Response to Resa Video

       I found St. Claire County's video on functional behavior assessments very informative and valuable.  I think it was consistent with the information given by Glasberg in that it emphasized the importance of thoroughly asking and answering questions regarding the problematic behavior: questions that address when and where it takes place, who else is present in the setting, triggers and antecedents, and the consequences that follow the behavior.
       I also agree with the emphasis placed on the use of descriptive language in order to define behavior as opposed to using generic words such as "non-compliance".  Operational definitions of behavior should not be written in a way that leave the definition open to interpretation.  They should be defined in a way such that anyone who reads it will be able to identify exactly when the problematic behavior is occurring.  
       I think Zima was also on target when he stated the importance of always making sure to develop a new adaptive behavior to replace the problematic one.  I think it's common for teachers and parents to focus more on extinguishing problem behaviors rather than teaching adaptive ones.  If the only effort is to decrease the problem behaviors, then it's likely new problem behaviors will develop-- that is, if no effort is put forth to increase adaptive behaviors.
      I find the hypothesis to be a useful tool in working to address problem behaviors of students with ASD because this is how we develop the appropriate intervention plan in order to correct the problem behavior.  This where the assessor(s) combine the information regarding antecedents, behavior, and consequences in order to determine why and when it occurs. 
      I think the overall method desribed in the video would be useful for my organization.  We provide home-based ABA services to children with ASD, who often have maladaptive behaviors.  The children we work with often have several therapists who work with them throughout the week including ABA therapists, SLPs, and OTs.  I think having every staff member fill out the St County Claire RESA form (or similar form) will help determine the functions of any problem behaviors our clients may have. 
      Overall I think that Zima provided very useful information.  However, in terms of functions of behavior, he seemed to mainly focus on social reinforcement.  I don't think he addressed automatic reinforcement (unless I overlooked something).  He gave the examples of behaviors that serve the purpose of escape/avoidane and attention/access to tangibles.  I think he should have brought up the possibility that there are some behaviors that serve neither of those functions.  There are some problematic behaviors that are reinforcing in and of themselves without the involvement of another person.  These include behaviors that are sensory seeking: such as excessive mouthing of non-food items or throwing or dropping items for the sake of watching them fall.  These behaviors are likely to require a different intervention than either escape or attention seeking behaviors