Behavior Basics
What does the “C” in ABC stand for?
Consequence – what happens after the behavior
What’s the goal of fading prompts?
For the student to respond independently.
What is the first step before giving a direction?
Gaining the student’s attention.
When do you take ABCs?
New behavior, behaviors that last longer than 5 minutes, when BCBA specifies otherwise
When should an incident report (IR) be written?
When there's suspected injury, safety concern, or policy violation
Name one way you can prevent challenging behavior? (antecedent examples)
Give choices, set clear expectations, use visuals, etc
Why is it important not to over-prompt a student?
It can lead to prompt dependency and prevent independence.
Name a simple way to make learning fun.
Use games, songs, movement, or preferred materials.
What measuring tool is used to observe and measure how often behaviors occur in ABA?
Frequency and Rate
Are staff allowed to use personal phones while supervising students?
No
What does “function of behavior” mean?
The reason or purpose behind a behavior.
What is the difference between a model prompt and a gestural prompt?
A model prompt shows the task (e.g., clapping), while a gestural prompt points or gestures toward the correct response.
What’s a good strategy if a student is distracted during a task?
Shorten the task, simplify instructions, or use a motivating item.
When to zero data?
(Daily) Zero data every day the student is present. (Upon Arrival) Zero data as soon as the student arrives on campus.
What should employees avoid doing to keep a respectful work environment?
Gossip, Gossip, unprofessional/ unethical behavior
Give an example of how to teach a replacement behavior for escape-motivated aggression.
Teach the student to request a break using visuals or gestures
Explain how to use time delay as a prompting strategy.
Wait a few seconds before giving the prompt to allow the student a chance to respond independently.
What are three strategies to keep students engaged during a group activity?
Use movement breaks, keep instructions short, and offer choices.
What is baseline data in ABA?
Initial measurements of a behavior before any intervention is applied
Give examples of AACA dress code requirements.
Pants and shorts are limited to khaki or denim material, no tears. No low-sagging pants. No athletic wear, no leggings, jeggings, tights, or yoga pants. No open toe or open back shoes.
Describe how you would support a student whose behavior is maintained by sensory input.
Provide sensory breaks, sensory toys, or movement before behavior occurs.
Describe how to combine reinforcement with prompting.
Reinforce correct responses immediately after the prompt is followed to strengthen learning.
Give an example of how you would teach the same skill (wash hands) across multiple modalities.
For “washing hands”: show a video (visual), sing a handwashing song (auditory), and do hand-over-hand practice (physical/kinesthetic).
Continuous vs. Discontinuous Measurement – what’s the difference?
Continuous: every instance of a behavior during a specific observation period; Discontinuous: Checking if a behavior happens or not during parts of the time, like in short intervals.
What are examples of unauthorized absences during your shift?
Sleeping on the job, leaving work before shift is over, extended time in breakroom or break areas