Token Economy: 6 Steps on How to Set Up a Token Economy  The world we live in uses various token economies regularly where we earn money and exchange that money for something we want. In the field of  ABA, the token economy can be applied in the same way. Behavior Frontiers (2011), stated “a token economy is a system in which tokens are earned for appropriate behaviors and exchanged later for reinforcers.” This is a useful tool to work on an

• Tags: ABA therapy, Behaviors, reinforcers, Token economy, Tokens
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7 Best Qualities You Should Have as a Behavior Technician If you are interested in entering the field of ABA, the role of a Behavior Technician is a great starting point. As a Behavior Technician, you will play a pivotal role in the field of ABA because the primary responsibility is the implementation of a client’s behavior and treatment plan. The role typically includes a mixture of structure and flexibility and, therefore, some character qualities are important to have or

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ABA Job Interview: 7 Best Tips to Prepare Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a natural science and more diverse than some may realize. The science can be applied to human behavior, whether that’s within neurotypical, neurodiverse, or even geriatric populations. As someone who has worked in many roles within the field (i.e., behavior technician, RBT, BCaBA, BCBA, and special education teacher) and in many settings (home, community, clinic,

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4 Best Tips to Teach an Individual How to Use a Visual Schedule  Visual schedules can be commonly seen in a school environment, but it can also be beneficial in the home and community. According to the University of Utah, “visual schedules are an intervention that can help individuals with autism follow a routine, transition between activities, develop new skills, and reduce dependence on caretakers

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The 3 Most Asked Questions for ABC Data: What? Why? How?  ABC data is a type of data collection that clinicians and caregivers are asked to record quite often. Here we will discuss 3 questions that are often asked when someone is asked to record this type of data: What is it? Why do we need to record it? How do we collect data using this method?  1. What is ABC data collection?  The “ABC” in ABC data stands for Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence. There

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Top 3 Challenges for New Behavior Technicians  As Behavior Technicians, we have a multifaceted job description that comes with many successes and challenges. While helping our clients to learn often feels extremely rewarding, there are some aspects of the position make the learning curve steep for new Behavior Technicians. I have listed the top 3 challenges for new Behavior Technicians or people new to the field of ABA experience followed by my advice for conquering those challenges.   Applying Newly Learned ABA Strategies into Practice  After completing my training, I embarked on my new position as

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Using Preference Assessments to Motivate Individuals  Motivation is vital within the science of applied behavior analysis (ABA) because the interest of an individual is used as a strategy to motivate them to accomplish tasks which may not be accomplished (whether that’s due to a skill deficit, preference, or some other reason). As human beings, we all like different things. We are all naturally motivated by primary reinforcers (e.g., things that do not need to be learned such as food, water and warmth) as well as secondary reinforcers (which vary across individuals

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How to Identify the 4 Functions of Behavior  Any behavior that an individual displays always has a purpose or function behind it. By identifying the function of the behavior, it will assist to develop proactive and reactive strategies based on the problem behavior and teach the individual better and appropriate ways to communicate their needs based on that function. First, we will need to know what those functions are. There are 4 functions of behavior, which are:  Access  Escape  Attention  Sensory   A way that

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Top 10 Reasons to Study for the RBT Exam  There are many benefits that come from passing the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) exam. It may feel like a daunting task, but when you focus on these 10 reasons, you may get motivated to get started. We will discuss the top 10 reasons to study for the RBT exam.  Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a relatively new science and field. It is

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4 Best Strategies to Teach Handwashing  Handwashing is a self-help skill we use in our daily life and is a prevention method to decrease the spread of COVID-19. When teaching handwashing, here are 4 best strategies that will assist to successfully accomplish the skill:  Task Analysis: Breaking down the steps   Chaining: Determine how to teach the skill   Prompt Hierarchy: Teach by using least to most assistance   Reinforcement: Provide praise and reinforcement as you practice   Breaking Down the Steps  Before we start to teach handwashing, it is

• Tags: backwards chaining, chaining, completing tasks, COVID-19, forward chaining, Handwashing, model prompt, reinforcement, self-help skills, Task analysis, verbal prompt
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