Pennsylvania Code › Title 49 - PROFESSIONAL AND VOCATIONAL STANDARDS › Part I - DEPARTMENT OF STATE › Subpart A - PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL AFFAIRS › Chapter 18 - STATE BOARD OF › Subchapter I - BEHAVIOR SPECIALISTS › Section 18.522 - Definitions

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
The following words and terms, when used in this
						subchapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates
						otherwise:
Applied behavioral analysis
-The design,
						implementation and evaluation of environmental modifications, using behavioral
						stimuli and consequences, to produce socially significant improvement in human
						behavior or to prevent loss of attained skill or function, which
						includes:
(i) The use of direct
					 observation, measurement and functional analysis of the relations between
					 environment and behavior.
(ii) The
					 attempt to solve behavior challenges using evidence-based principles and
					 practices of learning and behavior.
(iii) The analysis of the relationship
					 between a stimulus, consequence or other variable as defined in this section.
					 The changes of stimuli, consequences or other variables may occur individually,
					 as a combination or in relationship with each other. The change of stimuli,
					 consequences or other variables may be external or internal to the person whose
					 behavior is being analyzed.
Autism spectrum disorders
-Any of the
						pervasive developmental neurobehavioral disorders defined by the most recent
						edition of the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
						Disorders
, or its successor, including autistic disorder, Asperger's
						disorder and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified.
BACB
-The Behavior Analyst Certification
						Board.
BAS
-The Bureau of Autism Services of the
						Department of Public Welfare.
Behavior challenges
-Symptoms that
						include impairment in reciprocal social interaction, qualitative impairment in
						communication, the presence of internalizing or externalizing behaviors such as
						suicidal ideation, self-injurious behaviors, aggression, destructive or
						disruptive behaviors, isolation and social withdrawal, ritualistic repetitive
						and stereotypic patterns of behaviors, or extreme difficulty in adapting to
						change and transition.
Behavior specialist
-An individual who
						designs, implements or evaluates a behavior modification intervention component
						of a treatment plan, including those based on applied behavioral analysis, to
						produce socially significant improvements in human behavior or to prevent loss
						of attained skill or function, through skill acquisition and the reduction of
						problematic behavior.
Consequence
-A resulting directly
						measurable change of a person's behavior produced by a change in a stimulus or
						stimuli.
Diagnostic assessment of autism spectrum
						disorders
-Medically necessary assessments, evaluations or tests
						performed by a licensed physician, licensed physician assistant, licensed
						psychologist or certified registered nurse practitioner to diagnose whether an
						individual has an autism spectrum disorder.
Stimulus
-An event, circumstance or
						condition that can be changed or does change based upon the behavior
						specialist's manipulation.
Treatment plan
-A plan for the treatment
						of autism spectrum disorders developed by a licensed physician or psychologist
						pursuant to a comprehensive evaluation or reevaluation performed in a manner
						consistent with the most recent clinical report or recommendations of the
						American Academy of Pediatrics.
Variables
-An observed or manipulable
						condition which can be changed or does change and a directly measurable change
						of a person's behavior produced by the change.