RESUMO
PEAK is a language curriculum dedicated to expanding language via the science of behavior analysis. The present study sought to evaluate the extent to which a behavioral skills training (BST) program impacted treatment integrity for six direct care staff implementing the Promoting the Emergence of Advanced Knowledge Relational Training System (PEAK) with six individuals with autism. We used a 2-h workshop-like Behavioral Skills Training (BST; instruction, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback) targeting PEAK treatment integrity. The results indicate that BST improved overall procedural integrity for all staff. All learners with autism improved their total percentage of correct, independent responding specific to the targeted programs. Further, all (6/6) staff maintained integrity to PEAK at well above baseline levels and all individuals with autism maintained high levels of performance specific to the targeted programs. The importance of appropriate training and treatment integrity given the implementation of PEAK is discussed.
RESUMO
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) is a widely used diagnostic tool for the assessment of autism spectrum disorders. We compared interobserver reliability scores for observers using the existing guidelines for administration of the ADOS with those of the same observers using modified guidelines that included operational definitions for each area of observation. The results indicated increased mean interobserver reliability scores from 55.83 % using the existing guidelines to 84 % when using the modified guidelines and enhanced reliability scores for 3 of 3 clients with whom the ADOS was used. The guidelines are the following: integration of a highly effective diagnostic tool with ABA, the inclusion of a diagnostic tool may promote more comprehensive ABA services, more clearly define and identify areas of concern in autism, and impact implementation efficacy and reliability of assessments for individuals with autism.
