Procedural fidelity is an important component of behavioral intervention programs. The "Train-to-Code" software was used to teach skilled observation of implementation of three types of discrete-trial programs, and improvement to procedural fidelity was assessed. Participants completed a training package that involved coding video…

Differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) is a common strategy for escape-maintained behaviors targeted for reduction (i.e., targeted behavior) exhibited by youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. DRA often involves various methods of prompting to ensure the instruction or task remains in place until contingencies…

Many of the youth with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) who are served within alternative education settings experience behavioral challenges including displaying behaviors of concern while having difficulty demonstrating the expected behaviors. Through the low-intensity behavioral strategy of precorrection, staff in alternative education…

This paper aims to inform other practitioners working with students with autism spectrum disorder about how to create and implement activity schedules for use in schools. This paper includes a review of research regarding the effectiveness of activity schedules on on-task behavior and the ability to transition. Creating these schedules has been…

Without effective support, students with disabilities experience more exclusionary discipline and benefit less from classroom instruction. Students with disabilities can benefit when teachers implement key classroom positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) practices (e.g., prompts, opportunities to respond, and specific praise), but…

Behavior analysts are expected to provide high quality services to autistic individuals/individuals with ASD. Quality behavior intervention requires the interventionist to demonstrate critical thinking skills, in-the-moment analysis, flexibility, and clinical judgment (J.B. Leaf et al., 2016a; J.B. Leaf et al., 2016d, Soluaga et al., 2008). Yet,…

Previously applied research has shown independent manding is not likely to emerge when functional communication training (FCT) is implemented in conjunction with dense schedules of noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) but does emerge when it is implemented after NCR schedules have been leaned. One interpretation of these data may be that participants…

This paper presents results from an experimental evaluation of an intervention designed to enhance virtual student support. During the 2019-2020 school year, randomly selected mentors in a school-based mentoring program received monthly reminders with tips for communicating with youth via text, email, and phone. Unexpectedly, the results showed…

In this article, the authors introduce precorrection as a feasible, effective strategy for teachers and families to use to increase engagement and minimize disruptive behavior in a range of learning contexts. The authors provide step-by-step guidance to illustrate how precorrection can be used by teachers in in-person and remote learning…

Objective: To apply behavioral economics strategies (i.e., placement changes and signage) to nudge university students' healthy dining hall eating. Participants: A convenience sample of 4208 students exiting a university dining hall were asked to take a brief survey on meal selections. Methods: Three unique nudges (related to beverage, snack and…

Sleep problems are frequently reported by parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with prevalence estimates of 44-83%. While it is important to address any underlying medical or psychiatric issues that contribute to sleep challenges, establishing good sleep hygiene is considered a good first step, which often includes establishing…

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have increased risk for developing challenging behavior. One particularly dangerous topography of challenging behavior is rapid eating. Rapid eating can lead to increased risk for choking and obesity as well as negatively impact social interactions during mealtimes (Anglesea et al.,…

Introduction: Little is known about the effects of specific behavioral strategies to reduce stereotypy and self-injury for learners with sensory impairments and additional disabilities. Method: A single-subject, multi-treatment withdrawal design was used to test the isolated and combined effects of physical prompting to engage in object…

A single subject multiple probe design across participants was used to examine the effects of distributing trials in shared stories on listening comprehension and skill acquisition with students with significant cognitive disability (SCD). The results suggest a functional relationship between the independent and each of the dependent variables. In…

Functional communication training (FCT) is an evidence-based practice for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that can be implemented by practitioners in school settings. However, few studies have explored effective and sustainable training approaches to support paraeducators in their implementation of FCT. The purpose of this study…