PSYC 6717 Discussion: Applied Behavior Analysis
Applied behavior analysis uses what we have learned from behaviorism and the experimental analysis of behavior to help create adaptive behavioral change to help improve our clients’ social functioning and quality of life (Walden University, 2021s). Working as an instructional aide in a closed special education classroom within a residential facility for kids with behavior problems paired with autism, intellectual disability, or both inspired me to go back to school for behavior analysis. Watching the positive impact good interventions can have has been extremely motivational, but in this sort of environment, where every single student has significant challenges, individual needs can be overlooked when someone else in the room is more out-of-control. I would like to return to this facility as a BCBA to help support and train the staff on effective classroom interventions to make sure each child receives they help they need. Every child is there to make progress and return home with improved social functioning. I would like to help facilitate that process.
Reference:
Walden University, LLC. (2021s). Science of behavior analysis [Video]. Walden University Blackboard. https://class.waldenu.edu
Discussion: Applied Behavior Analysis
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You have made a significant decision to further your formal education in the field of applied behavior analysis. You likely have an interest in behaviors and their relationship with the environment and a desire to learn and apply behavioral techniques that will help individuals achieve beneficial behavioral change. While applied behavior analysts work with individuals of different ages, the skills of an applied behavior analyst are especially needed with children with autism.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2020) reports that autism spectrum disorders (ASD) affect 1 in 54 children, representing a tripling of the prevalence rate since 2000. The respected and specialized behavior analysis assessment and intervention strategies you employ in your role as an applied behavior analyst can help autistic children and others with developmental issues to learn new skills and meet behavioral challenges.
For this Discussion, you will analyze your decision to embark on a course of study that will lead to your becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Reference:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among children aged 8 years — autism and developmental disabilities monitoring network, 11 sites, United States, 2016. Surveillance Summaries, 69(4), 1–12. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/ss/ss6904a1.htm
To Prepare
- Reflect on what motivated you to pursue a course of study that will lead to your becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
- Consider what professional goals you will have once you earn your BCBA.
By Day 4 of Week 4
Post a reflection addressing the following:
- What led you to decide to study behavior analysis?
- What experience do you have in behavior analysis?
- What work do you hope to do once you earn your BCBA and how might this impact your desire for positive social change?
Read your colleagues’ postings.
Note: For this discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by clicking on the To Participate in this Discussion link, then select Create Thread to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click on Submit, you cannot delete or edit your own posts, and cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking on Submit!
By Day 6 of Week 4
Respond to at least two colleagues’ posts by providing your perspectives on their professional goals once they earn their BCBA.
Be sure to support your posts and responses with specific references to behavior-analytic theory and research. In addition to the Learning Resources, search the Walden Library and/or the internet for peer-reviewed articles to support your posts and responses. Use proper APA format and citations, including those in the Learning Resources.
Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Note what you have learned and/or any insights that you have gained because of your colleagues’ comments.
