Association for Behavior Analysis International

Many researchers have replicated Practical Functional Assessment (PFA) and Skills-Based Treatment (SBT) procedures with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder; however, this has typically involved younger children, often who are language able. Currently, there is a gap in the literature involving adolescents and adults with severe disabilities attending residential programs. This presentation aims to discuss the lessons learned from the process of conducting PFA and implementing SBT with adolescents and adults with long and complex learning histories and how the practice has changed based on client performance. In addition, this presentation will also highlight a cultural shift of a school and residential program from its long history of using a caregiving approach with this population to a nationally-recognized program using evidence-based practices focused on safety, dignity, and rapport, to alter the life trajectories of the individuals that it serves. Participants will have the opportunity to view videos of program participants in their analysis and meaningful skill acquisition process as well discuss problems and solutions discovered along the way.

The audience should be familiar with functional assessment, synthesized contingency analysis, and skill-based treatment procedures