After ABA Training

We – Autism Training Solutions – have helped many service providers within our industry streamline operations by moving new employee training online. Inspired by the cost savings and treatment fidelity afforded by this change, our clients often come to us for other operational advice, along with one burning question-

“What comes after training new employees in proper Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) interventions?”

Funny enough, the answer is Applied Behavior Analysis.

Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) uses the principles of ABA to improve business operations.

 To better explain, we recently met with Donnie Staff from Optimal, an OBM firm that specializes in organizations operating within the health and human services field. Donnie gave us three great training tips to help senior clinical staff take their service to the next level.

[Tip #1: Teaching Verbal Behavior to Your Staff]

Therapists engage in verbal behavior everyday with their clients, so why not fine-tune it within your business? Donnie suggests that managers teach their staff to communicate clearly and accurately.  He says it is key to –

• Teach staff how to discuss the treatment procedures with families
• Train staff how to ask important questions

[Tip #2: Training in Implementation]

In order to perfect staff’s field implementation, Donnie recommends an in situ Model-Test-Extend approach. He says –

“The staff’s approach needs to be shaped while they are shaping others.”

Supervisors need to schedule time to:

·      Observe therapists at work,

·      Take notes/data and

·      Give constructive feedback.

To standardize this process, Donnie suggests creating an in-house staff assessment that is mandatory for all supervision. It is also important to set up a routine assessment so that supervision can be used to improve staffs’ implementation over time.

[Tip #3: Collecting Data]

“Databased decision-making is very important when observing therapists,” noted Mr. Staff. Just as therapists observe a child with autism, supervisors should collect data on staff performance. Agencies should train their staff to be decision makers through data. How?

• Recognize trends so therapy can be tailored to the individual
• Make data-based decisions in the moment
• Read data after-the-fact and make decisions.

While ATS can assist you in providing quality ABA training for your entire staff, Optimal can assist you in establishing comprehensive methods to create a solid platform for employee retention and company growth.

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