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.