Training residential staff to conduct trial-based functional analyses

Area of Science:

• Behavioral analysis
• Developmental disabilities services

Background:

• Functional analyses are crucial for understanding behavior in adults with developmental disabilities.
• Training challenges exist for implementing complex assessments like functional analyses in residential settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To train supervisors to train house managers in conducting trial-based functional analyses.
• To evaluate the effectiveness and procedural fidelity of this training model.

Main Methods:

• A training program was implemented for 6 supervisors.
• Supervisors then trained 9 house managers to conduct trial-based functional analyses.
• A nonconcurrent multiple baseline design was used for evaluation.

Main Results:

• The training enabled house managers to conduct trial-based functional analyses.
• High procedural fidelity was achieved in the implementation of the analyses by house managers.

Conclusions:

• Supervisors can effectively train direct care staff in conducting trial-based functional analyses.
• This training approach enhances the capacity for behavioral assessment in residential services for adults with developmental disabilities.