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Study Focus in RBT (Response-Based Therapy) Continues: Strategies to Decrease Unwanted Behaviors (Part 2)

Topics for RBT Study (Part 2): Focus on Decreasing Undesirable Behaviors

Study Topics for RBT (Romana Behavioral Therapy) continue with the focus on Part 2 of 2, aiming to...
Study Topics for RBT (Romana Behavioral Therapy) continue with the focus on Part 2 of 2, aiming to address strategies for reducing undesirable behaviors.

Study Focus in RBT (Response-Based Therapy) Continues: Strategies to Decrease Unwanted Behaviors (Part 2)

In the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), understanding the function of a behavior is crucial when developing an appropriate behavior reduction intervention plan. This approach is essential for ABA services, as it helps in addressing both maladaptive and adaptive behaviors.

Extinction, a key behavior reduction concept, involves ceasing to provide reinforcement for a behavior. It's important to note that extinction is not the same as ignoring the child or behavior, as sometimes assumed in clinical practice. Instead, extinction would include preventing escape from the demand, especially when the reinforcement is escape. In cases where the reinforcement is attention, ignoring a behavior can be an acceptable extinction procedure.

D-05: Implementing extinction procedures is a behavior reduction concept that involves no longer providing reinforcement to a previously reinforced behavior, leading to the likely cessation of that behavior. On the other hand, D-04: Implementing differential reinforcement procedures can increase certain behaviors or skills, which in turn can lead to a reduction of maladaptive behavior.

For a comprehensive guide on conducting a quality Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA), professionals can refer to "Functional Behavioral Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment, Second Edition: A Complete System for Education and Mental Health Settings." This book, authored by Ennio Cipani and Keven M. Schock, provides a thorough system for FBA in various settings.

Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) play a vital role in ABA services. They are required to understand and implement ABA principles listed in the RBT Task List, which includes categories such as Measurement, Assessment, Skill Acquisition, Behavior Reduction, Documentation and Reporting, and Professional Conduct and Scope of Practice.

When working on behavior reduction, it's important for RBTs to focus on what the client should be doing, not just what they should not be doing. RBTs should have a plan for addressing maladaptive behaviors, especially those that could pose a danger, typically with assistance from a supervisor or Behavior Analyst.

In addition, RBTs should understand laws regarding mandated reporting of child abuse and neglect, know how to report concerning incidents, and have first aid knowledge and emergency contact information during sessions. They should also implement crisis/emergency procedures according to protocol as dictated by the setting.

Multiple strategies can be used to complete functional behavior assessments, making it a flexible tool for various situations. By understanding and implementing these behavior reduction concepts, RBTs can effectively contribute to the reduction of maladaptive behaviors in clients.

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