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| Preference and Reinforcement: The Keys to Maximizing Productivity With Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder |
| Tuesday, November 14, 2017 |
| 9:15 AM–11:15 AM |
| Scene C, Niveau 0 |
| Area: AUT/DDA; Domain: Applied Research |
| CE Instructor: Richard B. Graff, Ph.D. |
| RICHARD B. GRAFF (The May Institute) |
| Description: Behavior analyst practitioners, teachers, and parents use reinforcement-based procedures with individuals with autism spectrum disorder and developmental and intellectual disabilities to increase desirable behavior and to reduce undesirable behavior. The ultimate success of these procedures depends on the clinician's ability to a) identify effective reinforcers and b) arrange their delivery in an effective fashion. Understanding how to identify reinforcers, which is critical to designing and implementing effective reinforcement-based interventions, requires a working knowledge of preference and reinforcer assessments. This workshop reviews different preference assessment methods that have been published in the behavior analytic literature, how to identify stimuli to include in assessments, and the prerequisite skills required for each assessment. Variables that influence preference assessment outcomes are then reviewed, including the effects of pre-assessment motivating operations and differential consequences following selection responses. A brief introduction to different methods commonly used to assess reinforcer efficacy is provided, and variables that influence the effectiveness of reinforcers are reviewed. Next, recently published peer-reviewed research on innovative methods to train staff and parents how to implement commonly used preference assessment procedures will be reviewed; protocols and data sheets for implementing these assessments will be provided to attendees. |
| Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the workshop, participants will be able to: (1) describe three different preference assessment methods; (2) describe the prerequisite skills required for each preference assessment; (3) describe three different reinforcer assessment methods; (4) name at least two factors that affect the efficacy of reinforcers; (5) describe potential solutions to changes in reinforcer value. |
| Activities: Workshop objectives will be met through a balanced presentation of lecture, group discussion, and live and/or video demonstrations. Supplemental materials will be provided in order to support participant learning. |
| Audience: This workshop is designed for behavior analyst practitioners who work with individuals with autism spectrum disorder and developmental and intellectual disabilities. |
| Content Area: Practice |
| Instruction Level: Intermediate |