|
| Precursor Behaviors: Pathways to Predictive Insights |
| Saturday, May 24, 2025 |
| 3:00 PM–3:50 PM |
| Marriott Marquis, M4 Level, Archives |
| Area: DDA; Domain: Service Delivery |
| Chair: Joseph H. Cihon (Autism Partnership Foundation) |
| CE Instructor: Joseph H. Cihon, Ph.D. |
| Abstract: Precursor behaviors have been discussed in various ways within the behavior analytic literature. This symposium offers insights from a systematic literature review of precursor behavior research from 2000-2023 that analyzes the identification, functional relationships, and treatment applications related to precursor behaviors. Additionally, this symposium will highlight some of the inconsistent uses of the term “precursor behaviors” across domains of behavior analysis. Discussions will include various uses of the term “precursor behaviors” in behavior analytic literature and a conceptual discussion about the importance of clear terminology in research and practice. Topics will also include the importance of consistency in the use of technical vernacular in scientific research, clinical practice, and real-world settings for humans and animals. This symposium will conclude with a presentation of a pilot study of an online synchronous workshop aimed at training Registered Behavior Technicians serving children diagnosed with autism to define, detect, and document potential precursor behaviors. |
| Instruction Level: Intermediate |
| Keyword(s): challenging behaviors, literature review, precursor behaviors, staff training |
Learning Objectives: 1. Define precursor behaviors as articulated in behavior analytic literature
2. Describe some challenges related to inconsistent terminology within the behavior analytic community
3. Describe how training staff to identify precursor behaviors can improve outcomes in autism treatment |
| |
| A Systematic Literature Review on the Identification and Analysis of Precursor Behaviors |
| JAMAUN WILLIS (Positive Enlightenment), Nelson Perez (Endicott College) |
| Abstract: The identification of precursor behaviors, behaviors that reliably occur before severe problem behaviors, can be critical to identify. Identification of precursor behaviors can aid in preventing escalation with individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities. This systematic literature review examines the identification and analysis of precursor behaviors, focusing on their functional and temporal relationship to severe problem behaviors and their role in treatment. Thirty peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2023 were analyzed, revealing that precursor behaviors are often identified through caregiver reports and descriptive assessments. The review highlights the importance of precursor functional analysis and other assessment methods, such as trial-based probability analysis and interview-informed synthesized contingency analysis. Findings suggest that early intervention targeting precursor behaviors can considerably reduce severe problem behaviors, improving the quality of life for affected individuals. The review also addresses challenges in categorizing precursor behaviors and provides guidance for future research and clinical practice. |
| |
Word Police: When and Why Is It Important to Be Clear on Our Use of Technical Terms? |
| CHRISTINA A. ALLIGOOD (University of Kansas) |
| Abstract: Behavior analysts face many challenges when communicating with each other, with professionals in other disciplines, and with laypersons. For several reasons, it is important to be consistent with the definitions of terms used in our scientific literature. Yet, examples exist in which progress is slowed because of inconsistent use of terms. Another challenge is connecting different domains of treatment to the scientific literature. The discipline of animal training is an example of a domain in which a different vernacular has developed that includes terms used by behavior analysts but defined differently. The consistent use of terminology within the scientific community is critical for research and practice. Finally, communicating about behavior change with laypersons presents its own challenges. Many behavior analytic terms used to describe behavior change do not translate to layperson vernacular. Strategies for each of these challenges will be considered, with particular emphasis on appropriate circumstances for code switching. |
| |
The Effectiveness of an Online Synchronous Workshop on Teaching Registered Behavior Technicians to Detect and Document Potential Precursor Behaviors |
| Vanessa Lopez (University of Kansas), MALIKA PRITCHETT (University of Kansas), Richard G. Smith (University of North Texas), Claudia L. Dozier (The University of Kansas) |
| Abstract: Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder are at risk for developing challenging behaviors. To mitigate this risk, access to Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention and treatment of challenging behaviors is critical. One possible approach to preventing the onset of challenging behaviors is by training interventionists to detect and document potential precursor behaviors. In most autism clinic settings, Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) are at the forefront of service provision and are responsible for providing direct services including preventing and responding to challenging behaviors based on the child’s behavior intervention plan. Data collection is a critical skill for RBTs because the data collected about challenging behaviors is provided to the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and can serve as the basis for how the BCBA makes data-based treatment decisions. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the effectiveness of an online synchronous workshop, offered in English and Spanish, on teaching RBTs to detect and document potential precursor behaviors. |
|
| |