The functional analysis is often recommended as a tool for clinicians to use to identify environmental causes of problem behavior to better inform subsequent treatment. However, the lack of concrete guidelines supporting the safe and practical application of functional analysis procedures often leaves clinicians in a precarious position having to choose between what is empirically supported and what is feasible. In this talk, I will introduce the Practical Functional Assessment (PFA), which was developed to address the growing concerns among clinicians and caregivers for a more compassionate and caring field. I will also discuss how clinicians can use the results of the PFA to design Skill-Based Treatments (SBT) that focus on teaching a host of skills to replace problem behavior, such as communication, toleration, and cooperation. The comprehensive PFA/SBT model addresses problem behavior while incorporating a compassionate and trauma-informed framework to maintain a safe environment with the individual’s choices overtly shaping their therapeutic experiences. I will go over a systematic guide for using the PFA/SBT model and provide implementation tips for successful application to the clients you serve.

Objectives

1. Participants will be able to define today’s ABA
2. Participants will understand how to conduct and collect data during the practical functional assessment
3. Participants will understand how to implement the skill-based treatment
4. Participants will be able to identify how to minimize escalation in problem behavior using choice

About the Presenter

Joshua Jessel

Dr. Joshua Jessel completed his master’s degree at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County where he worked with individuals who exhibited severe problem behavior on the neurobehavioral inpatient unit of the Kennedy Krieger Institute. He went on to earn his doctoral degree at Western New England University with his primary research focusing on the assessment and treatment of problem behavior with autistic children. Dr. Jessel continued to extend this line of research as a postdoctoral fellow at a clinic in Texas where he oversaw nearly 100 children admitted to an outpatient program. Dr. Jessel has currently authored over 50 research articles and chapters and continues his scholarship as an assistant professor at Queens College in New York City.