Episode 290 - Skill-Based Treatment w/ Dr. Cory Whelan
Oct 23, 2024
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Joining the discussion is Dr. Cory Whelan, a speech-language pathologist and board-certified behavior analyst known for his work in practical functional assessment and skill-based treatment. He delves into how skill-based treatment follows assessments, sharing personal anecdotes and professional insights. The conversation covers effective strategies for enhancing safety and communication in behavioral treatment. Dr. Whelan also highlights the nuances of implementing skill-based treatment in educational settings, emphasizing the importance of tailoring approaches to individual needs.
Skill-based treatment emphasizes skill development in communication, cooperation, and tolerance to enhance behavioral outcomes for individuals with challenging behaviors.
The practical functional assessment is crucial in SBT as it identifies the function of problematic behaviors, enabling tailored and safe interventions.
The enhanced choice model fosters trust and autonomy by allowing individuals to withdraw from overwhelming situations, thereby promoting a safer learning environment.
Deep dives
Introduction to Skill-Based Training
Skill-based training (SBT) focuses on developing important skills related to communication, cooperation, and tolerance of disappointment in individuals with challenging behaviors. It builds on existing concepts within behavior analysis, particularly those related to functional assessments, to enhance treatment outcomes. This approach is particularly useful for individuals who struggle with severe behavior, as it emphasizes safety, dignity, and the ability to engage meaningfully with their environment. By incorporating various teaching strategies tailored to the individual, SBT aims to create a comprehensive treatment environment.
The Role of the Practical Functional Assessment
The practical functional assessment (PFA) serves as a cornerstone for skill-based treatment by identifying the function of problematic behaviors in a safe and controlled way. It utilizes an interview-informed synthesized contingency analysis to carefully analyze behavior in relation to specific contexts. The PFA allows practitioners to design tailored interventions without placing the individual at risk, thereby increasing the overall success rate of treatment. As practitioners shift towards this methodology, questions arise regarding the implications for traditional functional assessments.
Benefits of Enhanced Choice Model
The enhanced choice model is an essential element of SBT that incorporates the idea of providing individuals with the option to withdraw from situations when needed. This model allows individuals to escape overwhelming scenarios, which helps in reducing anxiety and challenging behaviors. By honoring personal autonomy, it fosters trust and rapport between the individual and their implementer, thus creating a safer environment for learning. This sense of control can significantly enhance an individual's engagement in the therapeutic process.
Personal Experiences and Case Studies
Case studies illustrate the practical application of SBT, showcasing its implementation in various settings, including telehealth environments during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, an individual named Sachin was successfully supported through SBT techniques, demonstrating significant behavioral improvements under parental guidance and remote supervision. These case studies reveal the effective integration of communication and cooperation skills in real-life situations, further validating the approach's applicability. Such real-world examples enhance understanding of how SBT can be operationalized across diverse contexts.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite the successes of SBT, challenges remain in scaling the approach to broader educational and therapeutic settings. Limited resources and the need for trained implementers pose significant barriers to widespread adoption. Future research should focus on large-scale studies to assess the effectiveness of SBT across different populations and contexts, determining where it may or may not be effective. Addressing these issues is vital for integrating SBT into mainstream behavior analytic practices and ensuring it can be adapted to meet diverse individual needs.
Implications for Practitioners
Practitioners are encouraged to consider how SBT can be adapted to their unique contexts while maintaining fidelity to its principles. Understanding the importance of flexibility, they must navigate challenges such as varying degrees of reinforcement availability and the complexity of behaviors. By focusing on what works best for their clients, practitioners can prioritize client dignity and effectiveness in treatment delivery. Ultimately, receiving ongoing training and sharing practical experiences can enhance the collective understanding of effective implementation strategies within the SBT framework.
Despite having done multiple episodes on the PFA, we’ve never actually talked about what happens next in treatment. Fortunately, amazing clinician (and nicest BCBA in the biz) Dr. Cory Whelan joined us to put the kibosh on our CAB chain questions. From Branch 1 to 100, we get the scoop on just how skill-based treatment works and why you too might want to master these steps.
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 abainsidetrack@gmail.com for further assistance.
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