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| Utilizing Rate of Skill Acquisition to Predict Learning Outcomes in Learners With Autism |
| Friday, May 23, 2025 |
| 4:00 PM–7:00 PM |
| Marriott Marquis, M4 Level, Independence A-C |
| Area: AUT/DDA; Domain: Service Delivery |
| CE Instructor: Ray Cepeda, M.Ed. |
| RAY CEPEDA (ABAskills, LLC) |
| Description: Understanding the rate of skill acquisition in learners with autism is pivotal for tailoring effective educational and therapeutic interventions. Using a case study, this presentation delves into the intricacies of measuring and analyzing the rate at which learners with autism acquire new skills, within and across skill domains. Calculating skill acquisition rates allows behavior analysts to make informed predictions about a learner’s future programming needs, facilitating more personalized and adaptive educational plans. This approach enhances the precision of educational planning and empowers behavior analysts to set realistic, yet ambitious, goals for their learners. Ultimately, the proper use of skill acquisition rates serves as a cornerstone for developing robust, evidence-based programming that maximizes the potential of learners with autism and informs decisions regarding increasing or decreasing treatment hours, and potentially the need for support in less restrictive learning environments. We will also discuss the correlation between early learning rates and long-term outcomes, demonstrating that faster initial skill acquisition is associated with greater gains in adaptive functioning and less restrictive educational placements. Attendees will receive the presentation in both hardcopy and digital formats. During the workshop, we will calculate rates of acquisition using a case study and a hypothetical example. |
| Learning Objectives: (1) Participants will be able to accurately calculate skill acquisition rates within programs and within and across skill domains; (2) Participants will be able to use calculated skill acquisition rates to predict future skill acquisition and development; (3) Participants will be able to apply skill acquisition data to adjust treatment intensity. |
| Activities: Workshop objectives will be met through a balanced presentation of lecture, guided practice, and group discussion. Core content will be taught via pre-programmed and live demonstrations of the strategies discussed. |
| Audience: The target audience should be behavior analysts and other educators involved in the development of individualized goals and objectives for learners with autism. Participants should have a basic understanding of program development for learners with autism and related developmental differences. |
| Content Area: Practice |
| Instruction Level: Intermediate |
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