Training behavioral technicians to implement naturalistic behavioral interventions using behavioral skills training. (4th April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jimenez‐Gomez, Corina; McGarry, Kacie; Crochet, Emily; Chong, Ivy M.
• Is Part Of: Behavioral interventions. Volume 34:Number 3(2019)
• Page Start: 396
• Page End: 404
• Publication Date: 2019-04-04
• Subjects: behavioral skills training -- early intervention -- incidental teaching -- naturalistic behavioral interventions -- staff training; People with mental disabilities -- Behavior modification -- Periodicals; Behavior therapy -- Periodicals; 616.89142
• DOI: 10.1002/bin.1666
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1072-0847

Abstract

Abstract : Training behavioral technicians mainly focuses on teaching accurate implementation of structured behavioral intervention programs. Often behavioral technicians are unable to adequately promote their clients' learning in less structured environments, which can limit opportunities for generalization of the clients' skills to the natural environment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using behavioral skills training to coach behavioral technicians on the implementation of naturalistic behavioral interventions. Naturalistic behavioral interventions take advantage of naturally occurring situations to teach new skills and practice mastered skills in natural settings, thus promoting generalization across environments and in the presence of natural contingencies. Five behavioral technicians were trained to implement a novel protocol based on play therapy. Specifically, they were coached to engage in well‐defined positive behaviors during their interactions with clients (e.g., labeled praise). All participants reached mastery criteria, maintained skills at follow‐up, and demonstrated generalization of skills with novel clients.