ABA 507 Behavior Change Procedures
Task Overview
The capstone of ABA 507 is the capstone project: a comprehensive, professionally formatted Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP) that integrates assessment, behavioral theory, evidence-based procedures, ethical reasoning, and data-driven decision-making into a document ready for stakeholder review. It will build on the outline of your Work 2, expanding and refining it into a complete BIP that could realistically be implemented in a clinical, educational, or community setting. The plan must demonstrate mastery of the six course learning objectives.
Required Sections and Instructions
1. Introduction and Client Background
Provide a clear and professional description of the client (age, diagnosis, setting, relevant history). Use a pseudonym or the case study format. Describe the reason for the referral and the reason why this BIP is being developed now. Establish the purpose and scope of the intervention.2. Data Assessment and Summary Process
Describe the assessment methods used (e.g., indirect assessment using interviews/rating scales, direct observation, functional analysis). Explain what each evaluation revealed. Summarize the findings of the assessment in behavioral terms, not in diagnostic labels. Present baseline data (real or simulated) in a graph or table. Describe the pattern of the data and what it tells you about the function of the behavior.3. Target Conduct Selection and Operational Definition
Identify the primary target behavior(s); Be explicit about whether each one is sought to increase or decrease. Write a comprehensive operational definition for each target behavior (inclusion criteria, exclusion criteria, observable, and measurable). Justify prioritization of target behaviors using behavioral criteria (e.g., safety, social significance, prerequisite skills, client and family priorities).4. Intervention Design
Background strategies: Identify and justify at least two background modifications linked to the evaluation findings. Consequence strategies: Specify reinforcement procedures (type, program, delivery agent, thinning plan) and, where applicable, extinction or differential reinforcement procedures. Skill acquisition component (if applicable): Describe the aid system, molding procedure, or BST protocol used to build replacement behavior or new skills. Generalization plan: Describe how you will promote generalization through environments, people, and stimuli. Maintenance Plan: Describe how you will fade support and ensure lasting behavior change.5. Ethical and Cultural Considerations
Address at least three ethical considerations with specific references to the BACB Code of Ethics (e.g., informed consent, least restrictive alternative, reinforcer evaluation, boundary issues). Describe how cultural responsiveness shaped the design of the intervention, including family values, language considerations, and community context. If the plan includes behavior reduction procedures, justify their use in the context of the principle of the least restrictive alternative.6. Data Systems, Decision and Evaluation Rules
Describe the complete data collection system for each target behavior (method, dimension, schedule, recording instrument). Define clear success criteria (mastery criteria) and decision rules (which data pattern triggers a plan modification?). Specify how and how often the data will be reviewed and who is responsible.7. Future Discussion and Recommendations
Summarize what BIP is designed to accomplish and how its components work together. Identify potential barriers to implementation and propose solutions. Provide at least two specific future recommendations for the next phase of the intervention, generalization extension, or research.