RBT

Paraprofessional certified in the science of human behavior

BACB

Leading Organization in Behavior Analyst Certification

Goal of ABA?

(Applied Behavior Analysis) to create clinically and socially significant changes in a learner's life.

How do we demonstrate Compassionate Care?

Listening, Reinforcing, Understanding, and Acting

Examples of Assent and Dissent (Assent Withdrawal)?

Assent: Engaged, Comfortable, Willing. Dissent: Discomfort, Refusal, Yelling, Crying.

What is HRE?

Happy, Relaxed, Engaged

How do we return our learner to HRE?

1. Identify the need for HRE 2. Acknowledge & Empathize 3. Adjust reinforcement Density 4. Reduce Task Difficulty 5. Increase Instructional Pacing 6. Use highly preferred Activities & Items 7. Fade in demands systematically

What does HIPAA stand for?

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

Common materials required during ABA session?

reinforcers, Visual supports, Data Collection tools, and Environmental Setup

What is Universal Positive Regard?

-Unconditional Acceptance -Empathy & Understanding -Positive Expectations -Non-Judgmental Attitude

What is Instructional Control?

The trusting relationship built between a tech & a learner that leads to the learner responding willingly to instructions.

Tasks you should do before a session starts?

1. Review Programs 2.Know which behaviors/skills to observe 3. Have materials ready

Steps to conducting an "Opportunity" or "Trial"?

1. Read target goal 2. Gather Necessary Materials 3. Prepare Learners for Trial 4. Present SD to Learner 5. Learner performs target Response 6. Reinforce Completion of response

Discrete Trial Teaching

Highly Structured, Repetitious, Immediate Reinforcement

Natural Environment Teaching

Instructor-Led, Contrived, Applied in Natural settings

Pivotal Response Teaching

Learner-Led, Play Based, Natural reinforcement -motivation choice-making

Free Operant Teaching

Learner freely engages with environment, no structured Teaching

Objective terms

based on observable facts that can be seen, heard, or otherwise detected through the senses. These are unbiased observations, not interpretations or opinions.

Measurable terms

Quantifiable aspects of behavior that can be counted, timed, or otherwise numerically recorded. (Frequency, Duration, Intensity, and Latency)

Key Components of Operational Definitions

1. What it looks like- the physical actions you can see 2. Time Factors- how long, how often, and when it happens 3.Setting Details- where and under what conditions 4. Non-examples- behaviors that are similar but different 5. How to measure- the specific way to collect data

Define Mentalism

A perspective that explains behavior by referring to internal thoughts, feelings, and traits rather than observable actions.

Objective Session Notes

Provides clears, factual information about what occurred during the session without adding personal opinions or assumptions.

Components of Session Notes

1. Session Details- client name, date, session duration, location & all staff members present during the session 2. Objective Data- specific measurements of behavior frequency, duration, intensity, & any quantifiable observations 3. intervention Records- detailed descriptions of techinques used & the clients specific responses to each intervention 4. Goal Progress- Measurement outcomes showing advancement toward targeted treatment objectives with concrete data 5. Notable Events- any barriers encountered, incidents that occurred, or modifications made during the session

How to handle urgent situations?

1. Ensure Immediate Safety of the client & others present 2. Call emergency service if necessary (all for life-threatening emergencies) 3. Contact your supervisor via phone call (not text or email) 4. Document the incident thoroughly following company protocols 5. Follow up with written communication after verbal report

What does ABC stand for?

A- Antecedent (before behavior) B- Behavior C- Consequence (after Behavior)

What is Reinforcement?

A consequence that increases the future frequency, duration, or intensity of a behavior

Positive Reinforcement & Negative Reinforcement

Positive- ADDING a pleasant stimulus following a behavior to INCREASE its future occurrence Negative- REMOVING an aversive stimulus following a behavior to INCREASE its future occurrence

What is Punishment?

A consequence that decreases the future probability of a behavior occurring

Positive Punishment & Negative Punishment

Positive- ADDING an aversive stimulus following a behavior to DECREASE its future occurrence Negative- REMOVING a pleasant stimulus following a behavior to DECREASE its occurrence

What are the 4 Functions of Behavior?

1. Escape- behaviors used to terminate or avoid difficult tasks, demands, or overwhelming environment 2. Attention- Behaviors aimed at gaining social interaction or feedback from another person 3. Tangibles- Behaviors performed to obtain specific desired items, activities, or privileges 4. Sensory/ Automatic- Behaviors that provide internal sensory feedback or self-regulation, independent of external factors.

What is Extinction?

it involves systematically withholding reinforcement that maintains a specific behavior, with the goal of reducing or eliminating problematic behaviors over time.

Extinction Procedures

1. Function Based Application- Only use when behaviors are clearly maintained by specific reinforcers (attention, tangibles, escape) that have been verified through function assessment. 2. Significant Impact- Appropriate when behavior causes harm to self or others, significant disruption to learning environments, or substantially interferes with skill acquisition. 3. Paired with Teaching- Must be implemented alongside teaching functionally, equivalent replacement behaviors that allow learners to access reinforcement appropriately. 4. Consistent Implementation-Requires uniform Application across all caregivers & staff to prevent intermittent reinforcement that strengthens unwanted behavior.

When should you NOT use extinction?

1. Attention seeking behaviors 2. During self-stimulatory behaviors 3. Risk of significant emotional impact 4. To enforce task completion

List TWO Compassionate Alternatives to Extinctions:

1. Functional Communication Training (FCT) 2. Differential Reinforcement of Alternative behavior (DRA)

What is Functional Equivalence?

A core principle in ABA, ensuring that replacement behaviors serve the same purpose as the challenging behaviors they aim to replace.

Key considerations for effective replacement behaviors?

1. Developmental Appropriateness 2. Efficiency Principle 3. Social Validity

What is a motivating operation?

Environmental events or conditions that temporarily alter the effectiveness of a reinforcer and the frequency of behaviors associated with those reinforcers.

What is a establishing operation?

Increase in probability that someone WILL engage in a behavior given the opportunity

What is an abolishing operation?

Increase in probability that someone WILL NOT engage in a behavior given the opportunity

What is a discriminative stimulus (SD)?

An antecedent cue that signals when a specific behavior will be reinforced making that behavior more likely to occur; helps learners know when a specific behavior are appropriate and likely to be rewarded ("Green lights")

List the sequential process essential for teaching new skills

1. Present SD 2. Behavior 3. Reinforcement 4. Learning

Contingent Reinforcement is...

DEPENDENT on the target behavior; BEHAVIOR BASED

Non-Contingent Reinforcement is...

NON DEPENDENT on the target behavior; TIME BASED

What is Continuous Reinforcement?

Reinforcement after EVERY trial

What is intermittent Reinforcement?

Reinforcing only SOME of the trials

Four Types of Intermittent Schedules

1. Variable Ratio (VR)- UNPREDICTABLE AVERAGE number of RESPONSES before reinforcement 2. Fixed Ratio (FR)- PREDICTABLE number of RESPONSES before reinforcement 3. Variable Interval (VI)- UNPREDICTABLE AVERAGE amount of TIME before reinforcement 4. Fixed Interval (FI)- PREDICTABLE amount of TIME before reinforcement

What is the purpose of a preference assessment?

Tools used to find out what items or activities a learner enjoys most, help identify effective reinforcers

Types of Preference Assessment

1. Free Operant (FO)- Casual, open-ended, and natural 2. Paired Stimulus (PS)- Present a two item choice 3. Multiple Stimulus WITH Replacement (MSW)- Continue presenting multiple items 4. Multiple Stimulus WITHOUT Replacement (MSWO)- Present multiple items, removing one 5. Single Stimulus (SS)- Offering one item at a time

What is Shaping?

Process of reinforcing successive approximations of a target behavior. Rather than expecting perfect performance right away, reward attempts that get progressively closer to the desired outcome.

What is the purpose of a Token Economy?

A token acts as a bridge between the behavior and a larger reward, helping learners understand the connection between their actions and positive outcomes.

Steps to implementing a token economy

1. Set up the Token Board 2. State the Expectations 3. Identify the Reinforcer 4. Earn Tokens 5. Deliver the token 6. Place the token 7. Exchange the reinforcer

What is Discrimination?

A process of combining reinforcement and extinction in which responses to certain stimuli are reinforced and responses to other stimuli are not.

What is Discrimination Training?

Teaches learners to make meaningful distinctions in their environment. Involves systematically presenting choices and reinforcing correct responses, helping individuals develop critical thinking and decision-making abilities that transfer to real-world situations

Step to effectively implement discrimination training

1. Identify the SD 2. Establish the expectation & reinforcement 3. Deliver & withhold reinforcement appropriately 4. Monitor & maintain over time

List 3 things a BCBA does with data

1. Trend analysis 2. Effectiveness assessment 3. Intervention decisions

Steps to starting a session

1. Locate your learner's homepage 2. Find the appropriate session for that day 3. Select "Start Session" 4. Review preparation page for updates 5. Once you've reviewed program details and session history, select the "start session" to being session

What is a trial?

A trial is a complete learning opportunity

Why are scoring correct and incorrect trials crucial?

1. The BCBA's can see progress 2. Identify patterns 3. Decide what to teach next

Why are prompted and independent responses important?

It shows us how much support a learner still needs

List the data collection expectations

1. Consistency & Honesty 2. Objectivity 3. Accuracy

What is continuous measurement?

An approach that involves observing and recording EVERY SINGLE OCCURRENCE of a behavior in real-time. It allows us to truly understand behavior patterns, evaluate intervention effectiveness, and make informed decisions to best support our client's progress.

Measurement Type: RATE

Total occurrences over time

Continuous Measurement Type: Inter-Response Time (IRT)

Time BETWEEN TWO occurrences

Continuous Measurement Type: Frequency

TOTAL COUNT of occurrences

Continuous Measurement Type: Duration

TOTAL TIME of an occurrence

Continuous Measurement Type: Latency

Time BETWEEN SD and OCCURRENCE

What is Discontinuous Measurement?

Involves recording only a sample of behavior rather than every instance. While Discontinuous Measurement DOES NOT CAPURE EVERY OCCURRENCE, it provides an efficient way to collect data during busy session and can give a useful estimate of behavior patterns over time.

Discontinuous Measurement: Momentary Time Sampling (MTS)

Occurrence at the END OF THE INTERVAL

Discontinuous Measurement: Partial Interval (PIR)

Occurrence at ANY POINT DURING INTERVAL

Discontinuous Measurement: Whole Interval (WIR)

Occurrence DURING ENTIRE INTERVAL

What is a Permanent Product Measurement?

A measurement method that focuses on the lasting outcome or result of a behavior rather than observing the behavior as it happens.

What is a Task Analysis Measurement?

Task Chaining is a systematic teaching approach that transforms complex behaviors into a series of smaller, more manageable steps through a process called Task analysis.

Task Chaining: Forward Chaining

Teach steps BEGINNING WITH THE FIRST STEP

Task Chaining: Total Task Chaining

Teach ALL STEPS AT ONCE

Task Chaining: Backward Chaining

Teach steps BEGINNING WITH THE LAST STEP

3 Skills that could be taught by chaining?

1. Builds Independence 2. Creates Success Experiences 3. Promotes Skill Generalization

What is a prompt?

An added cue or assistance that helps a learner give the correct response when learning a new skill. Prompts serve as temporary supports that are systematically faded as the learner becomes more proficient with the skill.

What is the Prompting Hierarchy?

-Organizes prompts from least to most intrusive providing a structured framework for skill teaching 1. Gestural & Positional 2. Verbal instructions & leading questions 3. Visual Cues & Rehearsal 4. Partial model, Physical & echoic 5. Full Model, Physical & Model

Which tier of the hierarchy would you begin with for least-to-most intrusive/prompting?

Gestural & Positional

What tier would you begin with for errorless prompting?

Full model, Physical & Echoic

What tier would you being with for most-to-least intrusive/prompting?

Full Model, Physical & Echoic

What is Prompt Fading?

Prompt fading involves strategically and gradually reducing the level of assistance provided to a learner until they can perform the target skill independently without any prompts. -Ultimate goal is for the learner to respond correctly to natural environment cues rather than artificial prompts from instructions.

What are the warning signs of Prompt Dependency?

1. Learner consistently waits for prompts before responding 2. Performance drops significantly when prompts are removed 3. Learner looks to instructor for cues rather than attending to relevant environmental stimuli

List ways we inadvertently prompt learners

1. Giving answer 2. Changing Tone 3. Moving Closer 4. Smiling, Nodding, Facial Expressions

List way we van avoid unintentionally prompting learners

1. Stay Neutral 2. Body Language Consistent 3. Follow Written Instructions

Describe the purpose of Discrete Trial Training (DTT)

Structured teaching opportunity that has a clear beginning and end.

Steps of Discrete Trial Training

1. Instruction (SD) 2. Prompt 3. Response 4. Consequence 5. Intertrial Interval- Pause between 1 trial & the next

Naturalistic Environment Teaching (NET)

1. Philosophy- Broad, flexible teaching embedded naturally into life routines 2. Focus- Emphasizes generalization from the start 3. Structure- Highly fluid & responsive following child's natural flow 4. Application- More Spontaneous & Opportunistic observation skills (mainly initiated by MANDING)

Pivotal Response Teaching (PRT)

1. Philosophy- Targets specific pivotal behaviors strategically selected to produce widespread improvements 2. Focus- Emphasizes motivational variables & pivotal areas that serve as "pivotal cusps" 3. Structure- Structured naturalism; keeps naturalism elements while applying motivational components 4. Application- More intentional in target selection with clearer intervention protocols, while keeping child-led engagement (Imitation skills draws attention, not using external reinforcers)

Verbal Operants: Mand

1. Requesting what one wants or needs 2. Controlled by motivating operations 3. Obtaining specific item, activity, or action requested

Verbal Operants: Tact

1. Labeling or commenting on objects, events, or properties in the environment 2. Controlled by nonverbal SD's (environmental stimuli) 3. Social acknowledgement, attention, or praise from listeners

Verbal Operants: Echoic

1. Repeating/imitating sounds or words heard from others 2. Controlled by SD's (speech models to imitate) 3. Social praise, attention, & often serves as stepping stones to other verbal operants

Verbal Operants: Intraverbal

1. Responding conversationally without a direct stimulus present 2. Controlled by verbal SD's without point-to-point correspondence 3. Social interaction, continued conversation, & engagement from listeners

What does FBA stand for?

Functional Behavior Assessments

Describe the steps in an FBA Process

1. Define Behavior 2. Collect Data 3. Analyze Patterns 4. Develop BIP

What role does an RBT play in collecting behavior assessment Data?

As RBT's, your precise data collection is the foundation of effective Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), helping BCBAs understand challenging behaviors and create helpful plans.

What is a Functional Relationship?

The connection between the behavior and the events in the environment that effect that bahvior.

List and Describe why we focus on the Consequence

-Tells us why a behavior happens- what the behavior "gets" or "avoids" -Understanding the maintaining consequence helps us identify the function of behavior -Function guide us to effective, individualized interventions

What is a Functionally Equivalent Behavior?

A behavior that serves the same purpose as a challenging behavior but is more appropriate or respectful.

What does FCT stand for?

Functional Communication Training

What is FCT?

Teaches Learners to us appropriate communication to replace challenging behaviors; focuses on identifying the function of a behavior, and then teaching a clear, functional way to communicate that need instead

Steps of FCT (Functional Communication Training)

1. Identify the Function of Behavior 2. Select a Functional Communication Response 3. Systematic Teaching & Reinforcement

Differential Reinforcement of ALTERNATIVE Behavior (DRA)

- Ensures the Alternative Behavior serves the same function as the problem behavior - Teaches and Reinforces a specific alternative behavior to replace an undesired behavior -Reduces problem h=behavior by making them unnecessary -Creates meaningful communication and behavioral skills

Core Steps of DRA

1. Functional Behavior Assessment 2. Select Alternative 3. Implement Reinforcement

Differential Reinforcement of OTHER Behavior (DRO)

A procedure used to reduce problem behavior by REINFORCING THE ABSENCE OF THE BEHAVIOR for s SPECIFIED PERIOD OF TIME. The learner receives reinforcement whenever the target behavior does not occur during the set interval

How to implement DRO

1. Identify Target Behavior 2. Determine Initial Interval 3. Provide Reinforcement 4. Gradual Increase

Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior (DRI)

A strategy used to reduce problem behaviors by reinforcing a behavior that CANNOT OCCUR at the same time as the undesired one. Helps teach positive replacement responses and encourages consistent appropriate behavior in its place

Core Principle of DRI

1. Clearly Defined~ both the problem behavior & the incompatible behavior must be operationally defined so they can be consistently identified 2. Immediate Reinforcement~ the incompatible behavior must be reinforced immediately & consistently to strengthen the connection between the behavior & reward 3. Extinction Component~ reinforcement must be withheld for the problem behavior to prevent inadvertently strengthening it

Why do replacement behaviors matter?

1. Understanding behavior as communication 2. Providing better alternatives 3. Creating sustainable change

What is Shaping in ABA?

An ABA technique where successive approximations of a target behavior are systematically reinforced until the behavior is fully established. It guides the learner step-by-step toward the final behavioral goal.

The Four Dimensions of Shaping

1. Topography - Reinforcing behaviors that are physically closer to the desired form 2. Duration- Increasing the length of time a behavior is performed 3. Intensity/Magnitude- Adjusting the force or effort of a behavior 4. Frequency- Increasing/decreasing how often a behavior occurs within a specific timeframe

When implementing Extinction in Compassionate ABA, we NEVER use..

1. Planned ignoring 2. Forced Follow Through 3. Seclusion

What Unreliable Data look like...

-Missing or inconsistent Entries - Unexplained data changes -Data Collection errors

Why accurate data collection matters?

Leads to misinformed interventions, compromising learner progress and treatment effectiveness.

Procedural Integrity

The extent to which an independent variable is implemented or carried out as planned

Stimulus Control

When a stimulus should happen, when or why a behavior happens

What is Stimulus Control Transfer?

The systematic process of shifting behavioral control from an artificial prompt to a natural environment cue. ULTIMATE GOAL: Learners demonstrate target behaviors in response to a natural discriminative stimulus (SD) in their everyday environment, promoting true independence and generalization

Steps for Adjusting Reinforcement and Reinforcement Schedules based on MO

1. Assess Motivation- determine learner's current desire 2. Restrict Access/Create EO (Establishing operation) 3. Present Clear Expectation- (First__, then iPad) or Token board 4. Deliver Reinforcement Contingently

What is the purpose of Skill-Based Assessment?

Used to understand what the learner can do & what to teach next

What is a Probe Trial?

Just a checking to see if a skill is emerging or mastered; During assessment, Skill Acquisition, Determine mastery

Steps for Conducting a Probe Trial

1. Review Instructions- specific into- the goal, target independent response 2. Prime Your Learner- Learner in HRE & ready for learning 3. Present SD- make sure to NOT inadvertently prompt in any way 4. Deliver Reinforcement- be careful NOT to reinforce the response directly (" Good job working with me") 5. Record Response Data

What is Generalization?

Applying learned skills across different settings, people, and stimuli- not just in therapy sessions. Learners can use skills independently in natural environments

What are the key strategies to promote generalization?

1. Teach multiple examples- use varied stimuli to broaden understanding 2. Reinforce Generalized Behavior- provide meaningful reward when skills are demonstrated in new context 3. Prompt Fading- Gradually reduce prompts to encourage independent skill 4. Vary Environments-practice skills in therapy room, home, classroom, etc. 5. Multiple instructors- involve therapists, parents, teachers, & peers to teach 6. Naturalistic Teaching- embed learned in real-life activities

Steps for RBT's to support Generalization

1. Plan Proactively 2. Collaborate with Caregivers 3. Use Data-based Decisions 4. Conduct Regular Probes 5. Build Self-Monitoring

What is Maintenance?

A person keeps using a skill they've learned, even after they stop getting lessons or rewards for it.

Reasons Maintenance matters

1. Prevents skill regression 2. Enhances Generalization 3. Builds Independence

Key Strategies to Promote Maintenance?

1. Gradual Fading 2. Intermittent Reinforcement 3. Multiple Exemplars 4. Natural Contingencies

Data Graphs: TREND

Trajectory of behavior over time INCREASING- frequently rises consistently, indicating skill acquisition or undesired behavior escalated DECREASING- Frequently declines steadily, often the goal for reducing problem behaviors STABLE- Remains relatively constant, suggesting maintence or need for invention adjustments

Data Graphs: LEVEL

Average magnitude/position of data points on VERTICAL axis HIGH- Cluster near top of Y-axis typically ranging 60%-100% MODERATE- fall in middle range typically 30%-60%\ LOW- remains near bottom, typically 0%-30%

Data Graphs: VARIABILITY

describes how much data points bounce around/ fluctuate from session to session LOW- Data points cluster closely together, indicating consistent, predictable behavior patterns. This stability suggest that environmental variables are well-controlled & the intervention is producing reliable results HIGH- Dramatic swings in performance for one session to the next, signaling inconsistent behavior that may be influenced by uncontrolled variables/ insufficient intervention strength

What is Cultural Humility?

Represents a vital paradigm shift, moving beyond the static concept of cultural competence. It calls for a lifelong commitment to 1. Self-reflection 2. Life-long Learning 3. Genuine Respect

What resources should be utilized to maintain competence in your ethical standards?

1. Continuing Education 2. Supervision Time 3. Professional Communities

Steps to follow for supervision obsevations

1. Watch for supervision notifications 2. Prepare your equipment 3. Initiate the supervision call

Remember these during supervision

1. Maintain Learner Dignity 2. Maintain Professional Conduct 3. Advocating for effective supervision

How can you advocate for effective supervision?

1. Ask specific questions 2. Request targeted feedback 3. Communicate scheduling needs

What is the purpose of Pods?

Designed to support structed learnng in a collaboratvie & engaging environment, provides opportunity to build skills, creates a focused & supportive setting that promotes meaningful progress

Match POD NAMES: early learners LEARNING TO LEARN- BUILDING CONCEPTS- MAZIMIZING INDEPENDENCE-

CIRCLE POD CAMP POD CREW POD

MATCH POD NAMES: Academic ACADEMIC PREPAREDNESS

PREP POD

MATCH POD NAMES: social skills ESSENTIAL SOCIAL SKILLS- NAVIGATING FRIENDSHIPS- SOCIAL INDEPENDENCE- MASTERING SOCIAL DILEMMAS-

JR. CLUB POD SR. CLUB POD SKILLZ POD PEERs POD

Ways to practice proper Pod Etiquette

1. Actionable Strategies 2. Maintain Proximity 3. Follow Rotation Schedules 4. Use professional Communication 5. Model & Reinforce Skills

What supervision criteria is required EACH MONTH

1. BCBA oversight for 5% of direct service delivery 2. 2 Face-to-face contacts with a BCBA 3. At least 1 observation with a learner

What recertification criteria is required each 2-year cycle?

1. 12 professional development units 2. 5% supervision each both (based on service delivery)

Ways you can get Professional Development Units

1. In Service Training lessons 2. Approved CE (ACE) provider events 3. RBT Power Hour 4. University Coursework

Coaching Card

Documentation of clinical support and plan of action for progress

Constructive Instruction

Formal Documentation of clinical or procedural concern

Disciplinary Action

Formal Documentation of Consequences of Behavioral Issues

Describe the Procedural Fidelity Evaluation Program

Systematic observations & assessments designed to measure the accurate & consistent application of clinical procedures. They ensure that interventions are delivered as intended, directly impacting treatment effectiveness.

What is a clinical Coach?

Provides direct clinical guidance and mentorship to less experienced practitioners. They are instrumental in ensuing high-quality client care, focusing on skill development, care conceptualization and ethical practice.

Pod Lead

RBT who prepares and guides group of techs through a multi-learner session

RBT Trainer

RBT who supports and educates new techs

SR. Pod Lead

RBT who constructs and develops activities for pods to use