In this episode of the Inside JABA Series podcast, we dive into a fascinating discussion on health-related routines for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Dr. Katie McHugh, Dr. Claudia Dozier, and Editor-in-Chief Dr. John Borrero share insights from their recent study, Synchronous Reinforcement Schedules Promote Tolerance of Health-Related Routines for Adults with Disabilities.
The conversation explores how synchronous reinforcement schedules—where reinforcement occurs in real time alongside behavior—can improve tolerance for essential routines like toothbrushing, bathing, wearing medical devices, and more. The research team highlights case studies, methodological considerations, and the broader implications for clinical practice.
✅ Synchronous reinforcement schedules and why they may be more effective (and preferred) than delayed reinforcement.
✅ Applications for health routines such as toothbrushing, bathing, mask-wearing, GPS bracelets, helmets, and pulse oximeters.
✅ Collaborative service delivery with nursing and medical professionals.
✅ Challenges in participant consent and maintaining experimental control.
✅ Importance of measuring both behavioral outcomes and affective states.
✅ Future research directions, including reinforcer assessments, continuous vs. discontinuous schedules, and maintaining treatment effects.
Editorial updates for broader keyword usage to increase accessibility outside of behavior analysis.
Comparing graduated exposure with contingent vs. synchronous reinforcement interventions.
Implementing more systematic preference and reinforcer assessments in future studies.
Exploring hybrid approaches (e.g., combining graduated exposure with synchronous reinforcement).
Collecting more comprehensive data on participant affect and treatment integrity.
Dr. Dozier's lab website.
Dr. Dozier's KU faculty page.
DeLeon, I. G., Hagopian, L. P., Rodriguez-Catter, V., Bowman, L. G., Long, E. S., & Boelter, E. W. (2008). Increasing wearing of prescription glasses in individuals with mental retardation. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 41(1), 137–142.
Diaz de Villegas, S. C., Dozier, C. L., Jess, R. L., & Foley, E. A. (2020). An evaluation of synchronous reinforcement for increasing on-task behavior in preschool children. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 53(3), 1660–1673.
Hardesty, E. M., Lerman, D. C., & Hardee, J. L. (2023). A comparison of synchronous and noncontingent stimulus delivery on task engagement. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 56(3), 664–673.
Leslie, S. C., Dozier, C. L., Kamlowsky, M. E., McHugh, C. L., Diaz de Villegas, S. C., & Kanaman, K. C. (2024). Using synchronous reinforcement to increase mask wearing in young children. Behavioral Interventions, 39(1), 1–29.
McHugh, C. L., Dozier, C. L., Diaz de Villegas, S. C., & Kanaman, N. A. (2022). Using synchronous reinforcement to increase mask wearing in adults with developmental disabilities. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 55(4), 1157–1171.
Williams, D. C., & Johnston, J. M. (1992). Continuous versus discrete dimensions of reinforcement schedules: An integrative analysis. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 58(1), 205–228.
Ellis, E. M., Ala’i-Rosales, S. S., Glenn, S. S., Rosales-Ruiz, J., & Greenspoon, J. (2006). The effects of graduated exposure, modeling, and contingent social attention on tolerance to skin care products with two children with autism. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 27(6), 585–598.
Halbur, M., Kodak, T., McKee, M., Carroll, R., Preas, E., Reidy, J., & Cordeiro, M. C. (2021). Tolerance of face coverings for children with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 54(2), 600-617.
Richling, S. M., Rapp, J. T., Carroll, R. A., Smith, J. N., Nystedt, A., & Siewert, B. (2011). Using noncontingent reinforcement to increase compliance with wearing prescription prostheses. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 44(2), 375-379.
Stark, L. J., Allen, K. D., Hurst, M., Nash, D. A., Rigney, B., & Stokes, T. F. (1989). Distraction: Its utilization and efficacy with children undergoing dental treatment. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 22(3), 297-307.
Dr. Catherine (Katie) McHugh – Researcher focused on health-related routines and intervention strategies for adults with disabilities.
Dr. Claudia Dozier – Expert in reinforcement schedules and their applications across populations.
Dr. John Barrero – Current JABA Editor-in-Chief and behavior analyst contributing to dissemination and accessibility of applied research.
In Session 309, I welcome Dr. Lyndsy Coffield, Director of Client Success at Apollo Behavior, to share her unique journey in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and her groundbreaking work training law enforcement officers on autism awareness.
Dr. Coffield’s path into ABA began with an undergraduate degree in speech pathology, later becoming an RBT and eventually a BCBA. Today, she oversees intake and marketing at a growing clinic network in Georgia while also dedicating her research to improving police interactions with individuals on the autism spectrum.
This episode explores the intersection of ABA careers, autism, and law enforcement training, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that come with bridging these worlds.
The intersection of autism, ABA, and law enforcement is a critical area where misunderstandings can have serious consequences. Dr. Cofield’s research and practical training insights provide a roadmap for safer, more empathetic, and more effective police interactions with autistic individuals.
Whether you’re an ABA professional, law enforcement officer, or advocate for the autism community, this episode offers practical takeaways and inspiration to make a difference.
In this episode, sleep expert Emily Varon returns to the Behavioral Observations Podcast to share her deep expertise in sleep improvement—especially within the autism community. Drawing from 15 years of experience, Emily emphasizes personalized approaches, the role of wearable technology, and the importance of sensitivity when discussing sleep challenges with families. She also discusses new research on screen time and its true impact on sleep latency, offering insights that can reshape how behavior analysts approach sleep-related interventions.
Personalized Sleep Strategies
Why one-size-fits-all sleep advice doesn’t work.
How Emily uses wearables like the Oura Ring to identify sleep patterns and triggers.
Note: check this out if you want to see if the Whoop Strap is a wearable technology is for you.
The role of self-reflection and data tracking in improving sleep.
Sleep Hygiene in the Autism Community
Sleep as a primary reinforcer and the role of environmental variables.
Key elements of good sleep hygiene: consistent schedules, avoiding late-night exercise, and structured bedtime routines.
How these strategies apply equally to neurotypical and autistic individuals, with additional sensitivity for pre-existing diagnoses.
Screens, Blue Light, and Sleep Latency
The evolution of research on blue light and melatonin suppression.
Insights from Michael Gradizar’s 2024 study showing only a minor, non-significant delay in sleep onset from screens.
Why user behavior matters more than blue light itself—and how behavior analysts can address it.
Sleep Research Gaps in Autism
The distinction between medical and non-medical sleep researchers.
Why more targeted studies in autism are needed, despite data collection challenges.
Behavioral tendencies—rather than autism itself—as key factors in sleep disruption.
Screen Time, Social Media, and Self-Regulation
How apps are designed to maximize engagement and reinforce continued use.
The impact of device removal on children’s emotions and behavior.
Differences in personality and susceptibility to “dopamine hits” from scrolling.
Children’s Sleep and Screen Time Variability
Why short shows like Bluey may help some kids wind down, while disrupting others.
Understanding sleep architecture and how disruptions affect mood and regulation.
Real-world examples of activities (like bedtime reading) that can unintentionally delay sleep.
Approaching Sleep Conversations with Families
The importance of avoiding yes/no questions about sleep problems.
Asking open-ended questions about sleep satisfaction.
Building trust with families so they feel comfortable prioritizing sleep interventions.
Special Offer: Use coupon code BXOB10 for 10% off The Sleep Collective course at readysetsleep.com.
For BCBAs:
Replace checkbox-style questions with open-ended ones about sleep satisfaction.
Approach all autism-related cases assuming there may be underlying sleep challenges.
For Families:
Evaluate how screen time may be affecting your child’s sleep quality and onset.
Assess whether your current bedtime routines are truly effective.
Links & Resources
Emily's first appearance on the BOP in Session 247
Michael Gradisar’s 2024 study on screen time and sleep latency
Learn more about Emily Varon’s work at readysetsleep.com
Why We Sleep, by Matthew Walker
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