Reducing Behavior: Examination in RBT, Part 1 of 2
In the realm of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a behavior plan plays a crucial role in addressing challenging behaviors effectively. Developed by a Behavior Analyst and implemented by a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), this plan is a vital tool during ABA sessions.
The RBT, a credential established by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), is trained in ABA principles, specifically those listed on the RBT Task List. The development of the RBT certification was led by the BACB organization itself, making it a recognised and reliable credential in the field.
According to the BACB Practice Guidelines (2014), a comprehensive behavior plan should include several key elements. These include interventions backed by evidence, a focus on socially significant behaviors, identification of ABA concepts to be used in efforts of reducing maladaptive behaviors, objective goals, measurement/data collection strategies, use of function-based interventions, baseline levels of behaviors identified, direct assessments with graphs when applicable, antecedent strategies, consequence strategies, and a crisis plan.
The behavior reduction category of the RBT Task List covers specific skills aimed at decreasing the occurrence of undesired behaviors in learners. This category is essential in helping RBTs modify Schedule of Reinforcement (SDs) with the intent of reducing maladaptive behaviors. For example, an RBT could make instructions clear and concise, provide a visual prompt with the instruction, or review group rules before a social group begins.
Remembering the four functions of behavior is also important when providing ABA services. These functions include Automatic Reinforcement, Social Reinforcement, Tangible Reinforcement, and Escape/Avoidance. All behaviors are maintained by one or more of these functions.
Motivating operations, on the other hand, identify the degree to which a learner will be reinforced by the consequences of their behavior. For example, a child who is hungry may be more likely to complete a task for a snack reward.
Antecedent strategies are useful for teachers, caregivers, and parents as they allow for the prevention of problem behavior rather than reacting to it. Modifying antecedents is a strategy used in ABA to make changes in a client's environment prior to working on a specific skill or displaying a specific behavior, with the aim of decreasing the likelihood of the behavior occurring.
Establishing operations increase the effectiveness of a reinforcer. For example, a child who has not played video games all day may be more likely to complete chores or therapy tasks to earn the video game.
Discriminative stimuli, or SDs, are stimuli that elicit a specific response. For instance, showing a child an ice-cream cone and asking What is this? may elicit the child in saying Ice-cream.
According to Tarbox & Tarbox (2017), a written behavior plan must include operational definitions of target behaviors, antecedent modifications, replacement behaviors, consequence modifications, persons responsible, emergency measures, and the function of behavior.
In conclusion, understanding the components of a behavior plan and the strategies used in ABA can help parents, caregivers, and educators work effectively with children to address challenging behaviors and promote positive learning experiences.
