Sep 15, 2017

2017.9.15.Behavior Technician Learning Series: Functional Communication Training

Behavior Technician Learning Series: Functional Communication Training

Date: 9/15/17

Time: 1pm-4pm

Location: WCCC 21000 Northline Rd. Taylor, MI 48180

Credits: 3.0 CEU

Suggested Participants: Behavior Technicians, CLS Workers

Speaker: Kristen Cyrul, LMSW, BCBA


Information:

Functional communication training (FCT) is used in Applied Behavior Analysis to compete with problem behaviors that are evoked by an establishing operation (EO) (Cooper, Heron, & Howard, 2007).  To add, rather than changing the establishing operation, functional communication training interventions are used to develop alternative behaviors that are sensitive to the EO’s (Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 2007).  Functional communication training (FCT) is an antecedent intervention used with differential reinforcement of alternative (DRA) that develops an alternative communicative response to diminish the problem behavior (Fisher, Kuhn, & Thompson, 1998).  The alternative communicative response produces the reinforcer that has been maintained by the problem behavior, making the communicative response functionally equivalent to the problem behavior (Durand & Carr, 1992).  Some examples of functional communication training interventions include picture exchange communication system (PECS), signs, communication boards, word/picture cards, gestures, vocalizations, and other augmentative systems (Brown et al., 2000; Shirley, Iwata, Kahng, Mazaleski, & Lerman, 1997).     


Learning Objectives:

1. 5 question Pre-test about Functional Communication Training 
2. Define what Functional Communication Training is and what it means for a behavior to be “functionally equivalent”
3. Conceptual understanding of Antecedent Interventions and Differential Reinforcement
4. What interventions should be used with Functional Communication Training
5. Advantages and disadvantages of Functional Communication Training 
6. Briefly discuss examples of Functional Communication Training 
7. 5 question Post-test about Functional Communication Training (hopefully with improved scores!) 
 

Agenda:

1:00 Introduction to Verbal Behavior
2:00 Practical Applications to Functional Communication
3:00 Model and Practice techniques

Walk-In Policy: Participants are welcome to attend the training as a walk-in (someone that did not pre-register), however, walk-ins will NOT be guaranteed seats or materials. Walk-ins will be asked to wait until the training begins in order to receive training materials and be seated to assure that there is enough room. Plan to pre-register to ensure your attendance.


ADA Accommodations

If you have individual requirements or need special services to participate in this training, please notify Andrea at (313) 344-9099, ext. 3227 or asmith1@dwmha.com. Please make arrangements at least two weeks before the event date.

 

If you have technical questions regarding the onine registration process, contact the DWMHA Help Desk at 313-451-3792


COST:

If you work WITHIN Wayne County please dismiss the payment portion of the registration process and hit "submit".

If you work OUTSIDE of Wayne County there is a nominal $15.00 registration fee to attend this training. Please pay prior to your arrival by entering your credit card information when the registration process asks for it. You may also bring a company check or money order for the full amount with you to the registration table at the event as well. All checks/money orders can be made out to ‘DWMHA’. Receipts will be available upon request.

Refund/Cancellation Policy: Cancellation/Refund Policy: Substitutions are permitted at any time. No shows will be billed at the full training rate. Cancellations must be received in writing at least 7 business days prior to training to asmith1@dwmha.com to obtain a full refund. If cancellation is received less than 7 business days prior to training then no refund will be given.