There Are No Easy Answers

“Building appropriate skills in combination with some of the interventions that we have discussed today are probably the best way for us to determine whether or not we are being effective in producing long-term change.”

William H. Ahearn, PhD, BCBA-D

Abstract 

Attention maintained? Automatically reinforced? Is it even dysfunctional? Dr. William H. Ahearn answers the main questions that evolve around stereotypy, one of the most controversial behaviors within the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. This CE highlights the importance of acknowledging and targeting stereotypy while focusing on supportive alternative responding techniques. Dr. Ahearn reminds the listener that stereotypy is a common behavior across all individuals, making its analysis and further study a question of interference with skill acquisition and normal living skills. This course provides empirical evidence, recent research findings, and anecdotes from Dr. Ahearn’s experience that will help the learner address stereotypy with a richer perspective. 

Learning Objectives

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

1. Define and identify stereotypy. 

• What is stereotypy? 

• Operant definition 

2. Measure and assess stereotypy using  

• Environmental enrichment 

• Functional analysis 

• Variations of the functional analysis 

3. Select and use techniques to address stereotypy while using 

• Alternative responding 

• Response competition 

• RIRD 

• DRO 

• Punishment and reinforcement  

• Establishing and abolishing operations 

• Preference Assessments 

4. Identify which combinations of procedures are most effective when treating stereotypy depending on individual cases. 

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.