As a therapist, your primary role is not to eliminate undesirable behavior; rather, it is to first set up alternative, healthy behavior patterns that the client can then use to slowly replace the other patterns.
A skill acquisition plan is like a special guide that helps teach new skills to kids. It makes the process easier by using scientific inventions to make learning new things easier.
The role of Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) in implementing SAPs is fundamental. They collect data based on which a Behavior Analyst formulates a plan. Once again, under the guidance of this analyst, the RBT technician implements the plan. Here is a brief guide on what is done and how.
Contents
Understanding Skill Acquisition Plans
The term is defined in the healthcare industry as ‘A structured guide designed to teach specific skills through seeing defined goals, breaking down complex tasks into easy steps.’ Skill Acquisition Plans are used in treating various mental disorders, including:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Intellectual Disabilities
- Down Syndrome
- Learning Disabilities
Successful SAPs include certain areas of care that make the experience understandable and positive for the client:
- Goals and Objectives: Specific skills to be learned.
- Teaching Procedures: Methods and steps for instruction.
- Reinforcement Strategies: Rewards to encourage progress.
- Data Collection Methods: How progress will be tracked.
- Prompting Strategies: Types of assistance to guide learning.
- Generalization Plan: Ensuring skills are used in different settings.
- Target Skills and Behaviors: Highlighting specific areas of growth and focusing on behavior change
There is nothing like a preformulated SAP. Each SAP is unique and takes into account the specific environmental, occupational, and cultural expectations that surround the client. Sometimes, the plan is pushed back to meet the clients’ other needs, which is important.
The Role Of RBTs In Implementing SAPs
An RBT professional does not primarily formulate the plan. This is the task of the Behavior Analyst. However, they play three essential roles:
- Following the skill acquisition plan to teach specific skills to the individual.
- Tracking and recording the individual’s progress and response to the teaching methods.
- Providing feedback to supervisors, helping to adjust and refine the plan as needed based on observed progress.
Their work happens in collaboration with Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and other team members, each of whom has a specific role. The care team might include social workers, special educators, nurses, etc., who should be kept informed about the work in progress.
Adhering to Skill Acquisition Plans ensures consistent and effective therapy by providing a structured and scientific approach. It also helps us come up with alternative strategies in case something is not working.
Best Practices for Compliance
As beginner-level RBT professionals, we must thoroughly learn and remember the best practices for compliance and effective SAP implementation.
Thorough Understanding of the SAP
We must spend enough time (this can take up to a few days initially) to understand the SAP from the perspective of the client. This can include revisiting the case history and other reports. Whenever we have confusion about what is intended in the plan, we must confirm with the BCBA.
Consistent Data Collection
If we do not consistently collect data, we might miss out on the problems the client is facing and also on the milestones they have been able to reach. If we don’t communicate this with the educators and the BCBAs, the client might be at a disadvantage.
Effective data collection and analysis include:
- Using Consistent Measurement Tools ( ABC Data Collection, Duration Recording, Frequency Counts, etc)
- Record Data Promptly and Precisely
- Analyzing Trends for Progress Insights.
- Adjusting the Plans Based on Findings (always after informing the Analyst)
Fidelity in Implementation
As professionals in charge of implementing SAP, we must follow the procedures exactly as written. Often, RBTs can get carried away in the zeal of doing something unique, but we must avoid experimenting on the spot because this may do more harm than good.
Even if the sessions and environment are different, we must use standardized materials and training instructions to maintain consistency in our plan.
Regular Communication With Supervisors
It is crucial to keep supervisors informed about progress and any challenges. We should also take all feedback seriously and improve our strategies based on it. We can participate in supervision meetings and training sessions to get a better idea of how to do our jobs.
Continuous Professional Development
Ongoing professional training and learning can be achieved by regularly reading research papers, other professionals’ experiences, guidance articles, online material, etc. We can attend seminars and workshops for hands-on understanding.
Challenges And Solutions
RBTs face certain challenges when working on the SAPs with the client. Primarily, these include:
- Lack of clarity or understanding of the plan
- Inconsistent implementation
- Difficulty in data collection
To overcome these issues, we must keep our focus on communicating clearly and obtaining new knowledge to support our understanding and existing training. We can do so by:
- Enhanced training and supervision
- Use of technology and tools for data collection
- Building a strong support system within the team
Ethical Considerations
Since the RBT professional is in direct contact with the client every day and can influence them the most, the professionals must follow strict ethical guidelines. These ethics are meant to keep the vulnerable client safe as well as stop the professional from making sub-optimal choices.
The BACB’s Code of Ethics was recently updated in 2022 and includes many new aspects, such as treating the client with dignity and respect and obtaining proper informed consent.
Conclusion
While leading skill acquisition training, the professional must remember the true goal of Skill Acquisition—to develop self-management skills that increase the client’s ‘functionality’ in certain areas of life.
To know the best day-to-day practices, we professionals have to stay in touch with the latest research and guidance in the field of ABA through continuous learning and keeping an open mind for the best practices possible.
