Autism Spectrum Disorders-DBX-DL01

Overview

Comprehensive Autism Intervention Proposal

Course: Autism Spectrum Disorders – DBX-DL01

Length: 3–6 pages (not including title page, references, or appendix)

Formatting: APA 7th edition

Purpose

This project gives you the opportunity to integrate research, assessment, and behavior-analytic principles into a comprehensive intervention plan for a learner with autism. You will design a proposal that demonstrates your understanding of BACB Task List by defining a target behavior, selecting interventions based on assessment data, writing measurable goals, addressing contextual fit and ethical considerations, and planning for ongoing data-based decision-making and collaboration.

Learning Outcomes

• Define and measure behavior using observable and measurable terms.
• Use assessment data to guide intervention selection and justify decisions with research.
• Write clear, socially valid goals that reflect cultural and contextual considerations.
• Design replacement behaviors that serve the same function as the target behavior.
• Anticipate, monitor, and mitigate unwanted effects of interventions.
• Develop data systems for progress monitoring and data-based decision-making.
• Plan for collaboration with stakeholders to support implementation and procedural integrity.

Assignment Instructions

Choose one of the following as the basis for your project:

• A fictional child or adolescent with autism based on composite examples from coursework.
• A de-identified client or learner from your professional experience (if applicable).

Your written proposal must include the following sections, clearly labeled:

1. Client Description and Target Behavior

• Provide a brief description of the client, including age, diagnosis, and setting.
• Define one target behavior for increase or decrease using observable and measurable language.
• Example: “Elena will independently request a break using a communication card in 4 out of 5 opportunities during 20-minute instructional sessions.”

2. Assessment Summary and Intervention Rationale

• Summarize key assessment data (e.g., preference assessment, ABC data, functional behavior assessment, skills assessments).
• Explain how this information informed your intervention planning.
• Identify at least two evidence-based interventions you considered, and justify your final selection using research evidence.

3. Goal Development and Contextual Fit

• State clear, measurable intervention goals.
• Discuss how your chosen procedures align with the client’s values, culture, preferences, and environment.
• Describe how you ensured social validity and considered contextual risks.

4. Replacement Behavior

• Identify an appropriate replacement behavior that serves the same function as the target behavior.
• Explain how you will teach or strengthen this behavior and how it will be reinforced in the natural environment.

5. Ethical Considerations and Unwanted Effects

• Discuss potential unwanted effects related to your chosen procedures (e.g., extinction bursts, emotional responding, reinforcement dependency).
• Describe how you will monitor for these effects and what steps you will take to minimize them.

6. Data Collection and Progress Monitoring

• Describe your data collection system (e.g., event recording, partial interval, duration) and how data will be reviewed.
• Include a mock data graph showing at least two weeks of baseline and two weeks of intervention data.
• Explain how you will use these data to make data-based decisions (e.g., to continue, modify, or terminate the intervention).

7. Collaboration and Implementation

• Describe how you will collaborate with caregivers, teachers, or other service providers to ensure consistent implementation.
• Discuss how you will monitor procedural integrity and retrain staff if necessary.

8. Reflection

• Write a brief (1–2 paragraph) reflection discussing how this project helped you integrate course concepts into real-world ABA practice.
• Include one key takeaway about the importance of evidence-based, ethical intervention planning.

Submission Requirements

• Length: 3–6 pages (not including title page, references, or appendix)
• Formatting: APA 7th edition (title page, in-text citations, reference page)
• References: Minimum of 2 peer-reviewed journal articles supporting your chosen intervention
• Visuals: Graphs or visuals may be embedded in the paper or attached as an appendix

Grading Rubric (100 Points)

Category	Description	Points
Target Behavior and Goals	Behavior and goals are measurable, observable, and aligned with contextual fit and social validity.	15
Assessment and Intervention Selection	Assessment data guide evidence-based intervention choice; rationale is clearly supported by research.	15
Replacement Behavior and Unwanted Effects	Replacement behavior is functionally appropriate; potential risks are identified and addressed.	15
Data Collection and Evaluation	Data system and mock graph demonstrate strong understanding of progress monitoring and decision-making.	20
Collaboration	Plan includes realistic and ethical collaboration with stakeholders to support procedural integrity.	10
Writing Quality and APA Format	Paper is well-organized, professional, and follows APA 7th edition standards.	10
Reflection and Insight	Demonstrates thoughtful integration of course content into practical application.	15
Total		100

APA 7th Edition Citation Guide

In-Text Citations:

• One author: (Author, Year)
• Two authors: (Author & Author, Year)
• Three or more authors: (Author et al., Year)

Reference Examples:

• Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Applied behavior analysis (3rd ed.). Pearson.
• Hanley, G. P., Jin, C. S., Vanselow, N. R., & Hanratty, L. A. (2014). Producing meaningful improvements in problem behavior of children with autism through synthesized reinforcement contingencies. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 47(1), 16–36. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.106
• National Institute of Mental Health. (2024). Autism spectrum disorder. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spec...

Tips for Success:

• Use operational definitions for all behaviors.
• Ensure your replacement behavior serves the same function as the target.
• Your mock graph does not need to use real data — but it must reflect realistic trends.
• Discuss contextual fit — this is often where students lose points.
• Use peer-reviewed research to support your intervention choices.