# Episode 2: FA Decision Trees & Autism Knowledge GapsThis episode covers two studies that highlight different aspects of assessment quality - one providing practical guidance for functional analysis decision-making, and another revealing concerning gaps in healthcare professionals' autism knowledge.
Timestamps
- 00:00 - Cold Open
- 00:30 - Project Introduction
- 01:00 - Host Introductions
- 01:30 - Functional Analysis Decision-Making Study
- 08:00 - Nursing Autism Knowledge Study
- 13:00 - Synthesis & Clinical Applications
- 14:00 - Outro & Resources
Articles Discussed
Study 1: Brown, K. R., Helvey, C. I., Kranak, M. P., & Lavin, A. (2025). Functional analysis decision-making considerations. *Behavior Analysis in Practice*. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-025-01057-w
Study 2: Albloushi, M., Alghamdi, R. S., & Alqahtani, M. (2025). Understanding autism through the eyes of nurses: A cross-sectional study. *Brain and Behavior*. https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.71217
Key Concepts
- Functional Analysis (FA): Experimental method for identifying the function of challenging behavior through systematic manipulation of environmental variables
- Trial-Based FA: Modified FA methodology conducted during natural activities rather than in isolated sessions
- Precursor Behaviors: Early signs or behaviors that occur before the target behavior, used as safer alternatives in FA when the target behavior poses risks
- DSM-IV Criteria: Previous version of diagnostic criteria (now DSM-5) that required autism symptoms to be present before 36 months of age
Key Takeaways
- Use decision trees when selecting FA methodology - consider safety, setting constraints, and preliminary data rather than defaulting to standard approaches
- A well-designed modified FA is better than an unsafe or invalid standard FA
- Don't assume other healthcare professionals have accurate knowledge about autism or evidence-based interventions like ABA
- Early identification gaps at the nursing/medical level may mean families reach BCBAs with delayed referrals or misconceptions
- Professional education needs to be intensive and culturally informed, not just brief workshops
- Assessment quality depends on systematic decision-making frameworks rather than just experience or intuition
Resources
Free CEUs for Behavior AnalystsJoin the ABA Clubhouse - 60+ free on-demand CEUs, new content weekly, 2000+ behavior analysts.
skool.com/free-aba-ceus---*The Behaviorist Bookclub is an AI-generated podcast produced by Mastering ABA. Always consult the original research for clinical decision-making.*
Free CEUs for Behavior Analysts
Join the ABA Clubhouse - 60+ free on-demand CEUs, new content added weekly, with over 2,000 behavior analysts learning together.
The Behaviorist Bookclub is an AI-generated podcast produced by Mastering ABA. Always consult the original research for clinical decision-making.
