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Delgado D, Meindl JN, Al-Nasser T, Ivy JW. When Cultural Awareness Reveals Conflicting Cultural Values: A Pragmatic Approach. Behav Anal Pract 2024; 17:13-25. [PMID: 38405277 PMCID: PMC10891033 DOI: 10.1007/s40617-023-00826-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cultural awareness reminds ABA service providers of the importance of considering the cultural practices of others when programming for behavior change. Decisions about the appropriateness of services may be difficult, however, when the values of the client conflict with the values of the culture(s) to which the client belongs or with the cultural biases of the practitioner. To minimize such conflicts, we propose a decision-making model that integrates client-centered and culture-centered assessments of habilitative validity. Throughout the proposed evaluation process, the behavior analyst and the recipients of services collaborate to refine program goals that will increase access to reinforcers for the client and their cultural groups. Given that cultures arrange reinforcers and punishers for the individual, assessing habilitative and social validity for the cultural groups affected by services is emphasized as an essential component of the model. We illustrate how the proposed model could be used to suggest appropriate courses of action by analyzing a situation that may involve conflicts of values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Delgado
- University of Memphis, Ball Hall, # 401A, 3798 Walker Ave, Memphis, TN 38111 USA
| | - James N. Meindl
- University of Memphis, Ball Hall, # 401A, 3798 Walker Ave, Memphis, TN 38111 USA
| | - Thouraya Al-Nasser
- University of Memphis, Ball Hall, # 401A, 3798 Walker Ave, Memphis, TN 38111 USA
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2
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Pomales-Ramos A, Tokish H, Howard M, Straiton D, Ingersoll B. A mixed-methods examination of clinicians' perceived barriers to telehealth delivered applied behavior analysis. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1173644. [PMID: 37546433 PMCID: PMC10399227 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1173644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, clinicians relied on telehealth to ensure continuity of essential healthcare services, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Identifying barriers and examining them in the context of other implementation outcomes is important to support appropriate adaptations and sustainability of telehealth-delivered ABA services. Convergent mixed methods design was utilized to identify barriers experienced by ABA clinicians (N = 388) when delivering ABA services over telehealth to autistic children and their families following the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, barriers were examined in relation to telehealth implementation outcomes and intentions for continued adoption. Findings reveal that clinicians rated providing direct services (M = 3.52, SD = 1.14) as more difficult than conducting assessments (M = 3.29, SD = 1.06), and both as more difficult than providing parent-mediated interventions [(M = 2.47, SD = 1.11), F(2, 381) = 162.26, p < 0.001]. A principal components analysis indicated a 3-factor solution of barriers related to: (1) technology (α = 0.82), (2) administrative tasks (α = 0.88), and (3) client characteristics (α = 0.88). The most frequently endorsed barriers were related to client characteristics, including increased difficulty providing telehealth services to children who elope (M = 4.37, SD = 0.81), children who exhibit challenging behaviors (M = 4.31; SD = 0.83), and children who are in the preverbal stage or use nonverbal language to communicate (M = 4.07; SD = 1.00). Fewer barriers related to client characteristics uniquely predicted implementation variables including acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility. Thematic analysis revealed challenges related to technology, caregiver involvement, child engagement, implementation of intervention strategies over telehealth, and administrative or logistical barriers. These findings highlight the need for targeted strategies that facilitate telehealth use to address specific client needs and support the implementation of telehealth services in usual care settings.
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3
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Knopp K, Ferguson JL, Piazza J, Weiss MJ, Lee M, Cihon JH, Leaf JB. A Comparison Between Direct Telehealth and In-Person Methods of Teaching Expressive Labels to Children Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Behav Modif 2023; 47:432-453. [PMID: 36258670 DOI: 10.1177/01454455221130000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Recent behavior analytic research has demonstrated that the provision of applied behavior analytic services via direct telehealth can be an effective teaching modality for some learners with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Historically, teaching procedures based on applied behavior analysis (ABA), including discrete trial teaching (DTT), have been provided and evaluated via in-person delivery. This study sought to compare the implementation of DTT via direct telehealth to DTT implemented in-person within and across participants. Specifically, this study evaluated the two delivery modalities in terms of skill acquisition, maintenance, efficiency, and learner responding during teaching sessions. Results of an adapted alternating treatments design nested into a multiple baseline design demonstrated that all three participants diagnosed with ASD met the mastery criteria for the expressive labels taught. Areas of future research, participant prerequisite skills, and clinical implications will be discussed in the context of these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kandice Knopp
- Endicott College, Beverly, MA, USA.,Autism Partnership Foundation, Seal Beach, CA, USA
| | - Julia L Ferguson
- Endicott College, Beverly, MA, USA.,Autism Partnership Foundation, Seal Beach, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Matthew Lee
- Autism Partnership Foundation, Seal Beach, CA, USA
| | - Joseph H Cihon
- Endicott College, Beverly, MA, USA.,Autism Partnership Foundation, Seal Beach, CA, USA
| | - Justin B Leaf
- Endicott College, Beverly, MA, USA.,Autism Partnership Foundation, Seal Beach, CA, USA
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4
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Sabapathy T, Goss M, Borelli JL, Steinberg-Epstein R. A Pediatrician's Guide to Working with Children on the Autism Spectrum in Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Beyond: Retrospect and Prospect. Adv Pediatr 2022; 69:41-58. [PMID: 35985716 PMCID: PMC8979765 DOI: 10.1016/j.yapd.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented event with devastating effects on children and families, highlighting and broadening disparities in the care of children with developmental disabilities, while simultaneously catalyzing innovation. Children are vulnerable to the impacts of COVID-19, resulting in increased stress, anxiety, isolation, and health challenges, further amplified in autistic children and children with other neurodevelopmental disabilities. These children are uniquely vulnerable due to communication impairments, comorbid medical disorders, reduced adaptability, and reliance on therapeutic interventions. Abrupt reduction in services and access to care during the pandemic compromised physical and mental health and led to missed intervention opportunities at critical times. It is important to examine the effects that the pandemic triggered, address deficiencies, and recognize new opportunities to improve systems of care to prepare for unforeseen futures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thusa Sabapathy
- University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, The Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders, 2500 Red Hill Avenue, Suite 100, Santa Ana, CA 92705, USA.
| | - Megan Goss
- UC Irvine/CHOC Children's Hospital of Orange County, 505 S. Main Street, Suite 525, Orange, CA 92868, USA
| | - Jessica L Borelli
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, 4201 Social & Behavioral Sciences Gateway, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Robin Steinberg-Epstein
- University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, The Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, 2500 Red Hill Avenue, Suite 100, Santa Ana, CA 92705, USA
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5
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Ferguson J, Dounavi K, Craig EA. The Efficacy of Using Telehealth to Coach Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder on How to Use Naturalistic Teaching to Increase Mands, Tacts and Intraverbals. JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL AND PHYSICAL DISABILITIES 2022; 35:417-447. [PMID: 35919665 PMCID: PMC9334541 DOI: 10.1007/s10882-022-09859-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED There is a growing body of evidence supporting the use of telehealth to provide parent training in behaviour analytic interventions and researchers have begun to focus on international demonstrations of this model. The current study assessed the efficacy of a training package focused on naturalistic teaching strategies designed to upskill parents of children with autism spectrum disorder and provide them with ready to use strategies to increase social communication behaviours across verbal operants. Two parent-child dyads were trained to increase mand, tact and intraverbals during play. Parents displayed increases in fidelity for each strategy and viewed the training favourably. Both children showed gains across verbal operants, as captured by a multiple baseline across behaviours design. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10882-022-09859-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Ferguson
- School of Social Sciences, Education & Social Work, Queen’s University of Belfast, 69-71 University Street, Belfast, BT7 1HL Northern Ireland
| | - Katerina Dounavi
- School of Social Sciences, Education & Social Work, Queen’s University of Belfast, 69-71 University Street, Belfast, BT7 1HL Northern Ireland
| | - Emma A. Craig
- School of Social Sciences, Education & Social Work, Queen’s University of Belfast, 69-71 University Street, Belfast, BT7 1HL Northern Ireland
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6
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Ruppel PR, Juanico JF, Johnson KLD. The Effects of Remote Instructions, Rehearsal, and Feedback on Preference Assessment Implementation. JOURNAL OF ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/01608061.2022.2078455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paula R. Ruppel
- University of Kansas, Department of Applied Behavioral Science, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | - Jessica F. Juanico
- University of Kansas, Department of Applied Behavioral Science, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | - Kayt-Lyn D. Johnson
- University of Kansas, Department of Applied Behavioral Science, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
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7
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Kreysa H, Schneider D, Kowallik AE, Dastgheib SS, Doğdu C, Kühn G, Ruttloff JM, Schweinberger SR. Psychosocial and Behavioral Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children and Adolescents with Autism and Their Families: Overview of the Literature and Initial Data from a Multinational Online Survey. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10040714. [PMID: 35455891 PMCID: PMC9028372 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10040714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Since COVID-19 has become a pandemic, everyday life has seen dramatic changes affecting individuals, families, and children with and without autism. Among other things, these changes entail more time at home, digital forms of communication, school closures, and reduced support and intervention. Here, we assess the effects of the pandemic on quality of life for school-age autistic and neurotypical children and adolescents. First, we provide a comprehensive review of the current relevant literature. Next, we report original data from a survey conducted in several countries, assessing activities, well-being, and social life in families with autism, and their changes over time. We focus on differences between children with and without autism from within the same families, and on different outcomes for children with high- or low-functioning autism. While individuals with autism scored lower in emotional and social functioning than their neurotypical siblings, both groups of children showed comparable decreases in well-being and increases in anxiety, compared to before the pandemic. By contrast, decreases in adaptability were significantly more pronounced in autistic children and adolescents compared to neurotypical children and adolescents. Overall, although individual families reported some positive effects of pandemic restrictions, our data provide no evidence that these generalize across children and adolescents with autism, or even just to individuals with high-functioning autism. We discuss the increased challenges that need to be addressed to protect children and adolescents’ well-being under pandemic conditions, but also point out potentials in the present situation that could be used towards social participation and success in older children and young adults with autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helene Kreysa
- Social Potential in Autism Research Unit & Department of General Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.E.K.); (S.S.D.); (J.M.R.)
- Correspondence: (H.K.); (S.R.S.)
| | - Dana Schneider
- Social Potential in Autism Research Unit & Department of Social Psychology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany; (D.S.); (C.D.)
- DFG Scientific Network “Understanding Others”, SCHN 1481/2-1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea Erika Kowallik
- Social Potential in Autism Research Unit & Department of General Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.E.K.); (S.S.D.); (J.M.R.)
- Early Support and Counseling Center Jena, Herbert Feuchte Stiftungsverbund, 07743 Jena, Germany;
- Department of Psychiatry, Jena University Hospital, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Samaneh Sadat Dastgheib
- Social Potential in Autism Research Unit & Department of General Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.E.K.); (S.S.D.); (J.M.R.)
| | - Cem Doğdu
- Social Potential in Autism Research Unit & Department of Social Psychology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany; (D.S.); (C.D.)
| | - Gabriele Kühn
- Early Support and Counseling Center Jena, Herbert Feuchte Stiftungsverbund, 07743 Jena, Germany;
| | - Jenny Marianne Ruttloff
- Social Potential in Autism Research Unit & Department of General Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.E.K.); (S.S.D.); (J.M.R.)
| | - Stefan R. Schweinberger
- Social Potential in Autism Research Unit & Department of General Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.E.K.); (S.S.D.); (J.M.R.)
- Correspondence: (H.K.); (S.R.S.)
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8
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Parents Are People Too: Implementing Empirically Based Strategies During Daily Interactions. Behav Anal Pract 2022; 15:986-1000. [PMID: 35342509 PMCID: PMC8935904 DOI: 10.1007/s40617-022-00686-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in decision-making related to in-person versus remote behavior-analytic service delivery. For those service providers who shifted from delivering in-person therapy to remote consultation, parents have presumably, at least at times, assumed a role similar to a registered behavior technician (RBT). We suggest that behavior analysts recommend two empirically based strategies to parents that they could incorporate into their daily lives during service disruptions: environmental enrichment and differential reinforcement of alternative behavior. We provide examples of naturally occurring contexts during which parents could integrate these procedures: (1) self-care or daily living activities, (2) physical activity, and (3) preferred learning activities. We support selecting these strategies and their application during exemplar contexts under the premise that they do not result in additional time expenditure, afford parents opportunities to complete essential (household, work-related, or personal) tasks, and still result in therapeutic gains.
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9
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Terol AK, Lee JD, Martin MR, Meadan H. Online training for parents of children with developmental disabilities in a low‐resource community: A pilot feasibility study. JOURNAL OF POLICY AND PRACTICE IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/jppi.12417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Kaori Terol
- Department of Special Education University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Champaign Illinois USA
| | - James D. Lee
- Juniper Gardens Children's Project University of Kansas Lawrence Kansas USA
| | - Melanie R Martin
- Department of Special Education University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Champaign Illinois USA
| | - Hedda Meadan
- Department of Special Education University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Champaign Illinois USA
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10
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Maguire H, Harper JM, Gardner RM, Luiselli JK. Behavioral Training and Performance Management of Human Services Organization Care Providers During the COVID-19 Pandemic. ADVANCES IN NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2022; 6:340-348. [PMID: 35005217 PMCID: PMC8723703 DOI: 10.1007/s41252-021-00234-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Objectives This report describes a model of training and performance management that was designed for and implemented with care providers at a residential school for children with neurodevelopmental and intellectual disabilities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The model focused on health and safety concerns, risk mitigation, and intervention integrity. Methods Procedures followed an applied behavior analysis (ABA) and organizational behavior management (OBM) framework. Action plans addressed (a) critical COVID-19 protocols, (b) behavior-specific implementation guidelines, (c) remote and in-person training formats, (d) in vivo supervision, and (e) knowledge and performance assessments. Results A competency evaluation (field study) revealed that participant care providers (N = 25) acquired and maintained COVID-19 protocols at near 100% proficiency immediately following and 1-month post-training. Supervisors had uniformly positive approval and acceptance ratings of school responsiveness to the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions Integrated and evidence-based care provider training and supervisory practices can promote risk mitigation and performance effectiveness during health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. More controlled research that includes multiple dependent measures is needed to replicate and extend our findings to similar human services settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Maguire
- Clinical Development and Research, Melmark New England, 461 River Road, Andover, MA 01801 USA
| | - Jill M Harper
- Clinical Development and Research, Melmark New England, 461 River Road, Andover, MA 01801 USA
| | | | - James K Luiselli
- Clinical Development and Research, Melmark New England, 461 River Road, Andover, MA 01801 USA
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11
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Baweja R, Brown SL, Edwards EM, Murray MJ. COVID-19 Pandemic and Impact on Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2022; 52:473-482. [PMID: 33689088 PMCID: PMC7943706 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-04950-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 infectious disease pandemic has caused significant fear and uncertainty around the world and had significant adverse psychological impact. Children, adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are a particularly vulnerable population, impacted by stay-at-home orders, closures at nonessential services, and social distancing standards. This commentary describes various challenges faced by individuals with ASD in the United States including disruptions caused by educational and vocational changes, challenges to home and leisure routines, limited access to behavioral health services and changes in health services delivery due to the pandemic. We highlight the need for ongoing skills development for individuals and development within systems to better respond to needs of the ASD population in future emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raman Baweja
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavior Health, Penn State University College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, H073, Hershey, PA, 17033-0850, USA.
| | - Sierra L Brown
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavior Health, Penn State University College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, H073, Hershey, PA, 17033-0850, USA
| | - Erin M Edwards
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavior Health, Penn State University College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, H073, Hershey, PA, 17033-0850, USA
| | - Michael J Murray
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavior Health, Penn State University College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, H073, Hershey, PA, 17033-0850, USA
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12
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Bergmann S, Toussaint KA, Niland H, Sansing EM, Armshaw G, Baltazar M. Adapting Direct Services for Telehealth: A Practical Tutorial. Behav Anal Pract 2021; 14:1010-1046. [PMID: 34659652 PMCID: PMC8509939 DOI: 10.1007/s40617-020-00529-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the pandemic brought on by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), consumers of applied behavior-analytic interventions may be experiencing disrupted access to services. In response to the need for services, behavior analysts and therapists may find themselves treading unchartered waters as they use telehealth to provide direct intervention to consumers. Direct service provision via telehealth extends beyond the bounds of existing telehealth research, which primarily focuses on caregiver training and consultation. In the transition to telehealth, behavior analysts can consider how to adapt an existing evidence base of behavior-analytic strategies from a face-to-face format to intervention via a teleconferencing platform (i.e., Zoom). In this tutorial, we provide practice recommendations, task analyses, and a curated list of Zoom walk-throughs to help behavior analysts construct conceptually systematic learning opportunities in their direct telehealth services. Leveraging teleconferencing features to provide behavior-analytic intervention directly to consumers could spur future research to support these need-inspired practices and guide telehealth applications during and beyond the current pandemic. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40617-020-00529-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Bergmann
- Department of Behavior Analysis, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #310919, Denton, TX 76203 USA
| | - Karen A. Toussaint
- Department of Behavior Analysis, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #310919, Denton, TX 76203 USA
| | - Haven Niland
- Department of Behavior Analysis, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #310919, Denton, TX 76203 USA
- UNT Kristin Farmer Autism Center, University of North Texas, Denton, TX USA
| | - Elizabeth M. Sansing
- Department of Behavior Analysis, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #310919, Denton, TX 76203 USA
- UNT Kristin Farmer Autism Center, University of North Texas, Denton, TX USA
| | - Gabriel Armshaw
- Department of Behavior Analysis, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #310919, Denton, TX 76203 USA
- UNT Kristin Farmer Autism Center, University of North Texas, Denton, TX USA
| | - Marla Baltazar
- Department of Behavior Analysis, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #310919, Denton, TX 76203 USA
- UNT Kristin Farmer Autism Center, University of North Texas, Denton, TX USA
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13
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Martinez-Garcia M, Rabasa A, Barber X, Polotskaya K, Roomp K, Oliver N. Key factors affecting people's unwillingness to be confined during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain: a large-scale population study. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18626. [PMID: 34545107 PMCID: PMC8452645 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97645-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Population confinements have been one of the most widely adopted non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) implemented by governments across the globe to help contain the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. While confinement measures have been proven to be effective to reduce the number of infections, they entail significant economic and social costs. Thus, different policy makers and social groups have exhibited varying levels of acceptance of this type of measures. In this context, understanding the factors that determine the willingness of individuals to be confined during a pandemic is of paramount importance, particularly, to policy and decision-makers. In this paper, we study the factors that influence the unwillingness to be confined during the COVID-19 pandemic by the means of a large-scale, online population survey deployed in Spain. We perform two types of analyses (logistic regression and automatic pattern discovery) and consider socio-demographic, economic and psychological factors, together with the 14-day cumulative incidence per 100,000 inhabitants. Our analysis of 109,515 answers to the survey covers data spanning over a 5-month time period to shed light on the impact of the passage of time. We find evidence of pandemic fatigue as the percentage of those who report an unwillingness to be in confinement increases over time; we identify significant gender differences, with women being generally less likely than men to be able to sustain long-term confinement of at least 6 months; we uncover that the psychological impact was the most important factor to determine the willingness to be in confinement at the beginning of the pandemic, to be replaced by the economic impact as the most important variable towards the end of our period of study. Our results highlight the need to design gender and age specific public policies, to implement psychological and economic support programs and to address the evident pandemic fatigue as the success of potential future confinements will depend on the population's willingness to comply with them.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alejandro Rabasa
- Universidad Miguel Hernández, Centro de Investigación Operativa, Elche, 03202, Spain
| | - Xavier Barber
- Universidad Miguel Hernández, Centro de Investigación Operativa, Elche, 03202, Spain
| | - Kristina Polotskaya
- Universidad Miguel Hernández, Centro de Investigación Operativa, Elche, 03202, Spain
| | | | - Nuria Oliver
- ELLIS Unit Alicante Foundation, Alicante, Spain.
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14
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Jimenez-Gomez C, Sawhney G, Albert KM. Impact of COVID-19 on the Applied Behavior Analysis Workforce: Comparison across Remote and Nonremote Workers. Behav Anal Pract 2021; 14:873-882. [PMID: 34345376 PMCID: PMC8320716 DOI: 10.1007/s40617-021-00625-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
With the abrupt transition to observing physical distancing as a result of COVID-19, applied behavior analysts were faced with the sudden need to modify their service delivery model, while at the same time managing personal difficulties brought about by the pandemic. The present article provides a description of the impact of COVID-19 on the behavior analyst workforce currently providing clinical services in the United States. We conducted a survey to assess work conditions, burnout, and productivity of behavior analysts at various certification levels. These data provide a snapshot of the impact of COVID-19 on the workforce. Overall, one third of the participants reported experiencing job insecurity, and almost half of participants reported decreased productivity and increased burnout, with remote workers more severely affected. Taken together, these factors could compromise the ability of behavior analysts to adequately provide services to their clients. We provide recommendations for behavioral health agencies for supporting staff during extreme situations such as a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Jimenez-Gomez
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Auburn University, 226 Thach Hall, Auburn, AL 36849-5214 USA
| | - Gargi Sawhney
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Auburn University, 226 Thach Hall, Auburn, AL 36849-5214 USA
| | - Kristin M Albert
- The Scott Center for Autism Treatment and Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Florida, USA
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15
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Baumes A, Čolić M, Araiba S. Comparison of Telehealth-Related Ethics and Guidelines and a Checklist for Ethical Decision Making in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Behav Anal Pract 2020; 13:736-747. [PMID: 32837709 PMCID: PMC7430127 DOI: 10.1007/s40617-020-00475-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) services have been provided primarily in the fields of health care and education across various settings using an in-person service delivery model. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the necessity of and demand for ABA services using telehealth have increased. The purpose of the present article was to cross-examine the ethical codes and guidelines of different, but related fields of practice and to discuss potential implications for telehealth-based ABA service delivery. We reviewed the telehealth-specific ethical codes and guidelines of the American Psychological Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the National Association of Social Workers, along with the related ABA literature. These organizations addressed several useful and unique ethical concerns that have not been addressed in ABA literature. We also developed a brief checklist for ABA practitioners to evaluate their telehealth readiness by meeting the legal, professional, and ethical requirements of ABA services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Baumes
- Positive Behavior Support Corporation, Honolulu, HI USA
| | - Marija Čolić
- Special Education Department, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI USA
| | - Sho Araiba
- Positive Behavior Support Corporation, Honolulu, HI USA
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Dubuque EM, Yingling ME, Ranade ES, Dubuque ML. Creating an Automated Health Attestation System During the COVID-19 Pandemic with Microsoft 365. Behav Anal Pract 2020; 13:799-810. [PMID: 33014310 PMCID: PMC7521569 DOI: 10.1007/s40617-020-00495-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying and isolating individuals infected with COVID-19 are critical steps in stopping the spread of the coronavirus. Until widespread testing and contact tracing systems are implemented, alternative methods must be considered. One way that organizations can protect employees and clients is by creating their own automated health attestation systems. These systems could be used to reduce the spread of the coronavirus by asking providers and consumers to self-identify COVID-19 exposure, as well as to help mitigate liability for organizations by asking providers and consumers to agree to follow relevant policies and acknowledge the risks inherent in providing or receiving services. The purpose of this article is to outline the steps for creating this type of health attestation system using Microsoft Office 365.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick M Dubuque
- Department of Special Education, Early Childhood, and Prevention Science, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY USA
| | - Marissa E Yingling
- Kent School of Social Work, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY USA
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