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| Progress Toward a Progressive Approach to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) |
| Saturday, May 24, 2025 |
| 12:00 PM–12:50 PM |
| Marriott Marquis, M2 Level, Marquis Salon 6 |
| Area: AUT; Domain: Service Delivery |
| Chair: Justin B. Leaf (Autism Partnership Foundation) |
| Discussant: Malika N. Pritchett (University of Kansas) |
| CE Instructor: Justin B. Leaf, Ph.D. |
| Abstract: Leaf et al. (2016) described a progressive approach to applied behavior analysis (ABA) in the context of autism treatment in which a behavior analyst takes a structured, yet flexible, approach to treatment that is responsive to the learner and includes on-going, in-the-moment analysis of teaching. This approach is distinguished from a conventional approach to ABA in that the main source of control of the interventionist’s behavior is the client and the client’s context. Although Leaf and colleagues’ discussion of a progressive approach to ABA was only published seven years ago, much has changed in the field of ABA and autism treatment. The purpose of this symposium is to discuss changes related to a progressive approach to ABA through a micro and macro lens. The first presentation will discuss research specifically related to the Cool versus Not Cool procedure and if and how additional research has contributed to the Cool versus Not Cool procedure being considered an evidence-based practice. The second symposium will discuss more general advances while citing peer-reviewed research throughout, as well as noting the great need for more clinicians and researchers to evaluate and implement procedures associated with the progressive approach to ABA. |
| Instruction Level: Intermediate |
| Keyword(s): autism, progressive aba, research, social skills |
| Target Audience: This symposium is designed for any behavior analyst providing or overseeing behavioral intervention for autistic individuals. |
Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will identify and describe the components of a research related to the Cool versus Not Cool procedure
2. Participants will identify and describe at least one method for assessing the research to determine if a procedure is an evidence-based practice
3. Participants will identify and describe progressive ABA in the context of autism treatment
4. Participants will be able to identify and discuss recent advancements in progressive ABA, including new procedures, instructional arrangements, reinforcement strategies, and data collection methods. |
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| The Cool vs. Not Cool Procedure: Toward an Evidence-Based Practice |
| JOSEPH H. CIHON (Autism Partnership Foundation) |
| Abstract: The Cool versus Not Cool procedure has continually been documented as effective within the behavior analytic literature (e.g., Leaf et al., 2012, 2015, 2016; Milne et al., 2017). However, one common criticism about its use is that the majority of research on the Cool versus Not Cool procedure comes primarily from one lab, which limits its consideration as an evidence-based procedure. The purpose of this presentation is to provide an overview of the research on the Cool versus Not Cool procedure including new and innovative research from different labs with different populations and targeting different skillsets. The research will be viewed and evaluated in the context of various standards for determining evidence-based practices. Suggestions for future research on the Cool versus Not Cool procedure will be provided to continue growing this body of literature and examining the conditions under which the Cool versus Not Cool procedure is effective, efficient, and preferred. |
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From Rigid Protocols to Flexible Frameworks: The Evolution of Progressive Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) |
| JULIA FERGUSON (Autism Partnership Foundation) |
| Abstract: Leaf and colleagues (2016) provided a definition and description of progressive applied behavior analysis (ABA) in the context of autism treatment in which a behavior analyst takes a structured, yet flexible, approach to treatment that is responsive to the learner and includes on-going, in-the-moment analysis of teaching. Since Leaf and colleagues’ publication, there have been many research and dissemination advancements across the domains outlined in the original paper. This includes advancements in the types of progressive procedures implemented, instructional arrangements, progressive reinforcement strategies, preventive functional analysis, progressive discrete trial teaching, data collection, progressive curriculum development, and staff training. The purpose of this presentation is to highlight these advances citing peer-reviewed research throughout. Although many advancements have occurred, there is still a great need in the field of ABA for more clinicians and researchers to evaluate and implement procedures associated with the progressive approach to ABA. The talk will conclude with a call to action for behavior analysts to move away from rigid, protocolized, and conventional ABA practices and move towards implementing progressive ABA. |
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