REAL FAKE NEWS
TRICK OR TREATMENT?
HBO Therapy
John is Watching
When in Doubt, Quit Your Job
100

Nasa is installing internet on the moon.

REAL: Nasa will be building a 4G network on the moon, enabling them to control lunar robots.

100

What is the “one treatment for autism that has been proven to be somewhat effective?”

Behavioral Therapies

100

What was the purpose of the lerman study?

The purpose of the study was to conduct a systematic evaluation of the potential benefits of HBOT for three children whose parents had requested this intervention.

100

When the BCBA leaves an organization, who is responsible for old client information?

The organization.

100

True or false: you are allowed to discuss the exam content as long as it’s with a friend.

False.
200

Couple in California name baby with emoji

FAKE: This story was completely made up and shared by a satirical news site.  

200

Why has research funding for autism research increased in the past few years?

Rising demand by parents for proven treatments and increased public awareness.

200

How does non-behavioral treatments relate to our ethics codes?

According to the BACB, behavior analysts are “responsible for review and appraisal of likely effects of all alternative treatments, including those provided by other disciplines…”

200

What must a behavior analyst do before providing service or performing assessment?

Describe the conditions and obtain written consent.

200

How long do you have to confess your sins to BACB?

30 Days.

300

Eight-year-old girl pulls medieval sword from lake

REAL: This story was reported by The Guardian, the BBC and many other sources.

300

What percent of autistic children are receiving alternative treatments? 

75%

300

What did Lerman mention as a difficulty in the appraisal of non-behavioral treatments such as HBOT?

“An appraisal based on review of the current literature is challenging when the intervention has not yet been subjected to adequate scientific scrutiny."

300

How should behavior analysts address conflicts?

By compromising when possible.

300

List 1 of the rules a behavior analyst must follow when discontinuing services

(a) Behavior analysts act in the best interests of the client and supervisee to avoid interruption or disruption of service.

(b) Behavior analysts make reasonable and timely efforts for facilitating the continuation of behavior analytic services in the event of unplanned interruptions (e.g., due to illness, impairment, unavailability, relocation, disruption of funding, disaster).


(c) When entering into employment or contractual relationships, behavior analysts provide for orderly and appropriate resolution of responsibility for services in the event that the employment or contractual relationship ends, with paramount consideration given to the welfare of the ultimate beneficiary of services.

 

(d) Discontinuation only occurs after efforts to transition have been made. Behavior analysts discontinue a professional relationship in a timely manner when the client: (1) no longer needs the service, (2) is not benefiting from the service, (3) is being harmed by continued service, or (4) when the client requests discontinuation.

(e) Behavior analysts do not abandon clients. Prior to discontinuation, for whatever reason, behavior analysts: discuss service needs, provide appropriate pre-termination services, suggest alternative service providers as appropriate, and, upon consent, take other reasonable steps to facilitate timely transfer of responsibility to another provider

400

Gorilla learns to knit

FAKE: Gorillas are impressive, but they haven't mastered knitting yet. 

400

Why did the cases of autism surge after the 1980s? (hint: NOT due to vaccines)

Because DSM had broaden the definition of autism and made the diagnostics criteria less stringent.

400

What are some limitations of the Lerman study?

  • Baseline did not include 60-min free access to preferred activities

    • Reduced instruction time may have counteracted gains produced by HBOT

    • May have reduced the MO for PB during HBOT


  • Mechanisms of HBOT is unclear

    • Unclear what treatment intensity is optimal

    • Unclear how quickly HBOT would take effect


  • Behavioral therapy was never withdrawn

    • Trending baselines makes it difficult to determine when HBOT should be introduced or what effects it had.

400

What is one of the instances in which a behavior analyst should document the process and outcomes? 

When collaborating with colleges

When dealing with fees and billing.

400

What must you do first before arguing that punishment procedures are necessary?

Conduct a functional assessment.

500

Spinach is taught how to send emails

REAL. Look it up.

500

Name 5 dubious autism treatments.

Immunoglobulin; Vitamins and Supplements, Stem Cells, Lupron, Sensory integration Therapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber, Chelation, Secretin, Gluten- and Casein-Free Diets, Facilitated Communication

500

Summarize the main findings of the Lerman study.

  • At the current “dosage,” HBOT did not improve task engagement or decrease problem behavior beyond that provided by ongoing behavior analytic services

  • HBOT did not increase spontaneous communication for 2/3 participants. 

  • Conclusion: HBOT therapy was not worth the associated costs for these three children

500

List the conditions under which confidential information may be disclosed.

(1) when informed consent is obtained; (2) when attempting to protect the client or others from harm; (3) when attempting to resolve contractual issues; (4) when attempting to prevent a crime that is reasonably likely to cause physical, mental, or financial harm to another; or (5) when compelled to do so by law or court order.

500

What are the 4 considerations when using punishment procedures?

(a) Behavior analysts recommend reinforcement rather than punishment whenever possible.


(b) If punishment procedures are necessary, behavior analysts always include reinforcement procedures for alternative behavior in the behavior-change program.


(c) Before implementing punishment-based procedures, behavior analysts ensure that appropriate steps have been taken to implement reinforcement-based procedures unless the severity or dangerousness of the behavior necessitates immediate use of aversive procedures.


(d) Behavior analysts ensure that aversive procedures are accompanied by an increased level of training, supervision, and oversight. Behavior analysts must evaluate the effectiveness of aversive procedures in a timely manner and modify the behavior-change program if it is ineffective. Behavior analysts always include a plan to discontinue the use of aversive procedures when no longer needed.