Creative Problem Solving and

Troubleshooting

Lisa Trucil

Caldwell College

Center for Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis

Agenda

• Need for behavior analysts

• Ideal Plan

• Phase 1 problem solving

• Phase 2 troubleshooting

• Game

• Summary

Need for behavior analysts

• Clients have tried EVERYTHING to solve their problem

• Creative solution (creative problem solving) Phase 1• Identify the problem• Find a way to measure the behavior• Write a behavior program

• Troubleshooting Phase 2• When the plan breaks down

Bailey & Burch, 2010

Ideal plan

• Pinpoint problem behaviors

• Measure them precisely

• Find the cause

• Write and implement behavior programs

Bailey & Burch, 2010

Phase 1

•Creative problem solving when there is no apparent solution to our problem

1. Unlimited resources• “What would I do if I had unlimited

resources?”• Take client to place that does life

threatening• Bring a specialist to you • Brief functional analysis Bailey & Burch, 2010,

Nalebuff & Ayres, 2003

Phase 1

1. Unlimited resources2. Where else would it work?

• “Solution in search of a problem”

• Always consider possible biological factors

Bailey & Burch, 2010, Nalebuff & Ayres, 2003

Phase 1

1. Unlimited resources2. Where else would it work?3. Flipping it

• Service were reversed or flipped over

• Reducing EO/MO reduces the behavior

• Reinforcer used to shape behavior Bailey & Burch, 2010,

Nalebuff & Ayres, 2003

Phase 2

•Troubleshooting•Plan is approved•Train those involved•What can do wrong?

Prompts Reinforcement Forfeit “If anything can go wrong, it will.”

Bailey & Burch, 2010

Phase 2

• 5 Troubleshooting Tips1. Train your helpers to criterion

Describe what you want and the rationale for it Demonstrate Have the helpers practice Give feedback Practice some more Give more feedback REPEAT

Bailey & Burch, 2010

Phase 2

• 5 Troubleshooting Tips1. Train your helpers to criterion

2. Be present the first day Do not relay on hearsay

Bailey & Burch, 2010

Phase 2

• 5 Troubleshooting Tips1. Train your helpers to criterion

2. Be present the first day

3. Debrief Have a meeting

Bailey & Burch, 2010

Phase 2

• 5 Troubleshooting Tips1. Train your helpers to criterion

2. Be present the first day

3. Debrief

4. Evaluate the data Graph the data every day and be critical

Bailey & Burch, 2010

Phase 2

• 5 Troubleshooting Tips1. Train your helpers to criterion

2. Be present the first day

3. Debrief

4. Evaluate the data

5. Always have a plan B Things can always go wrong

Bailey & Burch, 2010

Quiz SHow

ch 22 quiz show.pptx

summary

• Problem solving and troubleshooting are essential skills

• Create plan

• Monitor plan

• Make necessary changes

• Remain calm

Resources

References

• Bailey, J., & Burch, M. (2010). 25 essential skills and strategies for the professional behavior analyst. New York, NY: Routledge.