A Two Step Validation of the Performance-Based IISCA: A Trauma-Informed Functional Analysis Model.

Functional analyses often involve extended exposure to evocative events and problem behavior, which potentially places the client at risk of retraumatization. The performance-based, interview-informed synthesized contingency analysis (IISCA) is a brief analysis that is conducted in a single session and applies a trauma-assumed framework in the development of the assessment procedures (e.g., measures of calm, reinforcing precursors to avoid escalation and physical management). We conducted 12 applications of the performance-based IISCA in the United States and Brazil and (1) compared the results to a subset of 7 applications who also experienced the original IISCA and (2) incorporated a function-based treatment informed by the performance-based IISCA in a further subset of 5 of those 12 applications. The results support the use of the performance-based IISCA in that this variation of the IISCA corresponded with the original IISCA and informed effective treatment of problem behavior. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40617-023-00792-2.

Validating a Computerized Program for Supporting Visual Analysis During Functional Analysis: The Problem Behavior Multilevel Interpreter (PB.MI).

Computerized programs have been specifically developed in the field of applied behavior analysis for the purpose of automating data collection. Although they can potentially improve practicality of data collection for applied researchers and clinicians, program features of existing computerized programs do not include graphs and data interpretation generated in real time. We developed the Problem Behavior Multilevel Interpreter (PB.MI), which is designed to (a) allow for ongoing visual analysis of data displayed in real time and (b) support visual analysis with a computerized interpretation of functional control. The program was intended to be used during the functional analysis of problem behavior, specifically the single-session, interview-informed synthesized contingency analysis. In this article, we describe the program's functioning abilities and how we validated those abilities. In addition, we discuss the PB.MI program's practical utility. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40617-021-00656-7.