Aba Inside Track

Subscribe on iTunes Subscribe on Google Play Subscribe on Stitcher It's the second part of our shows on transitioning to adulthood and the challenges therein.  This week we return to our typical format and discuss two articles related to needed vocational skills: asking for assistance with a vocational task and using an iPhone cueing system to perform as a fire safety mascot.  Yes, you read that right: a fire safety mascot.  If research about inflatable suits with an iPhone Velcroed inside was on your wish list, consider this show your friendly genie.  And if you think the gifts stop there, you're in for a treat when Jackie shares her favorite Starbucks drink and Diana tells us what TV show she enjoys while falling asleep on the couch.  Is anything more representative of adulthood than overpriced coffee and bad TV? P.S. from Rob: Please don't tell me how The Wire ends.  Not cool, dude. Articles discussed this episode: Burke, R.V., Andersen, M.N., Bowen, S.L., Howard, M.R., & Allen, K.D.  (2010).  Evaluati

Subscribe on iTunes Subscribe on Google Play Subscribe on Stitcher We were so astonished at the paucity of research related to teaching adolescents and adults with autism that we decided to put together two full episodes to raise awareness about the topic.  Our first episode summarizes many of the overall challenges that society and adults with autism will face in the coming years.  Start by listening to Jackie, Rob, and Diana grapple with the big issues by making fun of educational videos and smiling politely at another Rob Rant about the government.  End by listening to a fascinating interview with Dr. Peter Gerhardt in which he discusses the life skills nobody is talking about (or training on!), which target academics have already become obsolete, the goal every behavior analyst should strive to achieve, and what social interaction will replace the high five in America.      Articles discussed this episode: Gerhardt, P.F. & Lainer, I.  (2011).  Addressing the needs of adolescents and adults with autism

Subscribe on iTunes Subscribe on Google Play Subscribe on Stitcher In this double-album edition of our preview episodes, we're talking about research on transitioning to adulthood for individuals with autism.  In addition to our typical review of research related to the subject, we've got an interview with Dr. Peter Gerhardt, a leader in spreading awareness of the crisis that is special education services for adults.  On the lighter side of things: the results of our filler speech challenge! Only one can win, though everyone gets candy.  Also, errata featuring a fun link from a listener about standard celeration charts. Listen to the full episodes over the next two weeks (yes, back-to-back episodes) for maximum information and discussion. Articles for next week: Gerhardt, P.F. & Lainer, I.  (2011).  Addressing the needs of adolescents and adults with autism: A crisis on the horizon.  Journal of Contemporary Psychoherapy, 41, 37-45.  doi 10.1007/s10879-010-9160-2 And, while not a research article, a parent

Subscribe on iTunes Subscribe on Google Play Subscribe on Stitcher This week we take out three articles from our research grab bag, three articles related only by our enjoyment of the subject matter.  Diana teaches us all the merits of good yoga poses, Rob chides everyone for all of their filler responses, and Jackie uses bark collars to keep the hosts behaving.  Plus, Rob breaks our brand new mixer and we all reiterate Skinner's proposition that applied behavior analysis is the cat's pajamas.  That "cat's pajamas" part might be a paraphrase.   Articles discussed this episode: Protopopova, A., Kisten, D., & Wynne, C.  (2016).  Evaluating a humane alternative to the bark collar: Automated differential reinforcement of not barking in a home-alone setting.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 49, 1-10.  doi:10.1002/jaba.334 Mancuso, C. & Miltenberger, R.G.  (2016).  Using habit reversal to decrease filled pauses in public speaking.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 49, 188-192.  doi:  10.1002/jaba

Subscribe on iTunes Subscribe on Google Play Subscribe on Stitcher It's research grab bag time! Next week, we're discussing three articles only linked by our interest in the subject matter.  But first, Rob reads some listener mail while Jackie and Diana prepare to give a speech.  How many times will they say "um" or "like"? Email us with the answer for a chance at a CE credit.   Articles for next week: Protopopova, A., Kisten, D., & Wynne, C.  (2016).  Evaluating a humane alternative to the bark collar: Automated differential reinforcement of not barking in a home-alone setting.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 49, 1-10.  doi:10.1002/jaba.334 Mancuso, C. & Miltenberger, R.G.  (2016).  Using habit reversal to decrease filled pauses in public speaking.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 49, 188-192.  doi:  10.1002/jaba.267 Gruber, D.J. & Poulson, C.L.  (2016).  Graduated guidance delivered by parents to teach yoga to children with developmental delays.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis

Subscribe on iTunes Subscribe on Google Play Subscribe on Stitcher Rather than pull your hair out about that discrete trial program that JUST...ISN'T...WORKING, why not listen to us discuss some possible solutions.  We review research on minimizing overselectivity using a differential observing response and on using more salient behavior-consequence relations all in the name of helping you avoid those pesky DTT error patterns.  Plus, we share the secrets of remembering the 140 Crayola crayon colors, literal reinforcer stacking, and Rob's Boston accent.  Articles discussed this episode: Dube, W.V, & McIlvane, W.J.  (1999).  Reduction of stimulus overselectivity with nonverbal differential observing responses.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 32, 25-33.  doi: 10.1901/jaba.1999.32-25 Fisher, W.W., Pawich, T.L., Dickes, N., Paden, A.R., & Toussaint, K.  (2014).  Increasing the saliency of behavior-consequence relations for children with autism who exhibit persistent errors.  Journal of Applied Behav

Subscribe on iTunes Subscribe on Google Play Subscribe on Stitcher In preparing to talk about avoiding errors during discrete trial training, we take some time to celebrate milestones, thank our listeners, and discuss some interesting feedback.  And, to stay hip with the kids, we try our hand at a YouTube stream. Articles for next week: Dube, W.V, & McIlvane, W.J.  (1999).  Reduction of stimulus overselectivity with nonverbal differential observing responses.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 32, 25-33.  doi: 10.1901/jaba.1999.32-25 Fisher, W.W., Pawich, T.L., Dickes, N., Paden, A.R., & Toussaint, K.  (2014).  Increasing the saliency of behavior-consequence relations for children with autism who exhibit persistent errors.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 47, 738-748.  doi: 10.1002/jaba.172

Subscribe on iTunes Subscribe on Google Play Subscribe on Stitcher This week we're looking at using picture activity schedules to increase play and social interactions.  We spill the beans, break the ice, hide, seek, and jump into the wood chips all in the name of extending the literature on this excellent technology.  And, without a visual schedule, we let Rob review an article with humorous results.  Well, they would have been humorous, but he does all the editing.   Articles discussed this episode: Betz, A., Higbee, T.E., & Reagon, K.A.  (2008).  Using joint activity schedules to promote peer engagement in preschoolers with autism.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 41, 237-241.  doi: 10.1901/jaba.2008.41-237 Brodhead, M.T., Higbee, T.S., Pollard, J.S., Akers, J.S., & Gerencser, K.R.  (2014).  The use of linked activity schedules to teach children with autism to play hide-and-seek.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 47, 645-650.  doi: 10.1002/jaba.145 Akers, J.S., Higbee, T.S., Pollard, J.S

Subscribe on iTunes Subscribe on Google Play Subscribe on Stitcher Diana and Jackie hold down the fort in this preview of articles we'll be discussing next week on the topic of picture-activity schedules.  Please don't mistake our rituals of cleaning as a reflection on the utility of a PAS.  It's just us, we swear. Articles for next week: Betz, A., Higbee, T.E., & Reagon, K.A.  (2008).  Using joint activity schedules to promote peer engagement in preschoolers with autism.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 41, 237-241.  doi: 10.1901/jaba.2008.41-237 Brodhead, M.T., Higbee, T.S., Pollard, J.S., Akers, J.S., & Gerencser, K.R.  (2014).  The use of linked activity schedules to teach children with autism to play hide-and-seek.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 47, 645-650.  doi: 10.1002/jaba.145 Akers, J.S., Higbee, T.S., Pollard, J.S., Pellegrino, A.J., & Gerencser, K.R.  (2016).  An evaluation of photographic activity schedules to increase independent playground skills in young children with

Subscribe on iTunes Subscribe on Google Play Subscribe on Stitcher Dr Allen Karsina drops by to share his research on choice.  We review some key facts in the literature on choice, how manipulations to choice-making schedules affect the value of choice, and whether we should believe the hype about choice.  Don't forget to listen all the way through to hear about exciting research using our family members as participants and for a delightful poetry jam to round out the episode.  You chose to subscribe. Articles discussed this episode: Karsina, A., Thompson, R.H., & Rodriguez, N.M.  (2011).  Effects of a history of differential reinforcement on preference for choice.  Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 95, 189-202. doi:10.1901/jeab.2011.95-189 Fisher, W.W., Thompson, R.H., Piazza, C.C., Crosland, K., & Gotjen, D.  (1997).  On the relative reinforcing effects of choice and differential consequences.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 30, 423-438.  doi:10.1901/jaba.197.30-423  Tiger, J.

Subscribe on iTunes Subscribe on Google Play Subscribe on Stitcher What does it mean when we talk about choice? We know choosing in life is important, but just how important? And how does choice factor into working with individuals with disabilities? Next week, special guest Dr. Allen Karsina joins us to share his research and insight onto the subject.  In the meantime your regular hosts get nostalgic about all the psych experiments they were subjected to as undergrads. And for anyone applying for CEs, we've created a new button so you can put your info right in on the webpage.  If you still don't see the "CEU Required Information" portion anywhere, just email us with the info. Articles for next week: Karsina, A., Thompson, R.H., & Rodriguez, N.M.  (2011).  Effects of a history of differential reinforcement on preference for choice.  Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 95, 189-202. doi:10.1901/jeab.2011.95-189 Fisher, W.W., Thompson, R.H., Piazza, C.C., Crosland, K., & Gotjen, D.  (1997)

Subscribe on iTunes Subscribe On Google Play Subscribe on Stitcher While we all try to teach individuals to use the potty in a day, what can we do after a week? We discuss research related to increasing the intensity of toilet training, transferring stimulus control, and using alarm systems before the conversation devolves into gross poop anecdotes and debates about archaic idioms.  You might think we've run out of ideas while listening to us rattle off every name we can think of for the toilet, but flush those thoughts away.  We eventually swirl back to some meaningful discussion about toilet training for children with disabilities.  Then back to potty humor.  It's our most mature episode yet. Articles discussed in this episode: LeBlanc, L.A., Carr, J.E., Crossett, S.E., Bennett, C.M., & Detweiler, D.D.  (2005).  Intensive outpatient behavioral treatment of primary urinary incontinence of children with autism.  Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 20, 98-105. doi:  10.1177/10883576050200

Subscribe on iTunes Subscribe on Google Play Subscribe on Stitcher Few practitioners can get through a year without needing to help a family or classroom with toilet training.  And we're guessing you've all read "Toilet Training in Less Than a Day."  But what should you do when those techniques don't seem to be working for you? Join us next week to find out! Articles to read for next week:: LeBlanc, L.A., Carr, J.E., Crossett, S.E., Bennett, C.M., & Detweiler, D.D.  (2005).  Intensive outpatient behavioral treatment of primary urinary incontinence of children with autism.  Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 20, 98-105. doi:  10.1177/10883576050200020601 Luiselli, J.K.  (1996).  A case study evaluation of a transfer-of-stimulus control toilet training procedure for a child with pervasive developmental disorder.  Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 11, 158-162.  doi:10.1177/108835769601100305     

We're going off the rails on the way to Dissemination Station this week in a discussion of trial-based functional analysis procedures and their place in the assessment of problem behavior.  Can this procedure provide sweet middle ground between the robust flavor of a full FA and the doughy, blandness of an FBA? All that and a discussion of which Hogwarts house Rob and Diana would be sorted into and what visuals Jackie uses to understand bar graphs. Articles discussed in this episode: Lambert, J.M., Bloom, S.E., & Irvin, J.  (2012).  Trial-based functional analysis and functional communication training in an early childhood setting.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 45, 579-584.  doi: 10.1901/jaba.2012.45-579 Austin, J.L, Groves, E.A., Reynish, L.C., & Francis, L.L. (2015).  Validating trial-based functional analyses in mainstream primary school classrooms.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 48, 274-288.  doi: 10.1002/jaba.208 If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode

Wish you could do a real functional analysis but don't think you have the time? Maybe a trial-based FA is just what you need? Next week we'll be discussing some updates to the literature on trial-based FAs and their possible use in the school setting. Articles to read for next week: Lambert, J.M., Bloom, S.E., & Irvin, J.  (2012).  Trial-based functional analysis and functional communication training in an early childhood setting.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 45, 579-584.  doi: 10.1901/jaba.2012.45-579 Austin, J.L, Groves, E.A., Reynish, L.C., & Francis, L.L. (2015).  Validating trial-based functional analyses in mainstream primary school classrooms.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 48, 274-288.  doi: 10.1002/jaba.208  

Is playing with students before presenting demands the secret to a great work session? We're joined by special guest Dr. Amanda Kelly, Behavior Babe herself, to answer this question with a detailed and in-depth discussion on her presession pairing research.  Not only do you get a behind-the-scenes tour of the research process and overcoming participant pitfalls, but also a heated discussion about whether Katie Perry or Angry Birds is the ultimate reinforcer.  If you learn one thing this week, its stop grabbing things from our learners! Articles discussed this week: Kelly, A.N., Axe, J.B., Allen, R.F., & Maguire, R.W.  (2015).  Effects of presession pairing on the challenging behavior and academic responding of children with autism.  Behavioral Interventions, 30, 135-156.  doi: 10.1002/bin.1408 If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, and the two episode secret code words to complete the purchase. Email

We're all jazzed up to announce our very first guest: Dr. Amanda Kelly, the Behavior Babe herself.  She'll be joining us on next week's episode to discuss her article on presession pairing. And Jackie congratulates the BCBAs of tomorrow. Articles to read for next week: Kelly, A.N., Axe, J.B., Allen, R.F., & Maguire, R.W.  (2015).  Effects of presession pairing on the challenging behavior and academic responding of children with autism.  Behavioral Interventions, 30, 135-156.  doi: 10.1002/bin.1408

It's a brand new episode in which we talk about how TAGteach can help Diana to play golf, Jackie to dance in the ballet, and Rob to coach Little League.  Will our intrepid hosts master these special skills? All this and Diana learns Japanese while Jackie previews her new Anne of Green Gables podcast. We even manage to talk about these articles! Quinn, M.J., Miltenberger, R.G., & Fogel, V.A.  (2015).  Using TAGteach to improve the proficiency of dance movements.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 48, 11-24.  doi: 10.1002/jaba.191 Persicke, A., Jackson, M., & Adams, A.M.  (2014).  Brief report: An evaluation of TAGteach components to decrease toe-walking in a 4-year-old child with autism.  Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44, 965-968.  doi: 10.1007/s10803-013-1934-4 If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, and the two episode secret code words to complete the purchase. Email us at aba

In preparation for this week's episode, Rob calls out Jurassic World for its poor representation of clicker training.  To balance the scales, we'll be discussing TAGteach and its application in learning motor skills.  Listen up, Hollywood! Articles to read for next week: Quinn, M.J., Miltenberger, R.G., & Fogel, V.A.  (2015).  Using TAGteach to improve the proficiency of dance movements.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 48, 11-24.  doi: 10.1002/jaba.191 Persicke, A., Jackson, M., & Adams, A.M.  (2014).  Brief report: An evaluation of TAGteach components to decrease toe-walking in a 4-year-old child with autism.  Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44, 965-968.  doi: 10.1007/s10803-013-1934-4 Remember, BCBAs, you can use the BACB portal to access many articles for free.

In this week's episode, we review articles on novel behavior.  Diana gushes over lag schedules and their effects on novel architectural features in children's play, Rob demands 21st-century learning for America, and Jackie wishes for her very own block building kit.  Then the gang gets cerebral in a discussion about creativity as behavior.  All that and the home version of the Novel Vocalizations Game! Articles reviewed in this episode: Goetz, E.M. & Baer, D.M. (1973).  Social control of form diversity and the emergence of new forms in children's blockbuilding.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 6, 209-217.  doi:  10.1901/jaba.1973.6-209 Cammillieri, A.P. & Hanley, G.P.  (2005).  Use of a lag differential reinforcement contingency to increase varied selections of classroom activities.  Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 38, 111-115.  doi: 10.1901/jaba.2005.34-04 Esch, J.W., Esch, B.E., & Love, J.R.  (2009).  Increasing vocal variability in children with autism using a lag schedule of reinfo