SPE 567: ASR 3

Code 3.0 Assessing Behavior

- Reliance on baseline data and information prior to making treatment decisions
- We must see for ourselves, not relying onf “rumor or hearsay” (p, 110)
- Ensure that bx target for decrease are socially significant & operationally defined
3.01 Behavior-Analytic Assessment (#CountIt)
- we always conduct current assessments before we make any recommendations on
treatment
- we use individualized assessments appropriate for the client we always conduct an fba
prior to using any punishment based or behavior reduction procedures (e.g DRO)
- we use properly developed, valid, and reliable assessments
- We collect and graph our data so that others can completely understand our
recommendations
3.02 Medical Consultation (#ItsEthical)
- We recommend medical consultation if there is any reasonable possibility that biological
or medical variables are influencing our behavior (p.116)
- Treating behaviors that are influenced by non operant variables with consequences could
not be “not only unethical but also disastrous to the client” (p. 116)
3.03 Behavior-Analytic Assessment Consent (#Transparency)
- We obtain written consent prior to beginning any assessment
- “Blanket” consents are insufficient
- Consent should include what, who, and how
3.04 Explaining Assessment Results (#Clarity)
- We use understandable language
- We use graphic displays of data
3.05 Consent-Client Records (#Permission)
- We do not release nor request our clients’ records without written consent
- “Blanket” consents are insufficient
Code 4 Behavior Analysts and the Behavior- Change Program
- “We, as behavior analyst, “own” the entire process of behavioral treatment for our clients.
We do not borrow psychoanalytic, theory of mind, sensory integration, or other
theoretical concepts about the “causes” of behavior; we develop our own interventions
based on the behavior analysis research, and we are prepared to follow through until the
client is discharged" (p. 126)
4.01 Conceptual Consistency (#WhatWouldSkinnerDo)
- The programs we design are consistent with behavior analytic principles
o Operant Conditioning Theory
- the interventions and procedures you recommend and personally use must be behavior
analytic in nature; You will always use evidence based practices that are conceptually
consistent with operant learning theory
- practices based in other theoretical perspective should not be used, such as
o Developmental Therapy
o cognitive learning theory

4.02 Involving Clients in Planning and Consent (#TeamWork)

- We recognize the values, perspectives, and opinions of our clients and client surrogates
(e.g. family) when making programming decisions we rely on client and client surrogate
input when making programming decisions
- we are “perfectly clear” about our conceptual framework an methodology's from the
outset (p.127)
- we avoid conflicts with clients, their families and other surrogates by including them in
the decision-making from the beginning
4.03 Individualized Behavior-Change Programs (#NoCookieCuttersHere!)
- First and foremost the program must be individualized, based on assessment results,
clients’ needs an behaviors, environmental variables, goals, etc
- we must adapt our understanding of evidence-based procedures to match the unique
learning needs of each client bottom line: we mustn't use “cookie cutter” approaches
4.04 Approving Behavior-Change Programs (#WrittenConsent)
- We obtain written approvals BEFORE:
o Implementing a new program
o making sufficient changes to a program, such as adding new goals
o using new procedures in our programs
4.05 Describing Behavior-Change Program Objectives (#BenefitsShouldWin)
- We describe the objectives of our programming prior to starting the program
- we ensure our clients and their surrogates understand fully what to expect
- when necessary, we use a risk benefit analysis to elucidate the pros and cons of any
procedures
4.06 Describing Conditions for Behavior-Change Program Success
(#WorkingTogetherEverybodyWins)
- Explain the environmental conditions needed for the program to be effective:
o Client cooperation
o Environmental safety
o Resource availability

4.07 Environmental Conditions that Interfere with Implementation (#Accountability)

- We seek to eliminate any environmental constraints on program success
- if we cannot eliminate these constraints:
o we recommend other professional assistance as appropriate to the situation
o we provide written documentation of our efforts

4.08 Considerations Regarding Punishment Procedures (#ThimkItThrough)

- We recommend reinforcement rather than punishment whenever possible (p.132)
- if we must use punishment, we always include reinforcement procedures for alternative
behavior (p.133)
- before we implement punishment, we make sure that appropriate reinforcement
procedures have been attempted, unless the severity or dangerousness of the behavior
necessitates immediate use of aversive procedures (p.133)
- we increase the level of training, supervision, and oversight whenever we use aversive
procedures (p. 134)
- we evaluate efficacy frequently
- we plan for fading in advance
4.09 Least Restrictive Procedures (#Choice)
- We review the restrictiveness of any procedure before we use it
- we always recommend the “least restrictive procedures likely to be effective” (p. 134)
- we use the least restrictive procedures that:
o do not interfere with our client’s ability to contact re enforcers
o do not interfere with our client’s freedom of choice (p. 135)
4.10 Avoiding Harmful Reinforcers (#HealthyChoices)
- We are concerned with the health and welfare of our clients
- we find and use reinforcers that are not contraindicated with our clients health and
welfare
- we minimize any harmful effects reinforcers may have on the health or development of
our clients
- we are mindful of reinforcers that may require excessive motivating operations to be
effective (e.g., denial/deprivation or setting up and SR- contingency)
o candy – get tiny m&ms. thin r+ schedule so not so often

4.11 Discontinuing Behavior-Change Programs and Behavior-Analytic Services

- We ensure our clients understand the criteria for discontinuing services
- That criteria must be measurable
- We discontinue services when established criteria have been met
 The Behavior Analyst’s Role in Medication Management (Relias)
Bx and communication approaches

Dietary approaches

Complementary and alternative medicine

Medication
Risperidone or Aripiprazole have been approved to treat “irritability”