Back to the graphing paper

On Christmas Eve I was told I did not pass the boards exam. Unfortunate timing to say the least. It was hard to tell the family when they asked, because they all have been supportive through the whole process. Although it was difficult to admit failure it made me appreciate my family more than ever. 

For awhile I blamed myself. Why didn't you study enough? Why didn't you know enough to pass? Then I had to take a step back and realize that this exam is difficult for a reason. We train to work with vulnerable individuals and to become certified should not be a walk in the park.

So I have to get my butt back to The White Book and notecards. I will await my grade report and refocus. 

2014 was the year of......

I recently found a blog that asked 50 questions to help reflect on this past year. Here are just a few that I wanted to share:

If you had to describe your 2014 in 3 words, what would they be?
     Stressful and Rewarding

What was your favorite compliment that you received this year? 
    "You helped our family so much."

What was your favorite moment spent with your friends?
     Getting together with classmates before class to discuss anything but school work. Also              getting to spend more time with friends and family after graduating.

What was your biggest break-through moment career-wise?
    The moment when I knew how passionate I was for my field- when I to stand up for a                 student knowing full well that I could have been fired. My job is not about my own                     gratification but about doing what is best for each student/client I work with. 

What purchase turned out to be the best decision ever?
     Activity and coloring books (I would allow myself some time per day to do sudoku or make      inappropriate versions of Hello Kitty). Also tons of flash cards (I like studying old school). 

What new habits did you cultivate?
     I became more aware of the balance I needed- working out, hanging out with friends,                  studying, and taking some me time regularly. I stumbled a bit with this where all I would            focus on was school and letting everything/everyone else fall through the cracks. Now I              make it a point to balance as much as possible. 

What advice would you give your early-2014 self if you could?
     I would tell myself that the stress of graduate school will be worth it, and you are so lucky to      have such supportive family and friends. That the year will be overwhelming but it was              still one of the best years you could ask for. 

What or who had the biggest positive impact on your life this year?
     This has to go to my boyfriend, he was my rock all through school. He kept reminding me to      take a step back and trust that I will do well. Letting me vent for hours, hugging me when I        was crying from stress, and helping me make flash cards. His calmness and objectivity was        the best thing for me. 

And for 2015.....

 I hope that 2015 will be a year of creating myself career wise. I want to spend more time with my family and friends. I will continue self improving (less critical of myself, better stress management, have more fun, etc.) If 2015 could be half as wonderful as 2014 I will be an exceptionally lucky gal. 

Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!

How did writing a blog become aversive?

As you know I haven't written in awhile. I was going to write more posts to increase my fluency in ABA terms/procedures as well as a stress management system. When time came to take the BCBA exam (yes I actually pushed myself to take a scary 4-hour test) I could not bring myself to write about it. I was asked over and over by coworkers, family and friends "How did you think you did?" 

I appreciated all of their concern and well wishes but the fact of the matter is I have no idea how I did and I have been a ball of nerves since August. Taking that test not only gets me certified in my dream field but it also changes my work into a career. Something that I was dreaming of for the longest time now all of a sudden I feel anxious and scared. Going from a Behavior Therapist to a BCBA is a huge change- becoming a supervisor, writing IEP goals, conducting FBA's, etc. All of these new components to a job that I may be horrible at are closer than I thought. What if I don't do the obvious choice first for a student? How will I handle training multiple staff? How will I react to a difficult case or parent? 

All of these "what if" questions have been running through my mind and I couldn't shake them. Now that this coming week I will most likely get my results for the test my stress has become more intense. 

Now that being said I will deal with my issues and begin writing again. 

David Bowie we have to talk

So I talk a big game about behavior analysis and why is so important but I have forgotten to discuss the most crucial part of ABA: MEASUREMENT!!!

I have not discussed how we transfer an observable behavior into a data point. When I first started working in ABA I was taken aback by the fact that a BCBA could come up with such a clear definition of a behavior that allowed us BT's to know exactly when to record data. I studied psychology in undergrad and my professors made behavior out to be this trait that only humans had where there was no explaining it. Behavior is something humans do therefore they are the far superior beings on this planet. Move over Freud's Theory of the Human Psyche- Skinner got behavior on lock down. 

So how do you measure behavior?

There are three dimensional quantities of behavior

1. Countability: behaviors that can be counted
2. Temporal extent: how long a behavior lasts 
3. Temporal locus: when a behavior occurs 

Depending on what your target behavior is you pick one of these three properties to measure. Next you pick your type of measurement.

There are two classes of measurements

1. Continuous Measurement: records every instance of behavior (no alterations to the raw data).
2. Discontinuous Measurement: records only a sample of the behavior 

Finally you pick from the two classes the measure you will use to record your data:

Types of Continuous Measurement

1. Rate: the number of responses in a given time 
2. Locus: when and where the behavior occurs
3. Latency: elapsed time between onset of a specified stimulus and the onset of a response
4. Duration: the total amount of a time a behavior occurs 
5. Inter-Response Time: elapse time between the end of a response and the onset of another
6. Magnitude: the force of the behavior
7. Topography: physical form of the behavior 

Types of Discontinuous Measurement

1. Percent Correct: the amount of responses correct divided by the total number of responses 
2. Trials to Criterion: number of trials it took to meet performance criterion
3. Time Sampling: (partial, whole, and momentary) recording whether a behavior occurred during each trial or not

Confusing? Practical example time!!!

Direct

Rate: the number of times I say "dude" in one hour 

Duration: the amount of time I spent binge watching Law and Order SVU on Netflix *dun dun* 

Latency: how long did it take for me to answer your question about the Patriots game last week (the amount of time once you finished asking your question and me speaking). 

Inter-Response Time: You ask me to list 50 colors (the amount of time between each color response- I am partial to mac and cheese yellow)

Magnitude: how hard I would punch someone in the arm for spoiling the next season of Game of Thrones. 

Topography: how my happy dance looks (huge smile, arms extended towards the ceiling in alternating fist pump motion, legs are bending and stretching, and head is moving side to side). 

Locus: my car while driving is where I sing my heart (Adele always wants me to sing back up in Lola the Corolla).

Indirect

Percent Correct: I got 95% correct on a Buzzfeed quiz about Harry Potter trivia (Hufflepuff for Life)

Trials-to-Criterion: It took my boyfriend 4 games of Mario Party to beat me at 1st prize (no one beats Luigi- no one). 

Time Sampling: During an episode of Girls I rolled my eyes 26 out of the 30 1min intervals (too much hipster language for me). 

So remember we are never under pressure- we are under measure!!!

The Clowder of Cats Contingencies

Weird title, yes? I have heard over and over in schools that maintaining order in a classroom is like herding cats. Just imagine that for a minute: cats going every which direction and one poor individual to try to group them all together. How do you get them to comply AND learn?

Teachers I get where you are coming from! It is extremely hard to see 100+ students a day who you are responsible to teach and keep engaged in the material. You are expected to follow a lesson plan, remember every accommodation for students who need them, grade all of their work, stay in contact with the families, attend staff trainings....etc etc etc.

The last thing a teacher would want to do is to have a BCBA come in a say "Hey we are going to start to take data on the classes behavior." Now before you flip the table let me explain why and how simple it can be done.

GROUP CONTINGENCIES Y'ALL

What is a group contingency?
When reinforcement is provided for a group based on one or more of the groups responding.

Are there different types of group contingencies?
There are three types all have different protocol for the group to receive reinforcement:

• Independent Group Contingency: reinforcement is available for the whole group but is provided only to those who respond. 
• Interdependent Group Contingency: reinforcement is provided based on responding of the entire class (if everyone does it we all get a prize). 
• Dependent Group Contingency: reinforcement is provided based on the responding of one member of the group or a select group within the class.

Cool Meghan you just gave me a bunch of jargon, how does this apply to running a classroom?

Its time for a practical example

Target Behavior: you want to increase weekly test scores. 

Reinforcement: the class will not be given homework over the weekend (negative reinforcement)

Here's how each group contingency would provide reinforcement:

Independent: for each student who gets an 80% or above on the weeks test, they will not be given homework. Any student who has 79% or below will be assigned homework. 

Dependent: After the tests are scored the teacher will pick a test at random and if it has a score of 80% or above the class will not receive homework over the weekend. 

Interdependent: if everyone in the class scores 80% or above the whole class will not have homework over the weekend. Although if one member of the class receives a grade of 79% or below the entire class will be assigned homework. 

What else should I consider if I want to run a group contingency?

If using a dependent or interdependent group contingency make sure to put in safe guards for the student. Remember the entire class is counting on one person or a small group of people to get their reinforcement. If that student does not meet the criteria and the class losses out on reinforcement (no homework on the weekend) they could be socially punished by their peers. 

Here are some of the ways to ensure that this isn't punishing:

- Have a TA grade the tests and select one at random and put the grade on your desk (no name provided)

- Write down all of the grades on post-its, fold them up and put them in a hat. Have a student pick a piece of paper and reveal the grade. 

Also make sure that your target behavior is reasonable for the entire class. Your data will reflect if any student is repeatedly losing the opportunity for reinforcement. 

Lastly, make this fun for your students! With the right group contingency, clearly written protocol, and ethical considerations this is an easier/effective way to effect group responding. 

Now, who is excited about group contingencies?

Crunch Time

I officially have 17 days until I take the BACB exam. Which means I have turned into huge ball of stress. I have given up on meeting mastery criteria for the BDS Modules and strictly been working on SAFMEDS (Say All Fast a Minute Each Day Shuffled) and The White Book (Cooper, Howard, and Hewitt- you know whats up).  The last few weeks are going to focus on:

Ethics: one of the hardest parts of the exam due to the scenario questions and all of the components to the right to effective treatment.
Single Subject Research Designs: baseline logic, advantages/disadvantages, and when appropriate to use a design.
Teaching Procedures: history and criteria for each procedure (Personalized System of Instruction, Direct Instruction, Incidental Teaching, and Discrete Trial Training).
Motivating Operations: value and behavior altering, examples

Let's hope this is the only time I have to take this exam.

In other news here is my bucket list for November:

• Take the BACB exam
• Increase motivation for exercising 
• Reinforcement contingency for healthy eating 
• Make a bunch of Christmas presents (pictures coming soon)
• Plan fun autumn activities

Posts coming soon to help me review!

Its the most whimsical time of the year

My favorite holiday has to be without a doubt Halloween. The memories of dressing up as something clever, trick or treating with kids from the neighborhood until our feet killed, and trading my loot with my brother. Now that my trick or treating years are behind me I have found my passion for Halloween has only gotten better. Each year I (and the boyfriend) challenge ourselves to make creative and unique costumes.

This being the first year we are living together we are lucky enough to host a Halloween party. I am full of ideas for decorations and costume props. What is one thing on this list that you cannot wait to do?

Hello Autumn

Tis the season of the leaving changing, warm sweaters, and the smell of cinnamon is in the air: AUTUMN!

Also this is the season of the beginning of school. I have started getting used to my new job and I hope my students feel the same. There has been some hiccups here and there but overall I am feeling confident of my work. Although I have been a behavior therapist for a few years the amount of work can still be daunting. From IEP goals to managing behavior plans it can be stressful making sure that you are doing all that you can for your students.

That being said here is my autumn bucket list:

TRAVEL
- A day trip to Salem (witches, Halloween, and museums- oh my!)
- Apple Picking in New Hampshire
- Nature Hikes to see the foliage
- Watch a high school football game (go Tigers!)

HOLIDAYS
- Make an epic Halloween couples costume (Egon Spangler and Janine from Ghostbusters)
- Hand out candy for Halloween
- Make some delicious Thanksgiving side dishes/desserts
- FRIENDS-GIVING!

PROJECTS
- The Harry Potter banner (see above)
- Fun drink coasters
- Halloween/Thanksgiving decorations
- Begin working on Christmas presents

HEALTH
- Continue swimming and cycling twice a week
- Stay away from as much candy as possible around Halloween
- Focus on drinking more water
- Keep to a max of 4 coffees a week

CAREER
- Take the boards exam
- IEP work, behavior plans, and creating more effective data sheets
- Study ASL
- Become more active in the after school activities


When I am not working on the bucket list I will most likely be in footie pajamas sticking my nose in a book. Or looking something like this:

Where are you going? Where have you been?

So it has been close to a month since I have posted. There have been several life changes that have occurred that have left very little free time. Here is a run down:

Career: I am now a BT for a high school (of all places). The students so far are great, low levels of problematic behaviors. Most of my days are shadowing students in their assigned classes, assisting with homework, and collecting data for IEP goals. It is a completely new environment, there is so many different opportunities for these students from majoring in subject areas, after school programs, and the freedom of an open campus. The coworkers are super helpful and down to earth. The entire school staff seems to be friendly and most who are hired make a career within this school district. Also the BCBA that supervised me during the summer program will be working on my case load, yay having my work hours count.

Home: FINALLY I am moved into my new place with the boyfriend. It is taking some time getting used to each of our different schedules but it is coming along. It is great since we do have weekly activities put in place so we each get some solo time to chill. Also great news is we have an office where I have been able to begin studying for the boards again.

Personal Goals: With a job, a home, and health in check things are falling into place. I joined a gym where one of my classmates from Simmons goes to and we are planning a work out schedule. I am excited to get swimming, cycling, and running weekly. Also I am in the works of working some after school activities at work which should be a great experience.

As I begin studying I will be posting more about ABA theories and techniques. Furthermore, I will begin posting craft projects and all things autumn.

What is up with that?

So August I have a few questions already:

1. Why did I have to get rear ended when I was at a full stop by a woman eating a cheeseburger at 8am?
2. Why do I have to miss 3 days of work?
3. Why is whip lash so painful?

Luckily there was no damage to my car, but now I have to stay out the rest of the week at work. Ugh 3 days of no work makes Meghan a dull girl. I am not a very good patient because I am super fidgety even though I know I should be resting. Also I tend not to take meds even though I know they are prescribed to help. So I blog instead to get my mind off the fact that I cannot move my neck.

Summer camp is now in its final week and a half and I am sad but also excited. The kids have been so good this summer and my co-workers have been super helpful. The days go by so fast and half of the day is spent at the pool which is fun for everyone. Although now I can start thinking about my position come September. Meaning I still have to clothes shop (professional attire with high school kids) and make a map because that school is massive.

With September comes moving into the city. So much stuff to still go through to either donate or pack that my head is about to explode. Its game time for a bunch of life changes and I am stuck lying down perfectly still. Ugh help!

August Bucket List

I can't believe today is the first day of August! The summer has flown by with many ups and downs. Unfortunately my application for the BCBA exam was denied for August (thanks Simmons). After 3 weeks of playing email tag with the boards, one experience audit, and long winded conversation with Simmons about the errors- I get denied. For anyone that reads this blog, if you are completing your mentoring here are a few things you HAVE TO DO in order to be accepted.

1. Work 30 or more hours a week where a BCBA is overseeing you
2. Do NOT have group meetings more than once in a two week period
3. Your mentor meetings can only be 5% of your work experience for that week (so if you meet every two weeks you have to have a 3hr meeting to get the full 60 hours of work accounted for).
4. Make sure you save a hard copy of every single feedback form
5. When applying for the exam, submit an original copy of your EVF(s)
6. Start the modules EARLY as I had posted in the past, they are time consuming and the last thing you want is to feel rushed.

That being said, I am going to focus on the positives with my August Bucket List:

1. Studying: Now that I have a few more months to study I can take the modules at a less stressful pace as well as review CHH and other text. Goal for the modules= at least 60% complete
2. Moving: I will be moving closer to the city this coming September and I need to get a move on donating and packing. September 1st will be here before we know it!
3. Exercise: Focus on running 3 times a week and adding arm/abs to the routine
4. Work: I have 2 more weeks left for summer program! The experience has been wonderful but I am ready to have a week and a half off before the school year begins.
5. Reading: I will finish the current book I am reading The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime and begin reading a book from the stack of books I have collecting dust.
6. Blogging: I will focus on posting more terminology, interesting research, study tips, etc.
7. Craft: I have a list of crafts I have been meaning to make, this month I will at least make 2 of them (some are scrabble letter coasters, dry erase office calendar with paint chips, etc.)
8. Shopping: With my new job in the fall I need to rock the "business casual" dress code. This is new for me and I have to start the process of buying more appropriate attire. Looks like my days of yoga pants and converse are over!
9. Vacation: Plan a few fun things for my week off like going to the beach or hanging out with friends have not seen in a long time.

What are your plans for August? How are you preparing for the end of Summer 2014?

Delayed and Immediate Reinforcement for Running

This post is mostly for myself to keep up with my running routine. Lately with personal and work changes I need something consistent and a healthy alternative is the ticket. At first I was doing well with running at least three times a week, but within the past few weeks I have been slipping. So here is a list of delayed and immediate reinforcement from running:

IMMEDIATE:
1. Freeing up my inner dimension: I am so concerned about my pace, breathing, and dodging obstacles (other people, trash cans, dogs, etc.) that I have no time to think about life stressors.
2. Sweat it out: sweating can be conditioned to be a reinforcer
3. Environment: Running outside is a lot easier than being stuck on a treadmill due to the scenery. Living in a coastal town it is beautiful to see sail boats, sea birds, and other landmarks to take your mind off of the fatigue.

DELAYED:
1. Checking off of my schedule: I am an individual who is highly reinforced by having a To-Do list everyday. When running is on the schedule it is more reinforcing to check off the list.
2. Making progress: when you begin to run farther and farther distances it becomes more reinforcing to keep running. Whether its just adding .10 of a mile or accomplishing a hill sprint all of it will get me to be more motivated to put on those sneakers.
3. Restful nights sleep: Based on my summer schedule I run in the early evenings which makes falling asleep all the easier.
4. Common Interest: A few friends of mine have been running for years, so it can tend to come up in conversation. So when it comes to advice I have a pool of knowledge to go to.
5. Smiles: Mentalism, but running a few times a week makes me happy with myself. Is it self reinforcement? I think so! But I am happy with my healthy choices and appearance.

And last but not least: What is the one thing that is true about all humans? We can lie.

What other immediate/delayed reinforcers do you rely on to get off the couch?

How to relax after a long day a work.

Operational definition of relaxation: Any instance in which a Behavior Therapist is removed from the work environment and engages in a hobby or non-ABA related tasks. For example, after work Meghan blares show tunes in her car on the way home. A non example would be Meghan going to a library after work and studies ABA terminology for 4 hours.

I understand this definition needs some work but you get the overall picture. As you could tell this week has been long and somewhat stressful. I am still happy with my current position and the kids are great. But as any Behavior Therapists knows even good days require you to be fully committed to whatever student you are working on and taking full advantage of any training moment. Which can get draining at times.

I have come up with a list activities that help me relax after a long day:

1. Exercise: Now for most this sounds like the last thing they would like to do after a long day of working with kids, but hear me out. I am not putting any duration or magnitude requirements for working out. It could be something as simple as doing a plank for 1min or taking a walk. Recently I have been running outside, for me it causes me to focus on my pace/breathing to the point where I can no longer think about work. Then when you are done you have accomplished something and more relaxed to tackle whatever you like.

2. Spending time with a pet: The greeting when you get home from a dog is one of the most amazing happiness boosters in the world. My dog has a tendancy to run around the house 5 times, shake from the power of her tail wagging, and give you about 20 kisses before you even have a chance to put your bag down. After the shock of your arrival home, the dog will most likely lay right next to you and you end up mindlessly petting them into sleep. Relaxing for both parties

3. Binge Watching: I have to admit most nights I watch one episode of a show and by the end I can't keep my eyes open. Netflix has been my saving grace many a night when I could not calm down from work. Try watching something that doesn't require your full attention and full of jokes. My go-to shows are: Parks & Rec, Trailer Park Boys, and Freaks and Geeks. 

4. Craft Fest 2014: When in doubt and nothing else seems appealing I log onto Pinterest and craft up a storm. From no sew blankets to doodles of weird looking owls. Also all of this de-stressing crafting makes christmas time a lot cheaper/easier. Latest craft: Smash Booking (easiest way to spend sometime and put all of those random keepsakes to use).

Those are the major 4 activities that I do to relax after work. What do you do to zen out?

BDS Modules- Reinforcing or Punishing Study Behavior?

As I get closer to taking the boards exam I have noticed one thing- the modules by Behavior Development Solutions are very difficult! Now I thought the program for my masters was difficult but these modules requiring 100% accuracy is crossing the border to making studying highly aversive.

Now are they worth it? Let's break it down....

PROS
- SUCCESS: Based on data collected, the individuals who complete the modules are 90% or more likely to pass on the first try compared to those who just study from The White Book (CHH- like you didn't know).
- QUESTION FORMAT: all multiple choice and worded similarly to the questions on the current exam
- EASY NAVIGATION: broken down into subject matter making studying up to you
- FLUENCY & ACQUISITION: have to meet 100% on both in order to complete that module

CONS
- TIME CONSUMING: one afternoon I spent 4 hours and only completed 6% of the modules
- EXPENSIVE: for a 6 month membership you are paying close to $250 and it goes up and up if you want access for a year (this is on top of paying the application and testing facility fee for the exam).
- MASTERY CRITERION: having to get nothing less than 100% on every single acquisition and fluency section is difficult (some I had to retake multiple times because I would miss 1 or 2 questions).

I would recommend reviewing The White Book and notes from classes when studying to decrease the probability of burning out (learned this the hard way). What tricks do you use when studying for a major exam? What subject area in ABA is the most challenging to you (ethics is a tough one for me)?

In the end it will all be worth it! Also lets end with an ABA joke.

Can you have your edible reinforcer and eat it too?

Hello from the one who seems to never have time to write.....sorry.

I started my summer camp ABA job this past Monday and have been in a whirlwind of behavior plans, new faces, and sun burns (for me not the kids). In other words I love my new job. My previous job lacked the fundamental component of ABA that I love: the thoroughly and clearly written programs and behavior plans. 

Now does this make me sound like a nerd? Yes. Does this make me scream like Tom Cruise? Most of the time.

But in my defense I get excited when I see a students binder that has every step laid out I know that the amount of errors I or other behavior therapists will make is minimum. That in turn suggests that the student is making progress at a pace that is superior to the "wait and see" method.

Now it is overwhelming to get into a new job and have to obtain a ton of knowledge so I came up with a list of helpful tips on how to approach a new case load:

1. READ THE DEFINITIONS: This may seem obvious, but make sure that you focus on the definitions of each behavior so that you can record occurrences without doubt. Also focus on the functional communication pieces so that if your student is showing signs of agitation/frustration you can easily use the phrasing that has been effective in the past.

2. INTERESTS: know what your student likes and I am not just talking about reinforcer list. Talk with other therapists about what the student does for fun. It is always helpful to get this background information to help with building that report with the student right out the gate. Some questions to ask are:
- What is their favorite tv show? Music?
- Do they have siblings? Pets? Favorite relative?
- What do you do to get them back on track?

3. LOOK THROUGH STIMULI: The worst feeling is when you are scrambling to get all of the components for a program while your student waits. This can be detrimental to you as the BT because you lost any momentum you had prior to this program. Also the student might begin to exhibit behaviors during this time because there are no demands being placed. Always have the next program set up whether its putting the stimuli on the floor or keeping it in the pocket with the program sheet to ensure a smooth transition to work.

4. HAVE FUN: The first few times you work with a student they are not going to immediately respond to you. You have to make yourself appealing to them in order to provide social/academic demands. The first few sessions are just about you being a familiar face who occasionally brings the jokes.

5. MAKE A CHEAT SHEET: If your student has a crazy schedule or so many components to a behavior plan to make your head spin, write down a cheat sheet. Keep it in their binder or do not use any identifying information on it (confidentiality purposes). I write down time slots for services like speech, music therapy, occupational therapy, etc. Also I write down if there are any other specific durations to behavior management. Even writing down a list of things to put together before the end of the day helps. It is easier to look a one page note than the alternative.

Hope some if any of these tips are useful. Off to continue doing the BDS modules for the BACB exam (cannot wait to have this exam over with). Let me know of any other useful tips you do to make your job as a BT easier.

June Bucket List

The last two weeks of school for my kiddos has begun rather horribly. To alleviate some of the stress I have decided to make this post less about ABA and more about my bucket list for June:

Since May I have continued to up my physical activity, healthier eating habits, and completed many crafts projects. I have been so thankful to have spare time again to see friends from school and previous jobs that I have not seen in a long time. Studying for the boards exam has been alright but I know I can be pulling more hours. Last I have been reading on the weekends for leisure.

BUCKET LIST FOR JUNE:

- Turn in my application for the BACB exam
- Schedule in more time with friends from far and near
- Spend some time at the beach
- Complete at least 5 modules by the end of June
- Finish the current book I am reading
- Write thank you notes for everyone that was helpful at my current job
- Write more blog entries (I am aware I have been slacking)

Okay I lied I couldn't write this post without ABA. Good night!

Terminology Tuesday: Behavior Momentum

Let's talk some ABA with my favorite strategy: behavior momentum

Behavior Momentum is a antecedent strategy where you present a client/student with simple demands before a target task. The target task is the one that the client/student is currently learning and more difficult.

The momentum part of this is the instructor should provide the instructions/demands in a rapid order which allows the student/client to get praise/reinforcement quickly between each task. The high level of reinforcement increases the motivation for the student/client to comply with the target demand.

Is that enough terminology to make your head explode?! Let me apply it to everyday examples.

An example from my job: When teaching my student expressive color identification (the target task is "What color is it?- Purple"
"How old are you?"-->  "I'm 3" -->  Teacher gives a high five
"Touch nose" --> Student touches nose --> Teacher says "great job"
" What's your name?" --> "My name is Meghan" --> Teacher gives fist bump
"What color is it?" --> "Purple" --> Teacher gives high five praise

Example outside of work:
Going to the gym when running is the hardest part of the work out
First you do 10 burpees (because you are insane) --> easy no problem --> happy with yourself
Then you do 20 jumping jacks --> no sweat --> still happy with your work out
After you ride a mile on a bike --> complete the mile in 3 minutes --> happy with how successful you are with your completion of each physical activity
Last you run a mile on the treadmill (the target task)
** You felt accomplished after each successful task you are more likely to run your designated target**

Although I mostly use a highly contrived methods for behavior momentum when working with kiddos, there are examples where an individual can be the instructor and the client (intrinsic reinforcement, which is a topic for another Tuesday).

What is your favorite teaching procedures? Where do you see behavior momentum?

Struggle with The Job Switch/ May Bucket List

One major issue I have found when working in the field of behavior analysis, is the emotional toll it takes when switching a job. For most switching a job just focuses on changing pay, new co-workers, and different work environment. These are all honorable aspects to consider a new placement, but when your work is directly affecting lives of others it is difficult.

Now I am not glorifying behavior analysis as the only field that has this issue- doctors, therapists, teachers all have to face this. The rewards in these jobs are amazing- seeing the development of your clients based on your hard work. But there is also the horrible feeling you get when you tell a student/client you are leaving.

I have had reactions of joy, anger, and the worst rejection from clients and their families. Regardless of the emotions from the clients I still feel as though I stabbing each client and their families in the back. I feel as though I have become a monster in a matter of seconds. On the other hand I know that this is common for the field, I cannot be a therapist for the rest of my life and I hope that I will continue to make improvements (some by trial-and-multiple-errors) in others lives.

This coming week I have an interview for a summer program (and hopefully longer) in a near by town. Their ABA practices are highly developed for a public school system and well respected in the ABA field. I would love to develop a career there and the availability for elementary school staff is right up my alley. Come June if all goes as planned I have to tell my students whom I have been working with since early October that the fun train with Miss Meghan ends here.

So I ask, is there anyone out there that has perfected the script to let clients know you will not be returning???

BUCKET LIST FOR MAY (based off of The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin)

• Healthier decisions: So far I have traded my daily coffee to a protein shake, been using my gym membership at least 3 times per week, and packing only healthy options for lunch at work. 
• Reinstate Hobbies: I began reading for pleasure again (American Gods by Neil Gainman), planning craft projects, and began drawing again.
• Studying Habits: finishing up all mentoring book keeping, purchasing the BACB modules, and set a study schedule with a friend for the exam.
• Schedule in Friends: something I have put off during school was making time for friends, this shall be changing.

Let's Try This Again

About Me: I am a recent graduate of Simmons College Behavior Analysis program. I have been working as an ABA Therapist for 2.5 years and plan on taking the boards exam in August. After undergraduate school I thought I wanted to go into clinic psychology. Low and behold, one day I looked in the local paper- a job listing for a one-on-one ABA Therapist. Since then I have been hooked. Graduate school was not easy but it solidified my passion for working with kids.

I have wanted to write a blog for a few years now, but had no idea what to write about. Crafts? My love for Harry Potter? Work? Life?

I think now I have my niche- writing about journey to becoming a BCBA, interesting articles in the field, tips and tricks for ABA therapist, and anything in between.

Stay tuned