RBT Study Guide: Autism Spectrum Disorder

Questions and Answers

What are two examples of maximizing discrimination?

Consider the color of the target object (correct)

Avoid similar sounds (correct)

Ignoring shapes

Using repetitive sounds

Define shaping.

Reinforcing successive approximations of a target behavior while extinguishing previous approximations.

Provide an example of shaping.

Andy cannot say the sound 'b'. The BT's shape the 'b' sound.

Name the 3 types of chaining.

Forward chaining, backward chaining, total task presentation. Signup and view all the answers

When is chaining used?

When combining two or more simple behaviors into a more complex sequence. Signup and view all the answers

What is Natural Environment Training (NET)?

ABA teaching procedures used to teach learners in their natural environments. Signup and view all the answers

List the advantages of using NET.

Motivation, natural generalization, reduced negative behavior, verbal interaction. Signup and view all the answers

What are the differences between NET and DTT?

DTT is structured with many trials; NET is less structured and learner-driven. Signup and view all the answers

Name 3 examples of indirect prompting strategies used in NET.

Rephrase the question, ask leading questions, relate the situation to a previous event. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between maintenance and generalization?

Maintenance is continued performance of a learned response; generalization is applying learned skills in different contexts. Signup and view all the answers

Across which 3 domains should generalization be demonstrated?

Across people, across settings, across stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

List 4 strategies for promoting generalization.

Teaching using multiple examples, across multiple people, flexible instructions, teach 'functional' behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two guidelines for collecting accurate data?

Record data immediately following behavior occurrence; ensure data is complete and detailed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Daily Notes section in Catalyst used for?

For reminders, updates, tips, or questions related to client behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Where in Catalyst can you find access to your supervisor's team meeting notes?

In the main menu, select the documents tab. Signup and view all the answers

How can you correct an error in Catalyst?

Click the red arrow to delete incorrect data or email your supervisor. Signup and view all the answers

How do you take ABC data using Catalyst?

Use the ABC update program, select behaviors, and add detailed documentation. Signup and view all the answers

What is partial interval recording?

Recording whether behavior occurred during the entire interval. Signup and view all the answers

What is momentary time sampling?

Recording behavior occurrence at the end of the interval. Signup and view all the answers

List 2 examples of permanent product data.

Completed worksheet, written composition. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 6 elements of a line graph?

X-axis, Y-axis, axis labels, legend, data points, condition labels. Signup and view all the answers

What two processes indicate a large break in time when data was not collected?

Data points preceding and following the break are not connected; an axis break symbol is drawn. Signup and view all the answers

Define abuse.

Harmful actions towards individuals, which can be physical, emotional, sexual, or neglect. Signup and view all the answers

Name 3 common signs of abuse.

Unexplained injuries, returning to earlier behaviors, fear of certain people. Signup and view all the answers

Who is a mandated reporter?

Those who have contact with children or dependent individuals are legally required to report abuse. Signup and view all the answers

When should you report abuse?

Report within 24 hours and submit a written report within 36 hours. Signup and view all the answers

How can a BT treat a client with dignity?

Incorporate client choice, respect personal space, ensure privacy. Signup and view all the answers

What information about the client is considered Private Health Information under HIPAA?

Name, health information, postal address, SSN, date of birth, contact numbers. Signup and view all the answers

In what situations is breaching client confidentiality acceptable?

Child abuse, neglect, suspected suicide, suspected homicide, elderly abuse. Signup and view all the answers

How can a Behavior Technician avoid compromising confidentiality?

Use acronyms, initials, and store documents securely. Signup and view all the answers

What is verbal behavior?

An ABA approach to teaching language based on B.F. Skinner's work. Signup and view all the answers

What is considered verbal behavior?

Any behavior for which the reinforcer is indicated by another person's behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What are the four verbal operants focused on in early intervention?

Echoic, mand, tact, intraverbal. Signup and view all the answers

What is an echoic?

Controlled by a verbal stimulus that matches the stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What is a mand?

A request controlled by a motivative variable, benefits the speaker. Signup and view all the answers

What is HIPAA?

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Signup and view all the answers

What does research tell us about the mand repertoire?

Children acquire language faster in mand training; appropriate mands decrease inappropriate ones. Signup and view all the answers

What are some strategies for mand training?

Sabotage the environment, capture opportunities, contrive mands. Signup and view all the answers

What is a tact?

Providing information about the environment after mand training. Signup and view all the answers

What is an intraverbal?

A verbal response that relates to a stimulus without matching. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between 'pure' and 'impure'?

'Impure' is a prompted tact; 'pure' is an independent tact without prompts. Signup and view all the answers

In mand training, what is the difference between 'capture' and 'contrive'?

'Capture' takes advantage of natural moments; 'contrive' manipulates environment to elicit mands. Signup and view all the answers

Define dual relationship.

Any non-therapeutic relationship between a practitioner and a client. Signup and view all the answers

Why are dual relationships a problem?

They threaten confidentiality, trust, and objectivity in the therapeutic process. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 3 domains of ASD?

Social Communication Signup and view all the answers

What are some red flags a child may be at risk for ASD? (Select all that apply)

No words by 16 months Signup and view all the answers

Explain the fundamental principle of ABA.

ABA is a scientific approach that uses the principles of learning to understand the relation of behaviors and the environment. Signup and view all the answers

What two components does a comprehensive ABA treatment program include?

Behavior Reduction and Skill Repertoire Building. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 3 levels of BACB certification?

RBT, BCABA, BCBA. Signup and view all the answers

Who consists of the ABA treatment team?

Supervisor, RBT, parents, caregivers, and other professionals. Signup and view all the answers

What are the roles/responsibilities of an RBT?

Data collection for skill acquisition and behavior management Signup and view all the answers

What activities do most therapy sessions include?

Preparation, rapport building, skill acquisition tasks, behavior management, and data collection. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of formats that learning activities are performed in?

NET - Natural Environment Training Signup and view all the answers

What does a BT collect data on?

Behavior reduction and skill acquisition targets. Signup and view all the answers

What are 3 instances where a BT should call the supervisor?

Client is sick Signup and view all the answers

How can BT assist with parent training?

By modeling target skills and providing hands-on support. Signup and view all the answers

What are some behaviors more commonly observed in individuals with autism?

Tantrums Signup and view all the answers

What are the ABC's of behavior?

A - Antecedent, B - Behavior, C - Consequence. Signup and view all the answers

What information is included in the Skills Acquisition Plan?

Specific instructions, expected correct responses, target skills, materials, and any related information. Signup and view all the answers

Define positive and negative reinforcement.

Positive reinforcement is receiving a reward for a correct behavior, while negative reinforcement involves removing a negative stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 4 functions of problem behavior?

Tangible Signup and view all the answers

Explain the importance of antecedent modifications.

To change the environment before behavior occurs, preventing issues. Signup and view all the answers

Define extinction in behavior analysis.

Breaking the relationship between the behavior and its reinforcer. Signup and view all the answers

What is an extinction burst?

A temporary increase in problem behavior before it decreases. Signup and view all the answers

Explain differential reinforcement.

Reinforcing some behaviors and not others to increase desired behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three Differential Reinforcement procedures?

DRA - Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior Signup and view all the answers

What components are included in the Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)?

Operational definition, hypothesized function, antecedent modifications, replacement behaviors, consequence modifications, and data measurement. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you observe behavior not in the BIP?

Take ABC data and report to the supervisor. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Safety Care curriculum designed for?

Crisis management and support for individuals exhibiting disruptive or dangerous behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What behavioral instruction methods are incorporated into Safety Care?

Errorless learning, task analysis, and role-playing. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three levels of Safety Care training?

Level 1 Introduction, Level 2 Specialist, and Level 3 Trainer. Signup and view all the answers

Define satiation.

Consuming large amounts of a reinforcer decreases its effectiveness. Signup and view all the answers

What is deprivation?

Withholding a reinforcer increases its effectiveness. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the three types of direct preference assessments.

MSWO, MSW, and Paired Choice. Signup and view all the answers

What is pairing?

The process by which a neutral stimulus becomes a learned reinforcer. Signup and view all the answers

List 2 suggestions for effective pairing.

Pick reinforcers that are easy to deliver Signup and view all the answers

What is Discrete Trial Training?

A 1:1 instructional approach utilizing ABA principles with a structured method. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 3 components of a discrete trial?

Stimulus (SD), Response, Consequence. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important not to repeat the SD without giving a consequence?

The child may not respond consistently. Signup and view all the answers

What needs to be done before presenting the SD?

Gain the child's attention. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum amount of time that can elapse between the presentation of the SD and the response?

3 seconds. Signup and view all the answers

What two possible consequences follow a response?

Correct response Signup and view all the answers

When would reinforcement be given as a consequence?

Immediately following the correct response. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two categories of reinforcers?

Unconditioned and Conditioned. Signup and view all the answers

What is a prompt and how is it used to promote learning?

A prompt is an additional cue helping the learner provide an appropriate response. Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of a stimulus prompt.

Presenting a large picture of a spoon and two smaller pictures. Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of a response prompt.

SD: 'How old are you?' + follow with 'Say four.' Signup and view all the answers

How can you transfer stimulus control using prompt fading?

Gradually fade prompts until the child responds independently. Signup and view all the answers

What is Errorless Learning?

A teaching method that provides immediate prompts to eliminate errors. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 4 steps of implementing Errorless Learning?

Cold Probe Signup and view all the answers

What is a transfer trial?

Moving from a prompted response to an independent response. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the Prompt Hierarchy from most intrusive to least intrusive prompts.

Physical, partial physical, verbal, gesture, model. Signup and view all the answers

What error correction procedure should be used when a child responds incorrectly to a known skill?

No-no - prompt - repeat. Signup and view all the answers

What is discrimination training?

Teaching the learner to discriminate between multiple stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the two types of discrimination training and when they are used.

Successive Discrimination and Simultaneous Discrimination. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to maximize discrimination?

To select acquisition targets wisely to aid learning and reduce confusion. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Domains of ASD

Three domains: Social Communication, Social Interaction, and Restrictive, Repetitive Patterns of Behavior.

Red Flags for ASD

Lack of joyful expressions by 6 months.
Delay in babbling by 9 months; no response to name.
Absence of back-and-forth gestures by 12 months.
No words by 16 months; no two-word phrases by 24 months.
Loss of any speech, babbling, or social skills at any age.
Unusual prosody in speech.

Fundamental Principle of ABA

Applies learning principles to understand behavior-environment relations.
Behaviors are modified by consequences that increase or decrease them.

Comprehensive ABA Treatment Program Components

Behavior Reduction: Modify antecedents and consequences to decrease inappropriate behaviors.
Skill Repertoire Building: Focus on increasing appropriate behaviors through techniques like Discrete Trial Training (DTT) and Natural Environment Training (NET).

BACB Certification Levels

RBT: Registered Behavior Technician.
BCABA: Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst.
BCBA: Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

ABA Treatment Team

Composed of Supervisors, RBTs, parents, caregivers, and other professionals (e.g., Speech and Occupational Therapists).

RBT Roles and Responsibilities

Implement skill acquisition and behavior reduction plans.
Collect data on skill acquisition and behavior management.
Assist with specific assessments like preference assessments.
Ensure client safety during sessions.

Role of BT in Assessments

Provide insight on client skill sets.
Facilitate behavior management during assessments.
Carry out preference assessments.

Therapy Session Activities

Preparation and cleanup.
Building rapport with the client ("pairing").
Conducting skill acquisition tasks.
Managing behavior and collecting data.

Learning Activity Formats

DTT: Formal instruction with structured repeating tasks.
NET: Less formal, emphasizes natural settings and activities.

Data Collection by BT

Track behavior reduction within the Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP).
Monitor skill acquisition targets.

Supervisory Contact Instances

Client illness affecting session attendance.
Unexpected increase in problematic behaviors.
Parent concerns or queries.
Environmental changes impacting therapy.
Client struggles with particular tasks.

Parental Training Assistance

Model skills for parents; provide hands-on support.
Teach skill acquisition and behavior management techniques.
Offer positive feedback during behavior interventions.

Common Behaviors in Autism

Task avoidance and noncompliance.
Tantrums and self-injurious behaviors (SIB).
Aggressive behavior and stereotypy (e.g., hand flapping).

ABCs of Behavior

Antecedent: Events preceding behavior.
Behavior: Specific actions observed.
Consequence: Responses following the behavior.

Skills Acquisition Plan Contents

Detailed instructions, expected responses, targeted skills, and required materials.

Reinforcement Types

Positive Reinforcement: Receiving desirable stimuli for correct responses.
Negative Reinforcement: Removal of negative stimuli to increase behavior.

Functions of Problem Behavior

Attention-seeking: Gaining others’ attention through behavior.
Tangible gains: Acquiring items or activities.
Escape/Avoidance: Avoiding unpleasant tasks.
Automatic reinforcement: Sensory stimulation without social mediation.

Antecedent vs. Acquisition

Antecedent: Events occurring before behavior.
Acquisition: Learning or development of a new skill.

Examples of Antecedent Modifications

Task modifications allow choice in order of tasks.
Demand fading reduces task requirements.
Noncontingent reinforcement gives free access to reinforcers.
Functional Communication Training enables children to request items appropriately.

Extinction Definition

Breaking the link between behavior and consequence by withdrawing reinforcement.

Extinction Burst

Temporary increase in problematic behavior following the implementation of extinction.

Differential Reinforcement Explanation

Reinforcing some behaviors while not reinforcing others to encourage desired actions and reduce undesired ones.

Differential Reinforcement Procedures

Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior (DRA).
Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior (DRO).
Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior (DRI).

Behavior Intervention Plan Components

Operational behavior definitions, hypothesized functions, antecedent modifications, replacement behaviors, consequence modifications, and data measurement methods.

Observing Non-BIP Behaviors

Record ABC data and inform the supervisor immediately.

Safety Care Curriculum Purpose

Provides skills and strategies for safely managing disruptive or dangerous behavior.

Behavioral Instruction Methods in Safety Care

Errorless learning, task analysis, and role-playing.

Levels of Safety Care Training

Level 1: Introduction
Level 2: Specialist
Level 3: Trainer

Concepts of Satiation and Deprivation

Satiation: Consuming reinforcers decreases their effectiveness temporarily.
Deprivation: Withholding reinforcers increases their effectiveness.

Direct Preference Assessments Types

MSWO: Multiple Stimulus Without Replacement.
MSW: Multiple Stimulus With Replacement.
Paired Choice: Presenting stimuli in pairs for selection.

Concept of Pairing

Conditioning a neutral stimulus into a reinforcing one through association.

Suggestions for Effective Pairing

Identify reinforcing items and keep them accessible.
Provide "freebies" and maximize interaction with reinforcers.

Discrete Trial Training Explanation

1:1 instruction using ABA principles for structured learning with clear start and end points.

Discrete Trial Components

Discriminative Stimulus (SD), Response, Consequence.

Importance of SD and Consequence

Ensures consistent responses from learners, reinforcing expected interactions.

Time Limit for Response Post-SD

Maximum of 3 seconds allowed for response.

Consequences for Responses

Can be a correct or incorrect response, with immediate reinforcement for correct actions.

Types of Reinforcers

Unconditioned: Primary (e.g., food).
Conditioned: Secondary (e.g., praise, toys).

Prompts in Learning

Supplemental stimuli used to guide desired responses, aiding in correct answers.

Examples of Prompt Types

Stimulus prompt: Visual aids that lead a child to the correct answer.
Response prompt: Verbal guidance to elicit the right response.

Transfer of Control through Prompt Fading

Gradually reducing prompts allows the learner to respond independently.

Errorless Learning Definition

A method providing immediate prompts to minimize mistakes in learning.

Steps of Errorless Learning Implementation

Cold Probe for skill verification.
Prompting correct responses, using increasingly intrusive methods if needed.
Reinforcement for correct answers, especially for unprompted trials.

Definition of Transfer Trial

Transitioning from prompted responses to independent responses.

Prompt Hierarchy

Example order: Physical, partial physical, verbal, gesture, model.

Error Correction Procedure for Incorrect Responses

Apply no-no-prompt-repeat strategy; revert to least intrusive prompt post-error.

Discrimination Training Definition

Teaching learners to differentiate between stimuli.

Types of Discrimination Training

Successive Discrimination: Alternating positive and negative stimuli without a field.
Simultaneous Discrimination: Client responds to stimuli within a presented field.

Maximizing Discrimination Approach

Selecting targets thoughtfully to clarify learning for the learner.

Examples of Maximizing Discrimination

Avoiding auditory or visual similarities in target stimuli.

Shaping Definition

Gradually reinforcing closer approximations toward a target behavior while reducing previous ones.

Example of Shaping

Teaching the sound "b" by reinforcing successive attempts.

Types of Chaining

Forward chaining, backward chaining, total task presentation.

Purpose of Chaining

Combining simple behaviors into complex sequences.

Definition of Natural Environment Training (NET)

Employs ABA techniques in natural settings to enhance learning.

Advantages of NET

Increased motivation, spontaneous generalization, lower negative behaviors, and natural verbal interaction.

Differences Between NET and DTT

DTT: Structured with many trials; NET: Focused on functional, learner-driven interactions.### Indirect Prompting Strategies in NET
Indirect prompting strategies enhance communication and learning.
Examples include rephrasing questions, asking leading or scaffolding questions, and relating situations to past events.
Visual representations and yes/no questions or choosing responses can also be used to prompt effectively.

Maintenance vs. Generalization

Maintenance refers to consistently performing a learned response over time.
Generalization involves applying learned skills beyond the direct teaching context to varied situations.

Domains for Generalization

Generalization should occur across people, ensuring the skill is used with various trainers.
Skills should transfer across settings, such as at home, school, or in the community.
Generalization also applies to stimuli, meaning the skill should be utilized with different materials or cues.

Strategies for Promoting Generalization

Utilize multiple examples during teaching to enhance applicability.
Incorporate different instructors to reinforce skills.
Provide flexible instructions to adapt to various contexts.
Focus on "functional" behaviors to increase real-world usefulness.

Guidelines for Accurate Data Collection

Record data immediately post-behavior occurrence to ensure accuracy.
Maintain completeness and detail, including all pertinent information about the behavior.

Daily Notes in Catalyst

The Daily Notes section serves as a reminder area for personal notes, updates for other staff, or supervisors, and can include behavior updates or questions.

Accessing Meeting Notes in Catalyst

Team meeting and overlap notes can be found under the documents tab in the main menu of Catalyst.

Correcting Errors in Catalyst

To amend data, click the red arrow to delete the entered information. In some instances, notify a supervisor if corrections are needed.

ABC Data Collection in Catalyst

Collect ABC data in the designated update program, selecting behaviors and providing detailed documentation regarding the behavior.

Partial Interval Recording

Record whether a behavior occurred at any time during a set interval.
Use observation time divided by interval length to establish intervals.

Momentary Time Sampling

Determine if a behavior occurs specifically at the end of predetermined intervals.

Examples of Permanent Product Data

Common examples include completed worksheets, homework assignments, written compositions, and art projects.

Elements of a Line Graph

Essential elements include x-axis and y-axis, axis labels, legend, data points, condition labels, and condition change lines.

Indicating Breaks in Data

To signify an absence of data, disconnect data points with a line and indicate the break with an axis break symbol.

Definition of Abuse

Abuse varies by state; includes physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and neglect (failure to provide basic needs).

Common Signs of Abuse

Physical indicators include unexplained injuries or behavioral changes such as returning to earlier behaviors or changes in appetite/sleep.
Behavioral changes may also include fear of certain people or places, inappropriate sexual behavior, and poor hygiene.

Mandated Reporter Qualifications

RBTs and individuals working with vulnerable populations are legally bound to report suspected abuse or neglect.

Reporting Abuse Procedures

Abuse should be reported promptly to local agencies, with immediate supervisor notification within specified timeframes for verbal and written reports.

Treating Clients with Dignity

Respect client choice, personal space, and privacy, particularly concerning personal care.

Private Health Information under HIPAA

Private information includes health details, identification data (e.g., name, address, social security number), and medical records.

Acceptable Breaches of Confidentiality

Breaches are permissible in cases involving abuse, neglect, or risks of suicide/homicide.

Maintaining Client Confidentiality

Use acronyms, initials, and avoid displaying identifying information when transporting documents to uphold confidentiality.

Verbal Behavior (VB)

An ABA approach to teaching language grounded in B.F. Skinner's principles, focusing on behavior as communication functioning in social contexts.

Types of Verbal Behavior

Verbal behavior encompasses any communication governed by another person's response, differentiating between verbal and vocal behavior.

Four Verbal Operants in Early Intervention

Key operants are echoics, mands, tacts, and intraverbals, foundational in language learning.

Echoics

Echoics are verbal responses that mirror heard stimuli, reinforcing speech through repetition.

Mands

Mands function as specific requests driven by motivation, leading to a direct benefit for the speaker.

HIPAA Overview

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act ensures the protection of private health information.

Research Insights on Mand Repertoire

Children learn language more rapidly through mand training, which also diminishes inappropriate mands and supports learning other verbal operants.

Strategies for Mand Training

Techniques include manipulating the environment to create opportunities for requests, delaying access to preferred items, and controlling reinforcer delivery.

Tacts

Tact training involves providing information about the environment, enhancing descriptive language skills.

Intraverbals

Intraverbals involve responding verbally to prompts with related but non-matching responses, enabling discussions about absent objects or personal experiences.

Pure vs. Impure Tacts

Pure tacts occur without prompts, while impure tacts involve guided responses for labeling objects.

Capture vs. Contrive in Mand Training

Capturing involves using naturally occurring moments to prompt requests, whereas contriving refers to intentionally creating situations to target specific verbal behaviors.

Dual Relationship Definition

Dual relationships refer to non-therapeutic connections, such as romantic or financial interactions, between a practitioner and client.

Issues with Dual Relationships

Such relationships can jeopardize confidentiality, trust, and objectivity, complicating the therapeutic process and feedback dynamics.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the key concepts related to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for RBT study preparation. It includes information about the three domains of ASD and the red flags that may indicate risk. Enhance your knowledge and readiness for the RBT exam with these important definitions.