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| Behavior Analysis Integration Within the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Autistic Population and Other Community Considerations for Practitioners |
| Saturday, May 28, 2022 |
| 5:00 PM–5:50 PM |
| Meeting Level 2; Room 258B |
| Area: AUT/CSS; Domain: Service Delivery |
| Chair: Holly Barszcz (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology) |
| Discussant: Stephanie L Dille-Huggins (Cornerstone Autism Center) |
| Abstract: Access to communication, especially in one’s native language, remains a critical component in providing quality and ethically sound Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)-based intensive therapy. Research has shown that there is a considerable disconnect between the Deaf/Hard-of-hearing (D/HH) community and their ability to access ABA resources and therapies. Although specific assessment tools do not exist for D/HH children with autism, research is being developed to customize programming that aligns with the Verbal Behavior and Milestones Placement Program (VB-MAPP) to guide teaching skills and abilities across the verbal operants, as well as listener responding, social, and daily living skills in American Sign language (ASL). In addition, other programs have been created to support D/HH clients’ social customs and norms specifically related to Deaf culture and their community. Specifically, in three children diagnosed with autism, implementation of a modified VB-MAPP through discrete trial training (DTT) and natural environment training (NET) has aided in developing skills and abilities thus establishing substantial positive changes and increasing overall autonomy of these clients. |
| Instruction Level: Intermediate |
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VB-MAPP Integration Within the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Autistic Population |
| STEPHANIE L DILLE-HUGGINS (Cornerstone Autism Center) |
| Abstract: Access to communication, especially in one’s native language, remains a critical component in providing quality and ethically sound Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)-based intensive therapy. Although specific assessment tools do not exist for Deaf and hard of hearing (D/HH) children with autism, research is being conducted to customize programming derived from the Verbal Behavior and Milestones Placement Program (VB-MAPP) to guide teaching skills and abilities across the verbal operants, as well as listener responding, social, and daily living skills in American Sign language (ASL). Three children diagnosed with autism that were either D/HH received program instruction based on a modified VB-MAPP that aided in developing skills and abilities across D/HH clients thus establishing substantial positive changes and increasing overall autonomy of these clients. |
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| Behavioral Analytic Considerations When Working With the Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing Autistic Community |
| HOLLY BARSZCZ (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology) |
| Abstract: As practitioners, we have an ethical responsibility to learn of behavioral analytic considerations when working with the Deaf/Hard-of-hearing (D/HH) community to ensure that long-term, meaningful, and effective change is occurring across the individuals we serve from this community. The goal for any client upon starting intensive treatment within Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)-based therapy, is to transition that individual back to a less restrictive environment where they will thrive with the skills and abilities developed during hundreds of hours of individualized treatment; however, for D/HH individuals this is incredibly challenging without registered behavior technicians (RBT) and board certified behavior analysts (BCBA) proficient in American Sign Language (ASL), Deaf culture, and the Deaf community to provide quality and effective therapy and services. Through promoting access to effective treatment methods, it is critical that practitioners make accessible treatments, interventions, and methods of instruction designed for hearing autistic individuals accessible to the Deaf and autistic community. Through identifying and exploring these behavioral analytic considerations we align with our duty of cultural responsiveness. Through implementation of effective treatment methods, three children diagnosed with autism and that are D/HH have been taught deaf culture constructs in an effort to transition to a less restrictive setting. |
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