Community-Based Development of Rural Behavior Analysts:

AbstractIn this paper, we address the shortage of behavior analysts serving rural communities and outline a model of service delivery for rural students with autism spectrum disorders. The model involves the use of pre-service behavior analysts to provide behavioral intervention to students with ASD in exchange for district-supported training and supervision experiences. Specific examples are provided from the state of Texas, but the conclusions are applicable to all of rural America.Keywords: Rural, special education, autism spectrum disorders, applied behavior analysisRural America has felt the impact of the rising number of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) requiring special education services in the schools. Over the last decade, the growth of students meeting the eligibility for autism within public schools has accelerated faster than any other disability category (U.S. Department of Education, 2007). Current estimates place the prevalence of children with autism between 1 in 50 and 1 in 88 (Blumberg et al., 2013).Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for individuals with autism to live, work, and participate fully in their communities. The youngest children diagnosed with ASD (i.e., under age 3) generally receive services in their home by an early childhood intervention specialist. These specialists may either work directly with children or assist the family in creating a therapeutic home environment. At age 3, these children enter local school systems and often meet eligibility for special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 2004). Special education services vary based on the needs of the individual learner and are delivered in variety of settings, ranging from self-contained specialized intervention units to fully inclusive general education classrooms. In general, special education programs for students with autism typically focus on increasing academic skills, expanding students' communication and social repertoires, developing independence in the performance of a range of daily living skills, and decreasing problem behavior.Many successful educational programs for children with ASD have been developed from the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA). ABA involves the systematic application of procedures supported by decades of behavioral research to improve socially significant behaviors to a meaningful degree (Baer, Wolf, &. Risley, 1968). A well-developed discipline, ABA is recognized as a mature body of scientific knowledge with established standards for evidence-based practice and distinct service methodologies (Behavior Analyst Certification Board, 2013). Researchers have consistently demonstrated the effectiveness of behavior analytic interventions in addressing the core deficit areas of ASD including communication (Goldstein, 2002), social skills (McConnell, 2002), and aberrant behavior (Horner, Carr, Strain, Todd, &. Reed, 2002). In fact, data suggest that comprehensive application of behavior analytic techniques may produce large gains in academic and functional skills for children with ASD and reduce the need for further special education services (Eikeseth, 2009; Eldevik et al, 2009; Warren et al., 2011).While the effects of programs rooted in ABA are promising, such treatments often require the oversight of a professional who is particularly knowledgeable in behavior analytic procedures to develop and implement an individualized program that can be carried out at home and school. The Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a Master's level, national credential demonstrating that the certificant has met a minimum number of classroom and field experience hours in behavior analysis. Once certified, BCBAs may be employed in a variety of settings, including outpatient clinics, residential facilities, and public schools.In educational settings, BCBAs may serve a variety of roles. Often they are responsible for conducting functional behavior assessments of challenging behavior (e. …