these important issues. |
| |
| The Importance of Evaluating Treatment Fidelity in Community Trials. |
| Domain: Applied Research |
| JASON DANIEL (San Diego State University), Dennis R. Wahlgren (San Diego State University), Adelaide Brewer (Center for Behavioral Epidemiology and Community Health), Jennifer A. Jones (Center for Behavioral Epidemiology and Community Health), Melbourne F. Hovell (San Diego State University School of Public Health) |
| |
| Abstract: Behavioral counseling has been shown to have varying success in reducing children’s Passive Smoke Exposure (PSE). The probability of behavior change is likely related to counseling quality. The purpose of this study was to develop a measure of the quality of counseling. Counseling was designed for children 8-13 y.o., using token and social reinforcers, feedback (urine cotinine, a nicotine metabolite), role-plays and goal setting to shape avoidance of PSE. Audio recordings of counseling sessions were coded using a checklist that measures the occurrence/quality of rapport, goals, feedback and problem solving. Three cases were selected to demonstrate the construct validity of the checklist, comparing checklist scores and changes in PSE. Inter-rater agreement was 90%. Increasing quality control scores thru the first 3-4 sessions were associated with a reduction in cotinine over the last 4-5 sessions and into the post –intervention condition. Initially increasing scores were followed by decreasing PSE, which was then followed by a decrease in the quality of counseling. The data suggests that higher quality counseling influences the participant’s behavior and that participant’s behavior subsequently influences counseling quality. This study demonstrates the need for quality control measures and the bi-directional nature of the counseling relationship. |
| |
|
| |