Certification Courses - Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Presents the student with an introduction to the basic principles and historical overview of applied behavior analysis, learning theory, and the fundamental principles of science and behavior. Students will learn to distinguish between respondent and operant models of behavior and conditions. Concepts and principles of behavior including reinforcement, punishment, stimulus control, verbal behavior, and motivational operations will be defined and discussed in the context of behavioral learning theory in order to establish a theoretical foundation for applications in advanced-level courses.

Presents information on the applications of behavior analytic principles in changing behavior. Specifically, students will learn to select behavior targets for change, to establish and strengthen behavior, and to weaken behavior. Strategies for strengthening behaviors include a review of reinforcement, prompting, commonly used instructional approaches (e.g., DTI, incidental teaching), delayed reinforcement systems (e.g., token systems, contracts), and self-management approaches. Strategies covered for weakening behavior include extinction, differential reinforcement procedures, positive punishment procedures (e.g., aversive stimuli, overcorrection), and negative punishment procedures (e.g., time-out, response cost). Significant time is spent on discussing the ethics of behavior reduction and the negative side effects of the use of punishment procedures. The application of these principles in changing behavior will be illustrated through reviewing a variety of books and articles, which highlight the breadth, power, and ethical considerations of applied behavior analysis (ABA) in this context.

A sampling of state-of-the-art teaching strategies for children with autism and related disorders. Specifically, the student will develop a framework for conceptualizing verbal behavior and gain familiarity with the application of this framework to the education of children with autism and related disorders. Furthermore, the student will develop an understanding of additional teaching strategies, such as precision teaching, rate building, and activity schedules. Other topics addressed include effective strategies for staff training and for working with families, increasing social skills in learners with acute stress disorders (ASDs), and collaborating with other disciplines. The goal of this course is to develop an understanding of the unique applications of a variety of applied behavior analysis (ABA) instructional techniques for learners with autism. The students should be able to conceptualize a comprehensive ABA program, and be able to select specific methodologies to address specific skill deficits.

Focuses on understanding the functions of challenging behavior, becoming familiar with various methods of determining the functions of behaviors, and developing behavior intervention plans that match the functions of the behaviors. The student will learn how to observe, collect data, and interpret data in the assessment of challenging behaviors. Specifically, students will learn the methods for obtaining descriptive data and the procedures for conducting systematic manipulations, such as functional analyses (FA). Variations of FA procedures will be described, including brief FA and procedures that are easier to implement in natural settings. Specific single-subject experimental designs will be reviewed in the context of FA. The ethical considerations inherent in behavioral assessment, treatment, and research will be reviewed. A variety of articles describing state-of-the-art methods for FA will be assigned and discussed.