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Developing a Behavioral Analysis
Unit in Argentina The extreme lag in the use of behavior modification techniques in Argentina has had major consequences, not only in the individual treatment of problem behaviors in children with disabilities but also in their education. Functional analyses of behaviors increase our understanding of antecedents and consequences of behavior, which are related to the development of appropriate learning environments. Structure, routines, contingencies, predictability, and access to developmentally appropriate communication are basic concepts in optimizing education and stem directly from behavioral theories. The need to update the Argentine special education system has enabled us to design a unique center-based program that will combine a multidisciplinary medical program, a motor rehabilitation program, and a special education school. Within the medical program and stemming from the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry department, a biobehavioral unit for the functional analysis of behaviors has been developed. This unit will work in coordination with the education department in the development of individualized behavior modification treatment plans, which will be used within the school setting by special education teachers. These individual plans will be based on the use of applied behavior analysis, functional communication training, structured teaching, and discrete trial training. Keywords: developmental disability, functional analysis, special education |
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