Reinforcement-Based Interventions for Problem Behavior in IDD

“You can develop a highly effective treatment that works beautifully in a well-controlled space, but if that intervention is not practical and is not something that people are willing to do, it simply will not be adopted.”

 Iser G. DeLeon, PhD, BCBA-D

Abstract 

While interventions for the treatment of problem behavior have shown to be effective in clinical settings, these same interventions may be difficult to carry out in the natural environment. In this course, Dr. Iser G. DeLeon describes the variables that influence the practicality and sustainability of caretaker-implemented interventions. Dr. DeLeon begins the course by discussing how the nature of the target behavior, environmental resources, and individual goals influence the selection of problem behavior interventions. Next, Dr. DeLeon describes generic guidelines for treatment selection and lists common interventions for problem behavior maintained by positive, negative, and automatic reinforcement. Dr. DeLeon then describes the benefits, potential problems, and considerations for adoption of various treatment arrangements, including extinction, noncontingent reinforcement, DRA/FCT, and DRO procedures. 

Learning Objectives—What you’ll learn in the course and be able to do afterward 

1. List three questions to ask when considering the person and target behavior during intervention selection. 
2. List three questions to ask when considering the environment, resources, and systems during intervention selection. 
3. List two questions to ask when considering individual goals and expectations during intervention selection. 
4. Describe the two generic guidelines for treatment selection. 
5. List three common interventions for problem behavior maintained by positive, negative, and automatic reinforcement. 
6. Describe the benefits, potential problems, and considerations for adoption for each of the following treatment arrangements in natural environments: 

• Extinction 
• DRO 
• NCR 
• DRA/FCT 

Partnership

This course is delivered through Florida Tech. Clicking "Enroll Now" will take you to Florida Tech’s website where you can Add to Cart, Checkout, and complete the course. Come back to our website for podcasts, blogs, courses, and content.