How do I choose the right data collection method?

I am a first-year teacher in a self-contained classroom. I appreciate how data can guide my decision-making and help me better assess progress. Nonetheless, I feel a bit overwhelmed and would welcome some general guidance on what type of data to collect and when. Answered by Shira Karpel, MEd, BCBA and Shayna Gaunt, MA, BCBA…

A Research Review of the Zones of Regulation Program

Mason, B. K., Leaf, J. B., & Gerhardt, P. F. (2024). A research review of the Zones of Regulation Program. The Journal of Special Education, 57(4), 219-229. https://doi.org/10.1177/00224669231170202 Reviewed by: Nicole Radzilowicz, MEd, BCBA, LABA and Mary Jane Weiss PhD, BCBA-D Endicott College and the Association for Science in Autism Treatment Why research this topic? The Zones…

Evaluating a Treatment without Extinction for Elopement Maintained by Access to Stereotypy

Boyle, M. A., Bacon, M. T., Brewer, E. M., Carton, S. M., & Gaskill, L. A. (2020). Evaluating a treatment without extinction for elopement maintained by access to stereotypy. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 53(3), 1531-1541. DOI: 10.1002/jaba.682 Reviewed by: Samantha Van Dean, BA, and Robert H. LaRue, PhD, BCBA-D  Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers…

Can Psychotropic Medications Be Safely Reduced?

I am the parent of a 29-year-old man who has a long history of aggression that has been controlled with heavy amounts of multiple medications. I am not sure if this is realistic, but do medications used for behavior ever get reduced? If so, how can that happen? Is there anything I should look for in a residential…

Review of Let’s Make a Contract

Katherine O’Keefe, BA Association for Science in Autism Treatment For parents looking for a new resource for creating positive behavior change through contracting, look no further than Drs. Jill C. Dardig and William L. Heward’s new book, Let’s Make a Contract. Two respected professionals in the field of child and family development, Dardig and Heward…

What is Functional Communication Training?

My student Molly is nonvocal. Whenever I assign independent worksheets, Molly will often refuse to work by ripping up the assignment, throwing her pencil, or putting her head down. There are also times when the students are working and I have to take a phone call or am helping another student, and she screams. I…

How do self-injurious behaviors develop?

I am a new teacher who will have a student with some self-injurious behavior entering my classroom next year. Although his behavioral intervention will be overseen by a board certified behavior analyst, I would like a general understanding of how certain behaviors develop into self-injury. Answered by Ennio Cipani, PhD Like yourself, many teachers will…