Assignment 9

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School

Capella University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

5006

Subject

Psychology

Date

Jun 13, 2024

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docx

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Uploaded by BrigadierStraw29312

ABA is Life Sandra.Banuelos School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Capella University PSY5006: Foundations of Theory and Practice for Master's ABA Learners Dr. Anesa Doyle December 11, 2022 1

ABA is Life In 2019, I decided to change careers from entertainment to social services. Specifically, I wanted to work with adults and children that are diagnosed with Autism. This change was predicated on several personal realizations. First and foremost was a desire to do something meaningful for the betterment of society. While the entertainment industry was fun it was somewhat hollow in that respect. My life challenges have proven that with proper guidance and assistance, nothing is impossible. I came to realize any disorder or diagnosis can be successfully addressed if treated. As a result, I decided to redirect my life to serving others. Throughout the past three years I have worked on the administrative side of Applied Behavioral Analysis where I could ensure that all clients received their prescribed treatment hours. Although I do not have 1:1 experience with clients, I have gained understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder by creating relationships with Clinical Directors, Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) and even Behavior Technicians. They have provided me insight to the application of Applied Behavioral Therapy. After scheduling sessions for clients to receive traditional ABA services, School, -Based Behavioral Services, working for Enhanced Behavioral Support Homes and currently working for one of the 21 Regional Centers in California. I have witnessed first-hand the benefits of therapy for clients with challenging behaviors and how they can progress with the right clinical team and the program implementation. ABA is highly intriguing, satisfying and meaningful work to help others especially given my life experiences. I am an example that you can progress and accomplish your goals with the right assistance and support provided by a healthcare team. After careful consideration and my previous positions and current positions I decided to pursue my master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis in hope to be a helping hand for children and adults. I hope to become a BCBA and one day own my own ABA. 2

Goals and Action Plans As I begin my studies at Capella University to obtain my Masters in Applied Behavioral Analysis with a specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorder my goal is to complete my degree in Spring of 2024. In January 2023, I will begin working toward my required supervised 2000 hours, with planned completion by June 2024. This will allow me to sit for the BCBA board exam. To ensure I complete the 12 class Capella program per my plan, I will be taking two classes each quarter. In order for me to accomplish these goals I have to maintain outstanding grades, participate in classes or school related activities. This will prepare me with the knowledge I need to achieve my goals. Additionally, I will hone my time management skills so I can attend school and do the related work in an efficient manner. As soon as I obtain my degree and BCBA certification, I plan to work for a distinguished agency where I can work alongside experts to learn and benefit from their considerable experience. Once I have gained the required knowledge, I plan to establish my own Applied Behavior Analysis Agency. I will implement different methods, provide direct intervention across home, school, and community settings to better assist my target clientele. As a practitioner-scholar, I will make sure to explore behavioral interventions used in ABA and non-ABA treatment plans to treat those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). My goal is to also research and understand why behaviors are being triggered. I would like to research the environment that clients live in and their family’s behaviors or even mental disorders aligned with their developmental delays. My ultimate goal is to become a well- recognized Board- Certified Behavior Analyst who operates her own company. This company will be recognized as one of the premiere entities in the ABA field whose reputation is to put the patients before profit. 3

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Application and Research Vision Throughout the time that I have worked in the administrative side of ABA I have desired to do something for the betterment of society and for those who lack understanding of Autism. Growing up in a Mexican household and Mexican/Latino community, it was very difficult for my family and community to recognize the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. I envision becoming a Board-Certified Behavioral Analyst who can work with a community that is predominantly Mexican/Latino descent. Unfortunately, our Mexican/Latino background lacks knowledge to recognize autism related behavior based on our culture and beliefs. I’ve encountered diverse people who come from Mexican/Latino descent who don't understand what their child’s needs are and ignored them throughout the process. Sadly, parents don’t understand what their child is trying to communicate, and they believe that the child or adult is having a tantrum or is just behaving badly. Unfortunately, I have witnessed how sometimes these parents’ reprimand or even physically discipline their children because they don’t know what is wrong with the child. I have also talked to my parents, family members and or neighbors and they have expressed how they are not aware what autism is because it is not recognized nor understood in Latin America. Latin America lacks educational and medical services due to the countries not investing in these resources. Even families who migrated to the United States years ago still don’t take action because they continue the habits learned in their foreign countries regarding developmental delays. However, based on what I have learned these past years with the work I have done in ABA I have been able to guide families to schedule their prescribed therapy sessions. Additionally, I have become well versed in the myriad of funding sources to assist the families in paying for their therapy. The main funding resources for my target demographic include Medi-Cal and regional centers here in California. My knowledge allows me to advocate for families and 4

inform them of all the services that are available to support them in addressing their medical needs. The literature reviewed throughout this course has provided me with a steppingstone to what Applied Behavior Analysis entails. The readings both expanded upon what I already knew and exposed me to topics of which I was not aware. As such, I am better able to understand the needs of individuals who live in foreign or rural areas. The course related literature has also increased my desire to read further on topics related to my area of interest. This will allow me to learn from the efforts of others, keep abreast of current research and apply the latest methods in support of my clients. Evaluate Literature Reliability, Credibility, and Value In order to evaluate literature, we need to make sure we can identify the source. We also need to assess the credibility of the source. Items such as author, the author's credentials and school association provide the information to help make this assessment. Upon reading literature, we need to ensure it is academically written, impersonal and neutral. While reading a literature one needs to make sure the information being provided is not opinion based but is factual. Additionally, we can also evaluate literature by identifying the coverage in the reading, such as identifying if the literature meets your needs and if the topic is fully covered in depth. Literature is important in the Behavior Analysis field because ABA practitioners work with a varied clientele population. It would not be possible for any one ABA to have personal experience with all types of autistic clients and the associated therapy. The purpose of literature is to document the research methods and results on specific topics that have been performed in the field. Such literature allows others in the field to review, assess, and benefit from this research. Understanding that literature is important in behavioral analysis because it 5

provides insight into different strategies and methods that could be used such as; interventions and applied behavioral practices. Functions, Responsibilities, and Ethical Considerations BCBA are responsible for diagnosis, treatment plan development, implementation and evaluation of persons with ASD. This includes such items as coordination with medical professionals as needed, developing family participation in the plan implementation, treatment options, and ongoing behavior assessment. This assessment includes feedback from the client and the family as appropriate. BCBAs also are responsible for coordinating with their respective clinics, providing data needed for funding and insurance purposes, and adhering to applicable state and federal standards. Ethically, BCBA must maintain the highest standards with regards to client care. These standards are documented in the “Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts” and are enforced through the Code-Enforcement Procedures. The standard lists four core principles: Benefit Others, Treat Others with Compassion, Dignity, and Respect, Behave with Integrity, and Ensure Competency. It is my personal responsibility to know the details of each principle and always act accordingly. Additional resources to guide my professional and personal actions when dealing with my clients includes the “Capella Compassion Code”. My career plan requires more than just the current Capella program. I have to pass the BCBA exam and the California Law and Ethics exam. I will also need to obtain necessary business licenses to start my own agency. Critical Thinking and Effective Decision Making Like any profession, just knowing the facts is not enough. I need to continue to develop critical thinking and decision-making skills so I can best apply my knowledge and experience in each case and for every client. Critical thinking and evidence-based practices 6

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will assist in assessing the client’s needs and developing the appropriate treatment plan. Decision making will be critical in assessing the effectiveness of the treatment program and making changes as necessary to enhance client care and outcome Conclusion “The first step to becoming a trusted professional is to be able to identify characteristics of rare individuals. A trusted professional is a person who above all else, is honest in her dealings with others, is fair in her assessment of difficult situations (i.e., unbiased, not judgmental), and does not place blame but rather used her behavior analytical skills to find workable solutions that are fair for all parties.” (per J. Bailey & M. Burch, 2009, p. 216-217) I believe there is a strong need for trusted professionals to provide effective ASD treatment, especially in the Mexican-Latino community. As noted previously, this is where I plan to focus my effort. As a product of that environment, I am very aware of the cultural norms, sensitivities, and struggles in modern day America. Furthermore, I am fluent in Spanish and can easily communicate the benefits of ASD treatments. Per SIG Espanol on the “Association for Behavior Analyst International'', this is a critically needed skill. This background, coupled with my academic and professional credentials, will allow me to operate as the “trusted professional” to a currently underserved. As I move forward with my vision, I will continue to develop myself both personally and professionally. In my company, I will hire those who share my passion and vision. Due to recent events, telehealth has become more accepted as a way to deliver health related services. This holds for ASD treatment as well. I intend to become more versed in this delivery method of services, as it will help me reach a greater number of my target demographic. However, this method is not fully mature at this point. Per J. Pollard et al, 20201, “Additional research is needed to investigate the direct implementation of ABA treatment via both synchronous and asynchronous telehealth modalities, including optimal 7

session timing, dosage and structure.” I will proceed with appropriate caution as I develop my practice. I recognize that I am only a few steps into this journey to realize my vision. The excitement and passion I currently feel to serve my community only encourages me to work harder. Personal experience has shown me just how important it is to provide those in need with the proper support, professional treatment, and guidance so that everyone can reach their potential. 8

References Association for Behavior Analysis International. (n.d). Special interest groups. https://www.abainternationla.org/constituents/special-interests/sig- home.aspx Bailey, J., & Burch, M. (2009). 25 Essential skills and strategies for behavior analysts : Expert tips for maximizing consulting effectiveness. Routledge . Be havior Analyst Certification Board. (2020). Ethics code for behavior analysts [PDF] . https://www.bacb.com/ Capella University.(n.d). Capella compassion code. https://courseroomc.capella.edu/bbcswebdav/instituion/PSY/PSY5006/220401/ Course_Files/cf_capella_compassion_code.pd Pollard, J. S., LeBlanc, L. A., Griffin, C. A., & Baker, J. M. (2020). T he effects of transition to technician‐delivered telehealth ABA treatment during the COVID-19 crisis: A preliminary analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 54(1), 87–102. DOI:10.1002/jaba.80 9

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Assignment 9

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