Reference no: EM133878715

Assignment:

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To design and evaluate procedures for maintaining desired behavior change following an intervention, it's crucial to consider strategies that reinforce and sustain the behavioral improvements achieved during the intervention phase. Here's a step-by-step outline based on principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA):

Schedule Thinning:

• Definition: Schedule thinning involves gradually reducing the frequency of reinforcement for a behavior.
• Implementation: After a behavior has been reliably established, begin to reduce the frequency of reinforcement. Move from a continuous reinforcement schedule (CRF) to an intermittent schedule (e.g., fixed-ratio, variable-ratio, fixed-interval, or variable-interval schedules).
• This helps maintain the behavior as the individual becomes accustomed to receiving reinforcement less frequently.
• Evaluation: Monitor the behavior to ensure it remains consistent despite the reduced reinforcement. If the behavior declines, consider increasing the reinforcement temporarily before attempting schedule thinning again.

Transferring to Naturally Occurring Reinforcers:

• Definition: This involves incorporating naturally occurring reinforcers present in the individual's environment to maintain the behavior.
• Implementation: Identify natural reinforcers in the individual's environment that could support the desired behavior. For example, social interactions, satisfaction, or intrinsic enjoyment can serve as natural reinforcers. Pair these with the behavior so that over time, the naturally occurring reinforcers maintain the behavior without external, programmed reinforcement.
• Evaluation: Track the sustainability of the behavior when natural reinforcers are used. Adjust as necessary to ensure the behavior persists without the need for contrived reinforcers.

Generalization of Training:

• Definition: Ensure that the behavior occurs across various settings, people, and times.
• Implementation: Train the behavior in multiple environments and with different individuals. Use different stimuli to ensure the behavior is not situation-specific.
• Evaluation: Assess the consistency of the behavior across these different conditions. If the behavior is not generalized, introduce additional training sessions in varied contexts.

Fading:

• Definition: Gradually removing prompts or cues that were initially used to establish the behavior.
• Implementation: Reduce assistance over time, such as physical, verbal, or visual prompts, until the behavior occurs independently.
• Evaluation: Observe whether the behavior continues without prompts. If prompts are still needed, fade them more slowly.

Booster Sessions:

• Definition: Periodic reintroduction of the intervention to reinforce behavior maintenance.
• Implementation: Schedule occasional booster sessions to reinforce the behavior, especially if you notice any decline.
• Evaluation: Measure changes in behavior post-booster to determine the effectiveness and adjust the frequency and type of boosters accordingly.

Self-Management Strategies:

• Definition: Encouraging the individual to take responsibility for monitoring and reinforcing their own behavior.
• Implementation: Teach individuals to set goals, self-monitor, and self-reinforce their behavior. This empowers them to be more autonomous in maintaining the behavior change.
• Evaluation: Track the individual's ability to manage their behavior over time. Offer guidance if self-management proves challenging.

By systematically applying these ABA principles, behavior can be maintained effectively even post-intervention. Periodic evaluation ensures that the strategies are working as intended and can be adjusted to address any challenges in maintaining behavior change.